Online and Hybrid Course Proctoring

• Assessments are taken at a Testing Center location on the Iowa State University campus.
• This is not recommended for distance students (living outside of the City of Ames).
• This option can only be used with computer-based assessments through Canvas.
• The Testing Center does not proctor written exams. Faculty and instructors are responsible for arranging a time and location to proctor written exams for Ames-based students.

• A process facilitated through the ISU Testing Center whereby proctoring occurs in-person via another testing center or approved proctor. This could come at a fee for students depending on the location.
  • If students cannot find a proctor that meets Testing Center standards, they will be referred back to the faculty or instructor of the course where the instructor could approve a proctor not supported by the Testing Center.  In these circumstances, faculty and instructors are responsible for coordinating getting the appropriate information to and from the student’s proctor.  
• This option is an alternative offered to students who opt-out of using virtual proctoring.
• This is the recommended type of proctoring for written exams.
• This process is facilitated through SmarterProctoring.

• This software allows distance (living outside of the City of Ames) students in for credit, online or hybrid courses to take an exam anywhere an internet connection is available and when technology specifications are met.
• Automated proctoring with review is the primary type of virtual proctoring used. SmarterProctoring staff will review any potential misconduct from the exam session and report information for further review by the instructor. It is the responsibility of the instructor to review these reports and make determinations about potential misconduct when using virtual proctoring.
• Students have the option to opt-out of using virtual proctoring to use an in-person, off-campus proctor or other options as determined and facilitated by the instructor.
• Additional restrictions and requirements can be found in our Virtual Proctoring Guidance document.
• This proctoring type cannot be used for written exams or face-to-face courses.
• Students must be notified via the course syllabus that virtual proctoring is being used for the course otherwise this proctoring method cannot be used in your course.
• This method must be discussed with Testing Center staff prior to the start of the semester as additional requirements are necessary.
• As notification to students is required in the syllabus, the virtual proctoring option will not be approved after the first week of classes. 

• Assessments are arranged and facilitated by the faculty, instructor, or designee of the course.
• Testing Center staff does not have any involvement in this process.
• This type of proctoring is required for Ames-based students using written exams since the Testing Center does not proctor written exams.

Proctors approved by the Testing Center must abide by the following:

• 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 information
• Keep all test taker and test information confidential
• Make reasonable efforts to monitor the test taker during the 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
• Exams are not allowed to be proctored in a private residence.

Students who are approved for the IPOC process will be provided options for pre-approved proctors through SmarterProctoring.  If a student cannot find a pre-approved proctor in the system, they can submit a request to have a proctor approved.

Students must submit a proctor request to the Testing Center at least 5 business days prior to the date their exam opens.  Proctors are generally approved provided they meet the following requirements:

1. The proctor must be a current employee at:
   • an accredited university/college testing center
   • a local/regional library system that clearly indicates they proctor exams on their website
   • a licensed K-12 educator or full-time university administrator
   • an Iowa State Extension Office (except Story County)
   • a university extension office in any state
   • an adult learning center (e.g. Sylvan, Huntington, etc)
   • a military education/learning center or office
     • If military personnel are overseas or deployed, we will approve proctors on a case-by-case basis given the individuals specific circumstances.
2. The proctor must have an email address associated with their place of employment.
3. Applications will be rejected with domains ending in @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, @hotmail.com, etc. unless it can be verified that the domain is used by the employee’s place of employment.
4. Assessments must be proctored at in a public location that is conducive to testing including but not limited to: office or place of business of the proctor, public libraries, etc. Under no circumstances can an exam be proctored at a personal residence.
5. Proctor must be unbiased and able to monitor throughout the proctoring appointment.
6. Proctors cannot be a relative, friend, friend of the family, neighbor, student (ISU or otherwise) or co-workers.