Student guidelines for finding a proctor

A proctored exam is one that is overseen by an impartial individual, called a proctor.  A proctor has the following responsibilities:

• Verify the identity of the student taking the exam
• Monitor and supervise the student during the exam
• Ensure the security and integrity of the exam and the testing process
• Report violations of the academic standards

1. Contact your instructor to discuss your testing needs.
2. Identify a local testing center or proctor you wish to use.
3. Complete the Request for Non-Local Exam Administration form at least two weeks prior to your exam date, or as directed by your instructor or the University Testing Center.
4. The University Testing Center will verify the validity of the proctor and provide the proctor with any necessary exam materials or instructions.
5. Schedule an appointment with the local testing center or proctor within the range of approved dates for your exam. It is a good idea to inform your instructor of any appointments you make as early as possible.  Good communication is vital.
6. Any fees that the local testing center or proctor charges for their services are the responsibility of the student to pay.

A proctor must:

• Be willing and able to administer the exam according to the instructions provided by the University Testing Center and the faculty member of record for the course
• Be willing and able to uphold the University’s Academic Standards (UAM 6,502) and report any suspected violations
• Have no relationship with the student that could cause a conflict of interest

A proctor may be from one of the following categories:

• A university, college, or private testing center
• An educational administrator or librarian at a university, college, or high school
• A learning center, ESO, or an officer of higher rank than the student, if in the military

The following are examples of unacceptable proctors:

• Relatives, friends, or neighbors of the student
• Employers, supervisors, or co-workers, of the student
• Members of clergy

Students should locate the closest university or college testing center by searching the National College Testing Association (NCTA) test center locator.  If there is no testing center within a reasonable commuting distance, please read on for instructions for identifying and getting approval for a proctor.

Submit the Request for Non-Local Exam Administration form at least two weeks before your exam date, or as directed by your instructor or the University Testing Center.  Provide the name and contact information of the individual who is willing to act as a proctor.  The University Testing Center will verify the validity of the proctor and provide them with the necessary instructions to administer your exam.

Fees vary for the use of a testing facility and the proctor’s time to receive, monitor, and return your exam.  Please be sure to determine if there is a fee, how much it is, and when it must be paid.  Testing Centers often require prepayment, and a receipt may serve as your ticket to the proctored exam session.  These practices vary among libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and private testing centers.  Proctoring fees for non-local exam administration are the responsibility of the student to pay.

At a minimum, the proctor must have a valid institutional email address (personal email addresses, such as Gmail, are not acceptable) and working telephone number so that the University Testing Center may communicate with them.  Depending on whether the exam is offered via computer or on paper, the proctor should also have:

• A computer with internet access for the proctor and the student
• A printer and scanner for paper exams.

1. Check your course syllabus for all exam dates and times.
2. Contact your proctor to schedule a day and a time within the dates provided for each exam. Note that failure on the part of the student to assume this responsibility will be a matter to resolve with the instructor and could result in a failing grade on the exam in question.
3. Be sure to be aware of any testing fees, as well as when and how they must be paid.

• The proctor must ensure that all necessary technologies are available and working.
• Only the proctor may handle the exam prior to and following its completion.
• No copies of the exam—other than the copy used to test taking—are to be made at any time.
• No person other than the proctor and student may view the exam.
• The student may have access to the exam only during the time period specified in the instructions.
• The proctor must follow the instructions for administering the exam. These may include a time limit, specific allowable equipment (e.g., a calculator), and/or inclusion or exclusion of books, notes, etc.
• If paper-delivered, the proctor must prepare the exam (and any relevant materials, e.g., scratch paper) for return by email, unless other prior arrangements were made for the return of physical materials.