If your proctored exam software is from Proctortrack you need to complete the onboarding exam 5 days prior to the graded proctored exams. Please follow instructions on Taking a Proctortrack Onboard Exam to complete the onboarding process early.
Computer and browser requirements
Note: You are responsible for making sure that the proctoring software works with your system before you take a proctored exam.
- View the detailed System Requirements for Software Secure proctoring software.
- View the detailed System Requirements for Proctortrack proctoring software.
Learner rules
- Test Environment Rules
- The Computer You Use to Take the Test
- Your Behavior
- Additional Time or Special Allowances
- Consequences of Rule Violations
The following proctored exam rules are the basic rules for “closed book” exams.
Note: Some proctored exams have different or additional rules, so check your course. For example, some proctored exams allow you to use reference material or a calculator.
Any additional rules will be visible along with the exam instructions before you start the exam.
Test environment rules
- No other person is allowed to enter the room while you are taking the proctored exam.
- The lighting in the room must be bright enough to be considered “daylight” quality. Overhead lighting is preferred. If overhead lighting is not available, the source of light must not be behind you.
- You must sit at a clean desk or table.
- The desk or walls around you must not have any writing.
- The room must be as quiet as possible. Sounds such as music or television are not permitted.
- The following items must not be on your desk or used during your proctored exam, unless posted rules for the exam specifically permit these materials:
- Books
- Paper
- Pens
- Calculators
- Textbooks
- Notebooks
- Phones
The computer you use to take the test
- The computer you are using to take the exam must not have more than one display or monitor. For example, if you usually use a laptop with a monitor connected, disconnect your monitor and use only the laptop screen.
- You must close all other programs or windows on your testing computer before you begin the exam.
- You must not use the following tools:
- Programs such as Excel, Word, or PowerPoint
- Communication programs such as Skype
- Any website page other than the exam window in your course, including other content on edX.org
Your behavior
- You must verify your identity using a photo ID that has your name and photo on the same side. The name must match the full name you use in your edx.org account. You can change your name in your edX account.
- You must dress as though you were in a public setting.
- You must not communicate with any other person by any means.
- You must not use a phone for any reason.
- You must not leave the room during the exam for any reason.
Additional time or special allowances
If you have a disability and need additional time or specific accommodations to take the exam, consult your organization’s disability resources or the course team before you make any choices on the exam page. The course team must approve your request and make any adjustments before you start your exam.
Consequences of Rule Violations
If you violate the online proctoring rules and receive an Unsatisfactory status, you automatically receive a score of 0 for the exam.
If you have questions about your proctoring exam status, click the "Help" button at the bottom right of this page to contact edX Support, or consult your course team.