The world today will collectively agree that the pandemic has changed the way every function is carried out. Every major sector from transportation to banking to healthcare has seen unprecedented changes. Thanks to the pandemic and social distancing norms that have become the new normal subsequently.
Another sector that has seen a tidal shift is the educational sector. With remote classes and offerings, students and teachers are facing a digital revolution that they had neither anticipated nor were ready for. Owing to this development, online certifications, talent assessments, and examinations have become the norm. Companies and organizations that are looking to hire, are using talent assessment systems to hire new employees. Educational institutions from schools to colleges to universities are conducting exams online to ensure learning does not halt. Moreover, educational institutions are now realizing the myriad benefits of conducting exams online. Examination processes like invigilation require planning and scheduling along with expensive manpower. Online exams eliminate such activities by automating, saving money and valuable time, while making the entire process more convenient.
Helping institutions manage their examination and certification processes are remote proctoring software(s). These advanced remote proctoring software programs proctor the examination by automating the process and making it more efficient and standardized. These online exam proctoring software(s) also make it impossible for candidates to resort to malpractices of any form. Moreover, with more efficient technologies coming into place, these software solutions can manage individuals of almost any number. With the future looking bright for online proctoring software(s), here are the top 10 best online proctoring software(s):
1. ProctorU
ProctorU is one of the best online proctoring software that is available in the market. Known for its exemplary efficiency across live proctoring and auto proctoring, ProctorU is one of the most preferred choices among many educational institutions. The software is an online exam proctoring through an AI-led system. This online exam proctoring software also ensures ID authentication, with the capacity to conduct more than 10,000 exams every day. The software known for its efficiency, caters to more than 1000 customers that include the likes of the University of Florida and Cameron University among others.
Key Features
Being one of the best online proctoring software, ProctorU has numerous features that include the likes of:
- Free exam-related technical support
- On-demand access or scheduled access 24/7
- AI-based behavior analysis
- Live proctor enabling launch
- Identity verification with a live proctor
- Assistance from a dedicated accounts team
Pricing
Pricing plans for ProctorU are available only upon request.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The verification process of the software is quick and hassle-free.
- The software is convenient to use for exams that are conducted from home.
- The software is also secure in protecting one’s credibility.
Cons
- The software is overly sensitive, causing some issues.
- While starting a test, there is a noticeable latency.
2. Examus
Examus is one of the most preferred and best online proctoring software. Thanks to its flexible and cost-effective services. This online exam proctoring software has an algorithm that aids in analyzing the online behavior of the user. It also has a tech stack that makes use of the webcam for emotion and facial detection. Examus has a host of products that include the likes of consumer vide analytics software, user engagement and attention video recognition API, proctoring service tools among others. Being supported by big names like Berkeley Skydeck and Microsoft among numerous others, Examus is one of the best online proctoring software solutions that are available in the market.
Key Features
Examus offers numerous features that include:
- Cutting-edge latest video recognition
- Mobile and computer support
- AI-enabled real-time monitoring
- Workflow management
- Assessment management
- Evaluation management
Pricing
Pricing details of Examus can be obtained only upon request.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software demands minimal internet bandwidth.
- The software also ensures user data is protected.
- Thanks to its extensive offerings, the software is scalable and cost-effective.
Cons
- The software is not ideal for small-scale operations or agencies.
- The software has limited support on mobile platforms.
3. AIProctor
AIProctor is one of the best online proctoring software solutions that is also often touted as the next gen of online exam proctoring software(s). Powered with AI, the online proctoring software automates the process of invigilation, that in real-time is both time consuming and could be plagued with errors. AIProctor also brings with it a 24/7 support, along with being embedded with add-on features like location tracking, virtual browser lockdown, AI fraud detection engines, and others. Being one of the best online proctoring software in the market, AIProctor also has a feature called shock & awe that is responsible for the detection and prevention of cheating.
Key Features
The features of AIProctor include:
- Assessment management
- Communication management
- Attendance tracking
- Question branching
- Predictive modelling
- Classroom management
- Sentiment analysis
Pricing
The basic pricing plan for AIProctor starts at Rs. 432/- per exam.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- Unlike other online proctoring software services, AIProctor offers a free trial.
- The software also has easy questioning and branching.
- The software also efficiently tracks head movement.
- There is no installation hassle with AIProctor.
- The software is also available in the form of a web application.
Cons
- The dashboard isn’t easy to navigate.
- The software doesn’t have a mobile platform.
- It is also not an open-source software.
4. Merittrac
MerittTrac is one of the best online proctoring software solutions, that is known for its cutting-edge scientific assessment methods for academic, government, and corporate institutions. The online proctoring software provides end-to-end developments that range from placement management to exam invigilation and business training. The software also ensures a customizable dashboard and features depending on the field or sector the institution belongs to.
Key Features
Here are the features of MeritTrac that makes it one of the best online proctoring software:
- Examination management
- Attendance management
- Psychometric and online tests
- Student assessment reports
- Online results declaration
- Competency tracking
- Customized report cards
- Assessment management
Pricing
The pricing plans for MeritTrac can be obtained by getting in touch with them directly.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software is easily deployable across web, cloud, and SaaS.
- The software allows automated proctoring.
- The software also enables automated grading.
Cons
- The software has no free version.
- The software comes with limited features.
5. Examity
Examity is a well-known remote proctoring software that also provides ID authentication solutions. Catering to more than 500 clients worldwide, thanks to its seamless integration, Examity is one of the best online proctoring software that has clients from all sectors, including corporate institutes, enterprise testing organizations, and universities. Examity also partners with renowned organizations like Tableau, Coursera, Amazon among others. The software also makes use of cutting-edge machine learning, enabling import and export of exam data, create secure student portals, and set success priorities.
Key Features
The key features of Examity include:
- Auto and live proctoring
- Reporting and analytics
- Curriculum management
- Identity verification
- AI-led software
- Question branching
Pricing
For details on pricing plans, please contact Examity directly
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software offers the chance to customize according to one’s needs.
- The software also supports mobile and web applications.
Cons
- The software is not user-friendly for freelancers.
- The software also does not offer live support or training.
6. Talview
Talview is one of the easily customizable online proctoring software that supports numerous examination formats, including the likes of aptitude tests, coding, essays, and MCQs. Providing an authentic proctoring experience, Talview seamlessly integrates with all the industry’s leading learning management systems. The online proctoring software also allows candidates to attend assessments remotely, making it perfectly suited for educational institutions and certification providers.
Key Features
The features of Talview include:
- Automatic grading
- Automated proctoring
- Candidate management
- Question branching
- Test scheduling
Pricing
Talview offers a free trial, but pricing details are available only upon request.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software allows automated analysis of competencies.
- The software can be used seamlessly by both organizers and candidates.
- The assessment process is structured and standardized.
Cons
- The user interface is confusing at places.
- The customer support is not always responsive.
- The time taken to generate reports is longer than usual.
7. Eklavya
Eklavya, relatively, is a newer online proctoring software that helps in conducting assessment activities for individuals, for either exams or vocational training. It also offers biometric security with fingerprint attendance, web camera monitoring, and password protection for invigilators.
Key Features
Eklavya offers a host of features that include:
- User management
- Reports and analytics
- Psychometric and online tests
- Result releases
- Question banks
- User management
Pricing
Eklavya does offer a free trial, with its pricing plans starting at Rs. 18,000/- per year.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software can be deployed in web, cloud and SaaS.
- The software provided data security.
- Scheduling is available with timely reminders.
- The software is more commonly used among SMEs and agencies.
Cons
- The software does not have support on mobile platforms.
- The software is not user-friendly for freelancers, startups and enterprises.
- No live support is available. Support is available only on email.
- The software does not support API or customization as per need.
8. ProctorExam
Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, ProctorExam online proctoring software is designed as a standalone app that can help candidates give tests with their own devices. The software is flexible and offers a wide range of monitoring solutions that include a 360-degree view of the candidate’s workspace so that even high-stake exams can be conducted remotely without compromising on security.
Key Features
Being one of the best online proctoring software, ProctorExam has numerous features that include:
- Candidate management
- Assessment management
- Question branching
- Automatic grading
- Progress reports
Pricing
The pricing plans for ProctorExam are available only upon request.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software works well for both corporate and academic tests.
- The software provides 24/7 support.
Cons
- The software requires high-speed internet connection to function.
- The software has glitches while operating on dual-monitoring view.
9. Examsoft
ExamSoft is another best online proctoring software that has cutting-edge assessment technology. It is one of the best online proctoring software having an expansive client base of over 1600 customers, ExamSoft has the expertise of executing over 55 million exams to date. For this very reason, ExamSoft is one of the leaders among the best online proctoring softwares in the assessment and testing technology, which also has a secure assessment platform. The software also ensures institutions can administer, mark, and analyze the test results.
Key Features
ExamSoft has numerous features that include the likes of:
- Online and psychometric tests
- Survey management
- Automatic grading
- Question branching
- Weighted questions
- Progress reports
- Individualized assessments
- Certification management
Pricing
The pricing plans for ExamSoft are available only upon request.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software offers immediate automatic assessment.
- The software is intuitive with secure testing.
- The software also allows one to showcase the reports to the students.
Cons
- One needs training to get a hang of the interface.
- The software might cause a few glitches that could make users reboot their laptops or PCs.
10. Mercer- Mettl
Designed specially keeping high-stake exams into consideration, Mercer – Mettl is one of the best online proctoring software solutions that are available in the market. Having catered to over 150 universities, and more than 4000 clients, Mercer – Mettle has conducted over 12 million online proctored assessments. Owing to its impeccable reputation, Mercer – Mettl offers various solutions that include the likes of results in analytics, remote proctoring, and a payment gateway interface for individuals to pay their exam fees.
Key Features
Mercer – Mettl has numerous features that include the likes of:
- Image recognition
- 3-point candidate authentication
- Different modes like AI-led proctoring or manual remote proctoring
- Workflow management
- Candidate tracking
- Self-service portal
Pricing
The pricing plans for Mercer – Mettl are available only upon request.
Reviews Unplugged
Pros
- The software can be deployed in web, cloud, SaaS, and mobile across both iOS and android services.
- The support is responsive and is available 24/7.
- There is also a live in-person training option.
- The software also has a reputation for improving the hiring process.
Cons
- There is no free trial or free version to check the software.
- The software has a few glitches in its functionality.
- The software does not have any global benchmark scores for any assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Proctoring Software
What is remote proctoring?
Online examinations and remote proctoring have seen an unprecedented rise in the last decade. Considered as a viable and tangible alternative to in-person proctoring, remote proctoring has become the norm since the COVID-19 pandemic. With educational institutions shut and examinations being imperative, most of the institutions realized the potential and importance of online exam proctoring.
Remote proctoring can be defined as the process of proctoring or evaluating a timed or an untimed remote online exam, wherein the software observes the test takers through their webcam video, audio, and desktop. Remote proctoring helps schools to be assured of the identity of the test taker, occurrence of any malpractices among other facets. Using secure technology, remote proctoring can be looked at as a practical alternative to on-site testing.
Remote proctoring is seeing a growing prominence among schools and universities, and owing to its effectiveness, educational institutions have seen a considerable decline in the occurrence of any cheating or malpractices.
How does online exam proctoring work?
Similar to an in-person proctor, a remote proctoring software overlooks the testing process and identifies any irregularities during the online examination. To understand online exam proctoring, it is important to first understand the three ways in which online proctoring is carried out:
- Live proctoring: here, a proctor watches a candidate in real-time using a camera. This also involves analyzing the surroundings before the test, along with sharing the screen during the exam.
- Recorded proctoring: Here, the screen of the test-taker is recorded while they take the exam and is later reviewed by proctors to look for any malpractices.
- Automated proctoring: Automated proctoring is an online exam proctoring type that makes use of AI or artificial intelligence to monitor the audio and video feeds to find any irregularities.
With technology improving, and higher impetus being laid on automation, we can see AI playing a major role in online exam proctoring in the future. AI also has the potential to harness voice and facial recognition to confirm the identity of a test-taker, look for any anomalies when it comes to the user-behavior, and also make use of eye movement detection to look for any irregularities.
How to select an Online Remote Proctoring Software?
Online remote proctoring software has slowly but surely gained trust among different educational institutions. Their growing popularity among certification providers across the world also means that we will be seeing it more frequently in our near future. Moreover, the global pandemic has pushed educational institutions to be prepared for unforeseeable situations.
While the growing popularity of online remote proctoring software is justified, educational institutions across the world are facing the common problem of selecting the right online remote proctoring software.
Here are a few factors that everyone must consider before choosing an online remote proctoring software for their institution:
Comprehensive
A good online remote proctoring software will be able to juggle among different use-sets seamlessly. No educational institution would want to invest in numerous tools if one comprehensive software can do the job. A comprehensive online remote proctoring software can hold exams across regions, automate the scheduling of exams, hold different types of tests, score assessments, and give out authentic exam results, all through one comprehensive platform.
Scalable
Everyone wants to have an online remote proctoring software that offers scale. A software that can enable large scale assessments without any hassles. The software must be able to hold exams for thousands of students and seamless schedule exams, taking into consideration different time zones.
Ease of integration
No one wants an online remote proctoring software that is not easy to install and set-up. It is also necessary to see how the software integrates with the other technologies that are in place. This can include anything from documentation or tracking solutions to LMS for the admins, the online remote proctoring software must easily work in synergy with all other solutions.
User experience
The transition from offline to online proctoring is not going to be an easy one. For both teachers and students, making the necessity of processing is even more crucial. The software must promise a good user experience for the admin staff, teachers, and the students equally.
Customizability
For online remote proctoring to be seamlessly integrated, it is imperative to have a customizable software that best fits the needs of the educational institution. Institutions must look for software solutions that have options like assessing computer files, policing, blocking website access during the exams, and other blocking actions to ensure a smooth experience.
What are the benefits of online proctoring services?
Online proctoring services are making use of different algorithms and machine learning methodologies to be better equipped to make remote test-taking free of any irregularities. Here are a few benefits of having online proctoring services for educational institutions:
Accessibility
Online proctoring services offer a unique opportunity for individual learners with different constrictions and disabilities to take tests from wherever they are. This change in accessibility of examinations was much needed and online proctoring services can do just that.
Ease of use
Contrary to popular belief, online proctoring services are very easy to use. Test-takers sign and launch it, and instructors can look at all the assessments in the order of their liking.
Security
Offering convenience to test-takers, online proctoring services also offer unparalleled security to educational institutions. These services scan the test-taker, their room, their computer ensuring an end-to-end secure process.
Analytics
Online proctoring services are equipped with the necessary tools to offer insights and assessments on the performance of the test-takers. These analytics can help institutions understand challenges, engagement patterns, and assess how people respond to different questions.
post
To eliminate any inhibition, online proctoring services can help individuals audit and post the results. This ensures every level of compliance is achieved maintaining the credibility of examinations.