What Is a Proctored Exam on Canvas Like?

A proctored exam on Canvas is an online test integrated with proctoring software like Proctorio, Honorlock, or Respondus LockDown Browser to ensure academic integrity. Understanding what a proctored exam on Canvas entails helps students prepare effectively. Here’s a clear, step-by-step overview of the experience.

Accessing the Exam In your Canvas course, the proctored exam on Canvas appears under “Quizzes” or “Modules,” often marked with “Proctored” or the tool’s name (e.g., “Proctorio Required”). You’ll click to start, and a pre-exam setup screen loads within Canvas, outlining permissions like webcam or screen recording.

Identity and Environment Checks Before the proctored exam on Canvas begins, you’ll verify your identity. The interface prompts you to show a photo ID via webcam, with on-screen guides for alignment. A facial scan may follow, requiring you to face the camera or turn your head. Some tools request a 360-degree room scan to ensure a clear, distraction-free space. These steps, visible in a webcam preview, take 1-2 minutes.

Exam Interface and Restrictions Once verified, the proctored exam on Canvas locks your browser into fullscreen mode. The Canvas quiz interface—familiar with multiple-choice, essay, or other question types—displays a timer and navigation arrows. A proctoring overlay shows your webcam feed and microphone status. Software like Proctorio records your screen and flags actions like tab-switching. You can’t access external apps unless permitted (e.g., an on-screen calculator).

During the Test The proctored exam on Canvas feels monitored but straightforward if you follow rules. A small webcam window stays active, and alerts may pop up for suspicious behavior (e.g., looking away). Live chat support, like Honorlock’s, appears as a sidebar for technical issues. Time management is key—stick to allocated minutes per section.

Submitting and Post-Exam After completing the proctored exam on Canvas, click “Submit.” The proctoring tool stops recording, showing a confirmation. Grades later appear in Canvas’s gradebook, while instructors review flagged footage via a dashboard.

To excel in a proctored exam on Canvas, test in a quiet, well-lit room with a stable internet connection. Check your course for specific tool instructions. Preparation ensures a smooth experience!

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