Online Proctoring

Information about online proctoring and ProctorExam

• Preparing for your exam (at least 48 hours prior to your exam)

  Follow these simple steps to prepare for your exam and test your setup at least 48 hours prior to your exam. 

  1. Download or start Google Chrome.
  2. Open the ProctorExam email you have received ('Please register for your exam').
  3. Follow all the steps after clicking Step 1 'click here' in the email. These steps will guide you through all necessary setup features, such as screen sharing, setting up your webcam and additional second camera (if necessary). 
  4. After completing the system check, you will receive an email from ProctorExam with an invitation to your exam ('You are now ready to take your exam'). 
  5. Read this page about fraudulent behaviour and how you can prevent (suspicion of) this behaviour and other non-regulated behaviour or other problems.
  6. Right before the start time of your exam, click on the link in this second email. 

  Tip! Prior to this check and before your exam, delete all unnecessary cookies and ad-blockers stored in your browser. 

• Starting your exam

  Your exam is about to start. Follow these steps to prepare: 

  1. Start your laptop or desktop (taking the exam on another type of device is not possible).
  2. Start Google Chrome.
  3. Make sure to have your photo ID ready (student card, passport, ID card or driver's licence).
  4. Have your smartphone or tablet ready (if a second camera is necessary).
  5. Make sure your internet connection is stable (minimum upload speed of 1,5 Mbps). 
  6. Click on the link in the second ProctorExam email ('You are now ready to take your exam') and follow all the setup steps. 
  7. Once you have reached the instruction page of ProctorExam, click on the link to TestVision, login using your VUnetID and password and start your exam. Good luck!

  ProctorExam will ask you to conduct a 'room scan' during the setup. However, VU Amsterdam requires you to conduct only a Desk Scan that shows:

  • Your desk/table.
  • The items on your desk/table. Please make sure to show all permitted extra materials, such as a calculator, scratch paper, etc.
  • The area behind your desk / computer.

  If you’re having trouble moving your computer or webcam, then you are also allowed to use a mirror to show (the items on) your desk.

  You may be asked by your teacher on the instruction page of TestVision to show the permitted materials again at the start of the exam in TestVision.

• Tips and tricks

  • Make sure your devices, including your phone if that is needed as a second camera, are fully charged or plugged into a power outlet.
  • Make sure your desk is empty, except for allowed materials.
  • Make sure your browser is as 'clean' as possible, so delete all cookies and ad-blockers. 
  • Put your computer in 'Do Not Disturb' mode, silence all notifications on your computer. This includes Whatsapp, email, iMessage, Slack, or any other program that will generate a pop-up notification. 
  • Only execute a desk scan, not a room scan!
  • Make sure your room is well lit (no back light) and that you are visible at all times. 
  • Do not use headphones, earphones, or earplugs. 
  • Do not use smart glasses or smart watches and technical software that can bypass online proctoring.
  • Show a valid student card or proof of identification. 
  • Make sure you are alone during the exam and stay seated, so make sure to use the toilet prior to starting your exam.

• Additional tips: student card or ID card

  General note: an OV-chip card, library card, Albert Heijn, HEMA card etc. is not a valid means of identification!

  During the setup of ProctorExam, you will need to show your ID. ProctorExam will ask you to take a picture of your ID via your webcam.

  • Please place your student ID card in front of the webcam when taking the picture.
  • Only show the front of your student card.
  • Make sure your name, student number and VUnetID are clearly visible.

  Only use your VU Student Card or ACTA Card

  • If you cannot get a hold of your VU identification, then please use your ID-Card, driver license or passport, but cover your BSN (with a Post-it note or your finger, for example) when taking the picture.
  • Are you a secondary student? Please show the Student Card of the University where you are primarily enrolled.
  • Are you going to take a selection exam, for admission to a programme at VU Amsterdam? Then show your ID card, driving license or passport, but cover your BSN! 

• During your exam

  A small widget will be visible in your screen during your exam showing you that you are sharing your screen. This popup will also show you your camera (and second camera if applicable). You can check if everything is working properly by clicking on the ProctorExam widget. 

  If anything happens to your screen sharing or either of your cameras, check to see if it's possible to restart that part in the widget. If not, you will need to first restart your ProctorExam session using the link in the email. After that, you can always go login to your exam again via TestVision.

  Can I use a screen reader during my exam?

  TestVision can accommodate screen reading software, such as Claroread and Readspeaker. However, please ensure that you test this thoroughly beforehand by following the ProctorExam system check, so you'll know in advance exactly how to select the texts you need the software to read aloud.

• Problems during the exam

  ProctorExam will be available via chat during your exam. If you run into any technical issues, please contact them using the widget. If they cannot assist you, check the email your teacher has sent you prior to the exam. This will tell you who to contact then. Visit the troubleshooting page for information on what to do if you encounter problems.

  Report your problems and mistakes to your teacher after your exam.

  • If you have experienced a problem during the exam, please inform your teacher via Canvas or email.

  This message will be considered by your faculty (teacher and/or examination board) and the invigilators.

  • If you think you made a mistake regarding the rules (i.e. you put in earplugs without asking permission to do so beforehand), then please also inform your teacher via Canvas or by email.
    

• Exam at home or on campus

  All regular exams take place on campus now. Sitting an online proctoring exam at the VU campus is therefore not possible, since you will be able to sit the exam with your peers in the regular exam hall. Online proctoring is only allowed in exceptional situations. Please contact your educational office and examination board if you have a request for online proctoring.

• Medical conditions and exam provisions

  The regular procedures regarding disabilities, medical conditions and facilities still apply. If you have been assigned special facilities or provisions during exams (with permission from the student advisor), these will still apply during online proctored exams. For example if you need to perform an act related to your medical condition or if you have been granted extra exam time. It is the duty of your faculty to inform the invigilators of your particular situation and they will take care to treat your data differently with respect to this provision. 

  During online proctored exams it is not possible to go to the toilet. If you need to make use of the toilet because of a disability or medical condition, please consult your study advisor in advance

• Suspicion and fraud

  General note: behaviour that is deemed to be fraudulent during an on-campus exam is also deemed to be fraudulent in an online proctored exam.

  To prevent suspicion, please ensure that:

  • You are alone.
  • There is enough light in your room, but no backlight.
  • You are shown in the center of the webcam frame and your face is completely visible.
  • You wear appropriate clothes for an exam.
  • You are not wearing a hoodie, cap or hat on your head during the test, as this is not permitted.

  Additional rules:

  • No talking or singing.
  • No toilet visits (make sure that you go before the exam).
  • No eating. Drinking is allowed from a glass or clear water bottle.
    

• Privacy related questions and issues

  For information regarding privacy you can visit this page.

Frequently asked question and problems