Proctored Exam Procedures for Students

Many instructors use proctored testing to assess a student's progress in online courses. Students in online courses must fulfill their responsibilities in arranging and taking a proctored exam. Reviewing the questions on this page will inform you of the procedures you must complete before you can take your proctored exams.

ALERT! Beginning August of 2008, new Distance Learning policies and procedures are in effect. Please read this information carefully. All online learning students requiring proctored exams must submit a written Proctor Designation Form (PDF) by the end of the second week after the start of the term. Exam information will not be distributed to a proctor unless the Proctor Designation Form is on file at the Center for Assessment and Testing AND the student/proctor match has been accepted.

Academic integrity applies to all FSU students, on campus and online, at all times. See FSU's Academic Honor Code and University policy for violations.

1. What is a proctored exam?
A proctored exam is one that is overseen by an impartial individual (called a proctor) who monitors or supervises a student while he or she is taking an exam. The proctor ensures the security and integrity of the exam process.

2. How do I know if I need a proctored exam?
Check your course syllabus as soon as you can access your online course. The need to take proctored exams and your exam dates should be contained there. If the instructor requires no exams, that should be clearly stated in the syllabus. If you cannot make a determination from the syllabus, contact your mentor or instructor immediately for an answer.

3. What must I do to take a proctored exam?

• Choose a proctor from our List of Approved Proctors AND complete the proctor approval process within the first two weeks of the semester (unless your syllabus stated earlier). (See number 4)
• Pay any fees that may be required by your approved proctor or testing center. (See number 5)
• Review your exam schedule with your approved proctor. (See number 10)
• Schedule your exam date and time with the proctor well in advance of the testing window provided by your instructor. Please note:
  • Some proctors block out certain times or days of the weeks for distance learning exams.
  • You must arrive with enough time to allow full time for your exam. Do not show up an hour before closing if your exam is two hours long –you will not be seated.
  • It is in your best interest to check with your proctor the day before your exam to ensure they have the necessary exam information.
  • On test day, bring one of the following forms of ID. Failure to provide proper ID will result in being turned away.
    • State-issued Driver’s License
    • State-issued photo ID
    • FSU student ID (& a Driver’s License if there is no photo)
• For paper-based exams, bring an empty 9x12 envelope for exam return (FSU provides postage and a mailing label to the proctor).
• Take your exam within the timeframe outlined in your course syllabus.
• On exam day, bring a government-issued photo ID with a signature such as an FSU Student ID, State-issued drivers’ license, or State-issued ID. Without one of these, you will be turned away.

Note: Failure on the part of the student to assume these responsibilities will be a matter to resolve with the instructor and could result in a failing grade on the exam in question.

Note: Failure on the part of the student to assume these responsibilities will be a matter to resolve with the instructor and could result in a failing grade on the exam in question.

4. How do I find an approved proctor?
Beginning Fall, 2008: You must select a proctor from our List of Approved Proctors. If the nearest proctor is over 100 miles away from you, please contact our office as soon as possible -it is in your best interest to do so before Drop/Add is over. Please note that testing center’s hours of operation are not a valid reason to request an alternate proctor –you may need to alter your work schedule. It is in your best interest to understand all proctor requirements and time constraints during Drop/Add.

5. What is the fee for a proctor's services?
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, what it is, and when it must be paid. Testing centers often require prepayment, and your receipt for payment may serve as your ticket to the proctored exam session. Some proctors also require students to bring blank return envelopes for paper-based exams (FSU provides a label and pays for postage).

6. How do I access, complete, and submit the Proctor Designation Form?
Click here to access the Proctor Designation Form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free version is available. Mail or fax the completed application to:

Distance Learning Coordinator
Center for Assessment and Testing
University Center C, Suite 1200
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2642
Fax: (850) 644-3244

7. The form changed -why?
Please see #4, above. The form reflects security updates to our Proctored Distance Learning Testing.

8. What happens after I submit the Proctor Approval Application?
FSU Proctored Testing staff will review the proposed proctor or testing center –this may take up to two weeks. Students and proctors are notified by e-mail stating whether their application has been approved or denied.

9. Who are our proctors?
The proctors on our List of Approved Proctors have been carefully screened to ensure that they administer exams in compliance with our strict security guidelines. If there is a public testing center (at an institution of higher learning) which you feel should be considered for our list, please send us their contact information.

10. How does the proctor receive exams?
Proctored Distance Learning Staff send your exam information just prior to each exam window.

11. Do I need to submit a new form if I am using the same proctor as last semester?
Yes, we need to know who you wish to use.

12. My course has multiple exams. Do I need to submit a new form for each exam?
No. Proctors are approved for the entire semester.

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