Proctoring and Exam Policy Update
We're excited to announce that effective July 15th 2025, SCTE will transition to an automated remote proctoring model for all SCTE Certifications. This change will accelerate and simplify the certification experience for exam participants, reduce strain on SCTE volunteers, and increase accessibility of SCTE certifications for all.
Rationale
This change is driven by certification exam participant feedback. The SCTE seeks to accomplish the following with this transition:- Flexible scheduling: Candidates can test anytime, anywhere.
- Operational simplicity: Eliminate proctor availability barriers and complex scheduling
- Accessibility & consistency: Streamlined experience accessible to all.
Automated remote proctoring is not new! Exam takers can purchase fully remote proctoring as an add-on for $45 today.
Moving forward, SCTE will streamline its operational processes to provide a consistent certification experience for all of its participants-- without the additional steps or expense to the learner!
By adopting automated remote proctoring as the sole method of exam delivery and bundling it as a standard part of the certification process, SCTE seeks to remove pain points and offer a more consistent and scalable exam experience for all.
Technical Requirements
->MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, AS DEFINED BY PROCTORIO, ARE LINKED HERE<-
Before taking the exam, please ensure you have either a Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser installed on the device you will use to take the exam. Additionally, install the relevant browser extension and confirm the device meets Proctorio's technical specs, linked above.
- Google Chrome and the Secure Exam Proctor Chrome extension
- Microsoft Edge with the Secure Exam Proctor Edge Extension
Automated Remote Proctoring FAQs
Understanding Automated Remote Proctoring
What is “Automated Remote Proctoring”?
Automated remote proctoring follows a “record and review” process that records a participant's webcam video, microphone audio, screen, and web traffic during assessment delivery. Prior to beginning the exam, participants are prompted to hold their identification to the webcam and once the system captures a photo of the ID, the participant is allowed to start the exam.
Video is analyzed to detect a participant's eye and head movements, identify when multiple faces are present, and detect ambient noise levels to flag potential unauthorized help from others.
How Does Automated Remote Proctoring Work?
Remote proctoring allows certification candidates the flexibility to take exams at any time from any location and does not require a human proctor. The exam platform records a participant's webcam video, microphone audio, screen, and web traffic using a browser extension that must be installed prior to initiating the exam. All exam participants are prompted to display their government issued identification card to the webcam and once the system captures a photo of the ID, the participant is allowed to commence the exam.
Video is analyzed to detect a participant's eye and head movements, identify when multiple faces are present, monitor what information is displayed on the screen, and detect ambient noise levels to flag potential unauthorized help from others for SCTE review.
Will the Automated Remote Proctoring method check a participant's identification before an assessment?
Yes. Automated Remote Proctoring is configured to prompt participants to hold their government or company issued identification to the webcam prior to beginning the assessment. Once the system captures a photo of the ID, the participant is allowed to commence the assessment. The system will flag assessment results in which the scanned ID may be suspicious and warrants human review.
What's recorded when a participant takes an assessment with Automated Remote Proctoring?
Automated Remote Proctoring uses a "record and review" process that records a participant's webcam video, microphone audio, screen, and web traffic during assessment delivery.
Exam Content and Format Policies
Will exams continue to follow an open-book exam format?
In the age of generative AI, it's more important than ever to ensure that certification reflects genuine knowledge and professional readiness. Although the SCTE exams will continue to follow an open-book format, the use of AI is not permitted.
Are calculators still allowed?
Yes. You may still use a calculator during your certification exam.
Monitoring and Behavior Detection
What types of behaviors are monitored?
The system monitors a participant's keystrokes, browser resizing, copy/pasting, new browser tab or window opening, or the enabling of accessibility mode in attempts to circumvent the software. Video is analyzed to detect a participant's eye and head movements and identify when multiple faces are present. Ambient noise levels are analyzed to flag potential unauthorized help from others. Ambient noise levels are monitored throughout the exam to detect any changes that fall outside of white noise and warrant review.
Does a grader/reviewer watch the entire recording for each exam session?
No. Although full recordings are available for each assessment session, the system applies a "suspicion level score" derived from an algorithm that considers the behaviors and other data points recorded during the assessment session. Additionally, suspicious behaviors and activities are flagged within each session recording as well as a detailed PDF report, enabling the reviewer to quickly review for possible transgressions.
When does recording start and stop?
Recording starts right as you enter the exam, after the diagnostics pre-check and exam agreement have been completed. Recording stops as soon as the test-taker submits or closes the exam.
How long will my exam recording be stored?
All exam recordings are stored for a period of 6 months.
Technical Requirements and Browser Support
Which browsers are supported?
Participants taking assessments must use either
- Google's Chrome browser with Proctorio's Secure Exam Proctor Chrome extension
- Microsoft Edge with Proctorio's Secure Exam Proctor extension
Can the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension for Chrome and Edge be installed in advance?
Yes. Go to the Edge Extension download page or the Chrome extension download page, depending on your browser. Download and install the extension.
Once I install the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension, is it always on?
No, Proctorio only runs during the exam. Test-takers can tell when Proctorio is "on" because the Proctorio extension shield icon will turn green. Since Proctorio is a browser extension, it can be uninstalled or disabled immediately after an exam is submitted and reinstalled or enabled in time for the next exam.
What are the technical requirements for a participant's device?
What if a participant's device does not meet the technical requirements?
Before an exam launches, system diagnostics are performed on a participant's device to ensure compatibility and ensure that the device settings and hardware such as the webcam, microphone, and screen sharing are properly enabled.
Do I lose exam time during the pre-check process?
No. The exam timer does not start until after the pre-checks are complete.
Privacy and Security of the Proctorio Extension
Is the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension spyware?
No. Proctorio makes the test-taker fully aware of what permissions are required to enter a Proctorio exam. Proctorio software runs as a browser extension, meaning its access to the information on a test-taker's personal computer is limited and it cannot access personal files or change system settings.
Does the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension use facial recognition?
No. Proctorio only uses face detection and gaze detection which cannot uniquely identify an individual's face. Face detection is used to detect the presence of one or more human faces or if the test-taker has left the exam for any reason.
Can the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension access the personal computer files or data of exam participants?
No. Proctorio will never access your personal files or data stored on your computer.
Does the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension have access to my web history?
No, Proctorio does not have access to your browser history.