Proctoring for Online Students

Pending system upgrades by the vendor, students 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.  You will indicate this information through the Proctoring Method Form which will be provided to you by your instructor once you’ve indicated to them you live outside the City of Ames.

Students must submit a proctor request to the Testing Center no later than 5 business days before the exam’s opening date.  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
2. The proctor must have an email address associated with their place of employment.
3. Applications may 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. Exams cannot 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.

• This software allows online students not living in the City of Ames to take the exam anywhere an internet connection is available and technical specifications are met.
• Automated proctoring is the primary type of virtual proctoring used. Exam sessions are recorded and reviewed by SmarterProctoring staff who will report any potential misconduct to the instructor and the Testing Center.
• Students have the option to opt-out of using virtual proctoring.
• Additional restrictions and requirements can be found in the syllabus document provided by your instructor.
• Virtual proctoring is only available for specific courses that are registered with the Testing Center.

If your course is only offering virtual proctoring but you prefer to opt-out of virtual proctoring, you must communicate this as soon as possible but no less than seven calendar days before an exam opens. Alternative options may include:

• in-person proctoring at an approved location; or
• a proctor approved by the instructor; or
• in-person facilitation by the instructor or their designee.

Additional information will be provided to you by the Testing Center once the opt-out information is received.

Pre-approved proctors will be provided to you through the SmarterProctoring service. If you cannot find a pre-approved proctor in the system, you can submit a request to have a proctor approved.