Ways to Cheat on a Proctored Exam
Exams that are proctored can be given in person, online, or in a proctored location under the supervision of someone other than you.
Many students make several attempts to cheat on proctored tests; nevertheless, these antiquated strategies are ineffective with contemporary proctoring software.
1. Answer hacking software
Virtual machines are one of the best tools for cheating on an online exam that is proctored. With the help of friends while answering questions online, this strategy enables students to install a different operating system on their device and use it as a second monitor while taking the test. Unfortunately, proctoring software can catch this and requires technical knowledge.
Using a projector or camera as additional proof of fraud is a typical method of cheating on an online test that is proctored. This strategy is particularly effective in small spaces, and other forms of technology, such as smartwatches, microphones, and others, may also be used to conduct dishonest testing procedures.
To combat academic fraud, many schools are using remote proctoring technologies. However, some students are coming up with inventive ways to get around these tools. For example, some students are using smartphones to record exams or communicating with peers during tests while wearing earbuds. These actions could have serious consequences, including expulsion from schools or programs altogether. These services aim to ensure test takers don’t cheat during online assessments and are generally effective tools in combating academic misconduct.
There are more and more opportunities for students to cheat during proctored online exams as education shifts to an online learning paradigm. The use of a lockdown browser, which restricts access to display settings and programs that would make it easier to cheat during an exam, would be an effective strategy to combat these scams. Some techniques may seem innovative, but live proctors can still detect them.
2. Water bottle
Online proctoring software is used by schools, colleges, and universities to monitor exam rooms and check test takers’ identification documents with images or scans. Students are only permitted to start tests until they have successfully completed authentication procedures.
On the other hand, some students have developed clever strategies for cheating on remotely proctored exams. One common strategy is to find someone else to take the test on their behalf, particularly if the examination calls for uploading results ahead of the required date. Those taking the exam might simply adjust their PC hours accordingly to evade detection by the platform.
Modern proctoring solutions that use lockdown browsers for access control and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible can readily detect the use of screen-sharing software to provide exam content to a helper.
On exams that are proctored, some students make an effort to cheat by concealing notes or writing on their palms. Students should carefully consider all of the consequences of cheating before taking such exams, including losing grades as well as possible sanctions like school or driver’s license suspension. Although these antiquated techniques might be effective in some circumstances, they do not pose much of a threat to the integrity of online proctored exams as the proctor will typically detect hidden material and inform teachers immediately.
3. Lockdown browsers
Students may use their smartphones to take screenshots or images of questions during an online proctored exam so they can share them with other test-takers taking the same exam at a later time. These students benefit from this technique of cheating since they can get exam answers before taking the test and make sure each question is accurately answered. For multiple-choice examinations, some students even encrypt the answers, which is another common method of cheating that proctors are finding harder and harder to detect and prevent.
Technology tools like remote software, microphones, and smartwatches can all be utilized to cheat on an online exam that is being proctored. Students can download WhatsApp’s web version to communicate with others outside of test rooms about their examinations as well as remote software that connects them with outside assistance. Some students even use projectors to show their friends and family what the test questions will look like on the screen while they are taking it!
Some pupils use water bottles as a form of cheating. This practice enables students to examine answers while remaining hydrated during tests. They write out solutions on the lid and use this cheat sheet during an exam. Alemira Proctor can spot these efforts at cheating earlier than conventional proctoring techniques by watching eye movement and spotting suspect patterns.
During online proctored exams, students sometimes utilize restroom breaks as an opportunity to review notes from prior exams or ask friends for help. Therefore, it is crucial that they are made aware of the guidelines for an online proctored exam and given specific instructions to refrain from using the restroom or checking their phone at any point in the exam. Additionally, it’s advised that students take one of these tests in a calm, private setting free from interruptions.
4. Virtual machines
Some students make an effort to cheat during online tests by assuming the identity of another person to access the internet, gain solutions to questions, and more. Although it may sound like something from a spy film, this technique can genuinely be used if the user has a thorough understanding of computer systems and operating environments.
Be aware that proctor software may prohibit some approaches; be ready to adjust computer settings to get past these limitations. Additionally, it is advised to take tests in a quiet setting with minimal outside distractions and solid internet connectivity.
Writing down questions and sending them to a buddy is a common “old school” cheating technique used during proctored exams. Online examinations often use proctoring software that identifies these behaviors and informs examiners of suspicious activity, however this strategy may be effective in traditional exams because it is difficult to detect.
In order to read textbooks or conduct searches on the internet covertly, you can change the time on your computer. You can also hire writing services to have someone else take the exam in place of you. Students can attempt to cheat by using live video chat with teachers or apps like Zoom or Google Meet, however these attempts frequently fail and result in expulsion from testing situations.
5. An actual textbook
Online exams that are proctored allow students to take exams while being observed by proctors who keep track of exam papers, keep track of time, and look out for instances of cheating. More examinations are now being taken remotely via remote access platforms as online learning has become more and more popular among students globally; this has created a whole new range of ways that people may attempt to cheat during proctored exams.
Using textbooks to pass an exam is one of the simplest and most common ways to do so. In order to cheat on a test, students can download a PDF version and fill it out while taking the test, especially for challenging or confusing questions. Unfortunately, educators are fast to recognize this technique, which causes them to impose sanctions like suspension from class.
In high-stakes exams, particularly those that potentially determine a student’s future success or failure, students may revert to outdated strategies like writing notes on their hands or utilizing sticky notes. When taking high-stakes exams like college admission exams, such software is very useful because it can identify the majority of these strategies.
Having someone else take the test on your behalf is one way students may attempt to cheat on proctored exams. Although this strategy has been effective in the past, twins or similar individuals have even been known to pass online exams undetected! However, proctored test software solutions may quickly identify such techniques, which may result in sanctions like course suspension.