[Review] How to write instructions for ProctorExam reviewers?

This article explains how to set up instructions for ProctorExam reviewers. Good quality comments give good quality results. After this article you know exactly how to set up these instructions.

Before we start

Make sure you communicate the exam rules to test-takers in advance of test day by sending them via email, posting them in your LMS, or noting within your program documentation. We recommend sending the instructions at least 48 hours in advance.

Following that, make sure that the exam rules for candidates match the reviewer instructions to avoid any miscommunications that will lead to incorrect events flagged.

To help you in that process, ProctorExam has created a checkbox pattern that can be found in your admin panel to give reviewers basic instructions parallel to the exam rules.

Please note that ProctorExam provides Standard Instructions which apply to every test and do not need to be manually added each time.

Standard Instructions Include:

• Candidates must show to the webcam any materials allowed for their test before the exam starts. Reviewers will flag the use of unauthorised materials (calculator, pen and paper, textbook).
• Test takers talking or gazing out will be flagged according to the degree of suspicion.
• Dual monitors are not allowed.
• Candidates will be flagged for visiting unauthorised websites.

• No breaks are allowed.
• The use of unauthorised devices (headphones, smartwatch) will be flagged as suspicious.
• No communication with another person is allowed, unless it happens before the exam starts.
• No drinking or eating is allowed, as they might hide notes.

In case you want to make any specific exceptions in regard to the above instructions for reviewers, make sure to specify that in the free text section.

Here are some examples of how to inform our reviewing team of certain changes:

• “Candidates can take one toilet break for 5 minutes.”
  • Note: Make sure to be exact on the duration, this will leave less room for interpretation.
• “Headphones are allowed.”
• “The candidate can be accompanied by someone else (e.g., translator, assistance).”
• “Food and drinks are allowed.” 
  • Note: This will allow all kinds of drinking and food.

Text books

If there is no specification about the textbooks candidates are allowed to use, our reviewers will consider that they are free to use any textbook they want.

Calculators

If basic calculators are only allowed, our reviewers will flag red, any scientific/ programmable calculator. This is highly relevant, considering how widespread scientific calculators are.

Final Notice

If you are building additional instructions for our reviewers, always abide by simple guidelines:

• Make them clear
• Make them concise
• Make them consistent