Off-Campus Proctoring

For online or hybrid courses where online students need a proctor, instructors should select this option when requesting their exam be hosted by the Testing Center. Once a request is approved and your course is created, students are able to select your course when they submit proctor information for vetting.

Instructors can approve online students for proctors vetted by the Testing Center if:

Reside outside of Ames OR has paper-based exams (Students who are in the Ames area should use a test center location for their exam, unless their exam is a written exam, or they are unable to complete it due to center hours of operation). Instructors are responsible for arranging a time and location to proctor Ames-based online students if using a written exam.

Please note, students are responsible for finding their own proctors. Once a student submits information for a proctor, the Testing Center will vet the proctor according to our requirements below. We do not assign proctors nor do we use any virtual proctoring software.

Be professional, courteous, and unbiased
Create an environment conducive to testing for the test taker
Verify the identity of the test taker and ensure that the test taker is provided the correct test
Keep all test taker and test information confidential
Monitor the test taker for the entire testing session
Be aware of and communicate to the test taker any test requirements or prohibitions (use of materials, types of materials, etc.)
Take reasonable steps to deter and detect conduct that will materially and negatively affect a fair and secure testing experience
Report any testing irregularities or infractions to the Testing Center immediately

Attempt to locate a proctor within the first two weeks of the start of the course. If a proctor is not available or is not accepted by the Test Center, the student will need to locate a new proctor.
Students should submit the proctor application with all required information as soon as a proctor has agreed to assist them in assessment completion.
Consider the following employment categories as students are looking for a proctor:

-Local ISU Extension Office (there is an extension office in each of Iowa’s 99 counties)
-University/county extension office in any state
-Full-time university staff at an accredited college or university (no graduate students)
-Accredited university/college testing center
-Local public library staff
-Adult learning center (e.g., Sylvan, Huntington)
-Military education offices
-Corporate Manager at your employer/internship (cannot be your direct supervisor)
-HR manager at your employer/internship
-K-12 administrator or teacher

A proctor must be unbiased toward you. No relative, friend, friend of the family, neighbor, or co-workers are allowed to serve as a proctor.

A proctor must have an email address associated with their place of employment. Applications may be rejected with domains ending in @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, @hotmail.com, etc.

In all circumstances, assessments must be proctored at the address listed in an application and a proctor must be able to monitor you while you complete the assessment.

Students are not allowed to take an exam at a private residence.

Students need to register a proctor with the Testing Center for each exam.

If a student needs to switch or change proctors during the semester a student must notify us at testcenterhelp@iastate.edu.

Proctor applications must be submitted at least 7 calendar days prior to the first scheduled assessment to allow for proper approval and vetting.

Off-Campus Proctoring

Requirements for proctors

We recommend the following for students who are looking for proctors