Using ProctorU for online exams

AU partners with ProctorU to offer you the opportunity to write your online exams from the comfort of your home, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

An online invigilator will connect to your computer remotely through a secure platform and invigilate your exam using your computer’s camera and microphone. You will need a quiet, distraction-free place in your home to take the exam, and you will need to ensure your computer equipment, and the space you will write your exam, meet ProctorU’s requirements.

Booking your ProctorU invigilated exam

1. If you have not already done so, find your course syllabus and confirm that the exam is available as a virtual exam. If the option exists, continue.
2. First, you’ll have to set up your account through ProctorU. Please ensure that your name matches exactly how it is on your government-issued identification and what is listed in your myAU account. For more information, visit the ProctorU AU student portal.
3. We ask that you book your exam invigilation through your ProctorU account at least 10 days before your desired exam date. As the platform is a third-party service, there is a fee associated with using ProctorU.
4. Your next step will be to request your exam through your myAU account using ProctorU’s invigilation identification number: 3278826.
5. Lastly, ProctorU will send you a confirmation email. Be sure to check your junk folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
6. Ensure you will have access to a valid, not-expired AU student ID card or government issued photo ID on the exam date. If your ID is expired, reach out to the AU Exam Unit as soon as possible to discuss your options.

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Before your exam

1. It is important that you review ProctorU’s exam readiness guide.
2. Make sure to review ProctorU's equipment requirements and test your equipment before writing your exam. (Note: ProctorU invigilated exams cannot be written on smartphones or tablets.) It is important that it is tested in a similar virtual and physical environment to where you intend to write your exam. If you've failed multiple equipment tests, reach out to the ProctorU Help Center or their Live Chat for help before you start your exam.
3. Your workspace should be as private as possible and free from distractions. Review the ProctorU requirements for your workspace.
4. Review AU’s Learner Support Services’ improving your study skills.
5. Check with your instructor and course information to confirm what resources you are permitted in the exam (e.g., breaks, calculators, etc.).
6. At an additional cost, you can choose the “take it soon” or “take it now” options. The “take it soon” option allows a test to be scheduled within 72 hours of the chosen start time. The “take it now” option allows you to take a previously AU issued test on-demand, with no invigilation appointment needed. You can find all ProctorU fee information on our Office of the Registrar website. Keep in mind that all ProctorU fees are in US dollars.
7. If you encounter extenuating circumstances before opening or starting your examination, it will be available for up to 5 days from the originally declared write date. This 5-day hold period is only to account for unexpected mitigating situations. Otherwise, students are expected to write their examinations on or before the originally declared write dates.

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On the day of your exam

1. Make sure your computer is plugged in and ready to go. Having your computer battery die or having to stop to plug in during your exam can cost you valuable exam time.
2. You are encouraged to restart your computer in advance of your exam session. This will help prevent background or unpermitted programs from getting in the way with your exam session.
3. If you can, we suggest you connect your computer to your internet router using a hard-wired connection. That way you’ll have a more consistent, reliable internet signal in case your Wi-Fi slows down. Writing your exam physically near your Wi-Fi router can also help maintain a strong internet connection.
4. Make sure your physical space is clear of unpermitted resources and ready for your exam. This includes your desk, walls and floors around the exam work area, and any other surface that may contain restricted materials (including secondary monitors, posters, tablets, etc.). Check out our tips from ProctorU and what to expect on the day of your exam.
5. Don’t forget your virtual exam space. Make sure unpermitted notes and programs are closed, and not accessible during the exam. You should memorize or may want to write down your passwords as these may not be accessible on your computer once the ProctorU invigilation process has started.
6. Have your current, valid government-issued or Athabasca University student photo identification (ID) available. Remember, the name on it needs to exactly match your name on your ProctorU account and your myAU account.
7. Have the login information for your AU exam handy. That information is listed in your exam approved e-letter. Once you are cleared to move into the online exam platform, you will need to know in which platform your exam is scheduled on.
8. Once connected, your ProctorU invigilator will direct you into your learning management system (i.e., Lotus Notes, Moodle, etc.) or exam delivery platform so that they can unlock your examination. The proctor will then supervise the exam session monitoring you through webcam, keyboard strokes, mouse movement and other computer activity via a remote connection.

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Writing your ProctorU exam

1. Once your proctor releases control of your computer, you’re able to get started with your exam.
2. If you have any issues during the exam, connect with your ProctorU invigilator through the chat box or through ProctorU’s support team.
3. After completing your exam, make sure you let the proctor know that you’re complete by sending them a note through the chat box before you submit your exam.
4. Log out of your exam, close the browser, close the chat box. Congratulations, you did it!