Among the many responsibilities of test proctors are helping to secure confidential and precious papers, invigilating students during exams or tests to prevent malpractice, and maintaining order in the exam hall.
They are also responsible for explaining the rules of the test to students, checking them into the test room, and taking attendance of the students who are taking the exam. Additionally, they are responsible for clarifying areas of the test that are unclear to students and announcing the amount of time remaining for completing the test regularly.
But is it worth it? Test proctors in America make an average of $33,387 per year or $16 per hour. It is anticipated that the career will continue to grow, thanks to online proctor programs, resulting in new work opportunities across the US.
How to Become a Test Proctor?
If you want to work as an exam proctor, you must have a bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma. In addition, you must have experience in monitoring tests and exhibit exceptional verbal and written communication, organization, and observation abilities to be considered for this position.
Duties of a Test Proctor
Before the Exam
Proctors prepare the examination room and test materials in advance of the examination before examinees arrive. They make sure that the testing atmosphere is appropriate, including that seats are properly spaced apart, providing locations for bags or jackets.
Additionally, test proctors must get familiar with the norms and regulations of the exam to enforce them successfully. This involves being aware of the amount of time given for finishing the exam.
During the Exam
Using identification checks, proctors ensure that the correct examinees are present in the room before handing out test papers to them. Sometimes they write the course code or the name of the course in a prominent spot so that examinees can be sure they are in the right place.
Following the distribution of test papers and other materials, proctors normally read all instructions to the examinees to notify them of the rules and the penalties of breaking them. The primary responsibility of proctors is to ensure that the academic integrity of the test is maintained, which means guaranteeing there is no cheating.
After the Exam
When the time for the examination has expired, proctors must ensure that all examinees have stopped writing or have exited the computer-based test. When proctors collect the tests or when the examinees leave the testing area, they check if students have written down all relevant information, such as their names.
After collecting the examinations, proctors normally dismiss the examinees and arrange the test papers in a logical manner for future use. They are responsible for keeping the test papers safe till they are properly delivered. It is common practice for test administrators to require proctors to complete administrative forms for the tests they supervise.
What About Online Proctoring?
Schools and institutions are continuously looking for proctors who can invigilate online test sessions. Firstly, you might check for listings from companies or educational organizations that administer remotely proctored online exams. Schools, colleges, and universities are suitable prospects.
You can also register yourself on numerous online proctoring sites, join forums and discussion groups to increase your chances of getting recruited.
Make sure you match the standards given by the institute. Many exams need the proctors to be counselors, librarians, or military officers. Consequently, if you qualify for the proctoring role, you will officially be a certified proctor.
Differences Between On-Site and Online Proctoring
The primary function of a proctor is to keep track of the students’ progress during tests. While on-site/physical proctors conduct the examination in a classroom setting, online proctors conduct it via a camera from a remote place.
In a physical context, a proctor is responsible for the following:
- Explaining the exam guidelines
- Exam papers are being distributed
- Keeping track of the passage of time
- Assuring that the kids do not engage in any form of cheating.
An online proctor, on the other hand, supervises the student’s video and audio feed and is accountable for the following:
- Authenticating the identities of those who take online tests
- Ensure that the candidates do not access any restricted websites or applications
- Identifying and reporting any attempts to cheat via gadgets, outside assistance, or impersonation.
Conclusion
By being a proctor, you become an important figure in shepherding the next generation of academics and specialists into the world. It is a position of great honor, and you should consider it a good working experience to do it!