Using ProctorU for online exams

AU partners with ProctorU to offer you the opportunity to write your online exams from the comfort of your home, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

An online invigilator will connect to your computer remotely through a secure platform and invigilate your exam using your computer’s camera and microphone. You will need a quiet, distraction-free place in your home to take the exam, and you will need to ensure your computer equipment, and the space you will write your exam, meet ProctorU’s requirements.

If you are unable to consistently pass the ProctorU equipment tests or do not meet ProctorU’s equipment requirements, please contact AU’s Exam Services unit to discuss other invigilation options.

Booking your ProctorU invigilated exam

1. If you have not already done so, find your course syllabus and confirm that the exam is available as an online exam. If the option exists, continue.
2. First, you’ll have to set up your account through ProctorU. Please ensure that your name matches exactly how it is on your government-issued identification and what is listed in your myAU account. For more information, visit the ProctorU AU student portal.
3. Please book your exam invigilation through your ProctorU account at least 10 days before your desired exam date. As the platform is a third-party service, there is a fee associated with using ProctorU.
4. Your next step is to request your exam through your myAU account using ProctorU’s invigilation identification number, 3278826.
5. Lastly, ProctorU will send you a confirmation email. If you don’t see it in your inbox, be sure to check your junk folder.
6. Ensure you will have access to a valid, not-expired AU student ID card or government-issued photo ID on the exam date. If your ID is expired, reach out to the AU Exam Unit before scheduling to discuss your options.

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Before your exam

1. It is important that you review ProctorU’s exam readiness guide.
2. Make sure to review ProctorU's equipment requirements and test your equipment before writing your exam. (Note: ProctorU invigilated exams cannot be written on smartphones or tablets.) It is important that it is tested in a similar virtual and physical environment to where you intend to write your exam. If you've failed multiple equipment tests, reach out to the ProctorU Help Center or their Live Chat for help before you start your exam. If you are unable to consistently pass the ProctorU equipment tests or resolve the issues with ProctorU support, please contact AU’s Exam Services unit to discuss other invigilation options.
3. Download the secure Guardian Browser before your exam date.
4. Your workspace should be as private as possible and free from distractions. Review the ProctorU requirements for your workspace.
5. Review AU’s Learner Support Services’ advice on improving your study skills.
6. Check with your instructor and course information to confirm what resources you are permitted in the exam (e.g., breaks, calculators, etc.).
7. At an additional cost, you can choose the “take it soon” or “take it now” options. The “take it soon” option allows a test to be scheduled within 72 hours of the chosen start time. The “take it now” option allows you to take a test previously issued by AU on demand, with no invigilation appointment needed. You can find all ProctorU fee information on the Office of the Registrar website. Keep in mind that all ProctorU fees are in U.S. dollars.
8. If you encounter extenuating circumstances before opening or starting your examination, it will still be available for up to 5 days from the originally declared write date. This 5-day hold period is only to account for unexpected situations. Otherwise, students are expected to write their examinations on or before the originally declared write dates.

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On the day of your exam

1. Make sure your computer is plugged in and ready to go. Having your computer battery die or having to stop to plug in during your exam can cost you valuable exam time.
2. You are encouraged to restart your computer in advance of your exam session. This will help prevent background or unpermitted programs from getting in the way of your exam session.
3. If you can, we suggest you connect your computer to your internet router using a hard-wired connection. That way, you’ll have a more consistent, reliable internet signal in case your Wi-Fi slows down. Writing your exam physically near your Wi-Fi router can also help maintain a strong internet connection.
4. Make sure your physical space is clear of unpermitted resources and ready for your exam. This includes your desk, walls, and floors around the exam work area, and any other surface that may contain restricted materials (including secondary monitors, posters, tablets, etc.). Check out these tips from ProctorU and what to expect on the day of your exam.
5. Don’t forget your virtual exam space. Make sure unpermitted notes and programs are closed and not accessible during the exam. You should memorize or may want to write down your passwords as these may not be accessible on your computer once the ProctorU invigilation process has started.
6. Have your current, valid government-issued or Athabasca University student photo identification (ID) available. Remember, the name on it needs to exactly match your name on your ProctorU account and your myAU account.
7. Have the login information for your AU exam handy. Once you are cleared to move into the online exam platform, you will need to know on which platform your exam is scheduled.
8. Once connected, your ProctorU invigilator will direct you to your learning management system or exam delivery platform so that they can unlock your examination. The proctor will then supervise the exam session, monitoring you via a remote connection through a webcam, screen recording, keyboard strokes, mouse movement, and other computer activity.

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Writing your ProctorU exam

1. Once your proctor releases control of your computer, you’re able to get started with your exam.
2. If you have any issues during the exam, contact your ProctorU invigilator through the chat box or ProctorU’s support team.
3. After you complete your exam, make sure you let the proctor know by sending them a note through the chat box before you submit it.
4. Log out of your exam, close the browser, close the chat box. Congratulations, you did it!