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Proctoring Exams

SmarterProctoring

Account Setup

Thank you for your assistance with proctoring exams for The University of Alabama. To facilitate our off-campus proctored exams, UA Online Testing Services utilizes SmarterProctoring for scheduling and exam distribution. Consequently, all proctors will need to have a SmarterProctoring account and will undergo vetting and approval by UAOTS. Please be aware that exam information will not be provided outside of SmarterProctoring. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

To add yourself or your institution to our approved proctor list, visit SmarterProctoring to sign up. You must select a proctor classification from the list below. Find detailed steps for signing up as a proctor on the SmarterProctoring Account Setup tab.

What is an acceptable, off-campus, in-person proctoring site or proctor?

• A two- or four-year college or university with a testing services area.
• An education center, testing or tutoring center, such as Sylvan Learning Center, that provides proctoring services.
• A public library with a currently employed librarian as the proctor.
• A high school principal, advisor or teacher (for UA Early College students only).

What are the criteria for being an off-campus, in-person proctor or proctoring site for an active-duty soldier?

• Education center or a military base testing center at the soldier’s installation.
  • Dependents are eligible to use an education center or base testing center on a case-by-case basis.
• Commissioned officer (0-1 and above)
• Warrant officer (W-1 and above)
• Senior NCO (E-7 and above)

Who is not an acceptable proctor?

• Family members
• Friends
• Co-workers (including supervisor, HR representative, etc.)
• Traveling proctor (a proctor who is not employed at a testing location)
• Academic advisors, instructors or professors

SmarterProctoring Proctor Classification

Here is a list of examples of a proctor account classification. When setting up your account, please select one of these proctoring types based on your occupation and proctoring location. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at onlinetesting@ua.edu.

• Librarian
  • This option is for proctors employed by the library where they intend to provide proctoring services.
• Testing Center
  • This option is for proctors who are employed at an education or testing center such as Sylvan Learning Center.
• Institutional Testing Center
  • This option is for testing administrators/directors/associates/monitors employed at a two- or four-year regionally accredited college or university with a testing center.
• Military Base Testing Center
  • This is for proctors who work on a military base at an education or testing center for military personnel and civilians.
• Military Personnel
  • This is for active-duty military only.
• Educational Professional
  • This option is for a high school teacher, principal or counselor who intends to proctor a student taking UA Early College courses. [Return to Top]

SmarterProctoring Account Setup

How to Set Up an Account (For Proctors ONLY)

To sign up, please follow the instructions below:

1. Go to smarterservices.com and fill out your name, testing center/institution name, and email to be approved for proctoring.
2. After signing up, SmarterProctoring will send you an email to verify your email address. Please follow the link within the email and then log in using the information you provided.
   1. Please be aware that account activations are conducted by SmarterProctoring and can take 3-5 days to complete.
   2. To expedite the process, you can send an email to proctors@smarterproctoring.com requesting that your profile be activated.
3. Complete your Testing Center and Proctor Profile. For detailed instructions on how to finish setting up your account, please refer to the Account Set Up Guide.
4. You’re done for now! After completing the profile, students will be able to find your testing center and request a session with you for any exam they have in the future. SmarterProctoring will let you know when you need to check on your SmarterProctoring account (session request, scheduled exam, etc.).

Note: You can be a part of the SmarterProctoring Testing Center and Proctor Database for all affiliated schools, but if you only wish to be available for The University of Alabama, please follow the instructions below.

• I want my services to be available for all students using SmarterProctoring: If you have completed your proctoring profile and they have activated your account, you are available to all SmarterProctoring students without any additional steps.
• I want my services to be available to only certain institutions: If you only want to proctor for students at certain institutions, simply put these institutions in the “University Affiliations” section of your profile. Then choose “Yes” that you only wish to proctor at affiliated institutions. [Return to Top]

Rules and Responsibilities for Proctored Exams

Overview

The purpose of these guidelines is to clarify the roles of UA students and proctors in arranging proctored exams.

Student Responsibilities

• Be familiar with the proctoring information and instructions provided in the Proctored Exam Scheduling tab on your Blackboard course page for each proctoring method available for your course.
• Be familiar with the proctoring information and procedures listed on the how-to FAQ [link to page].
• Be aware of permitted items, exam windows and time limits on your exams. Plan ahead and schedule your exams in a timely manner.
• Be aware of and follow the academic integrity guidelines [link to academic integrity for students page].
• If you require ODS accommodations for your proctored exams, please make sure to register with ODS and confirm with your instructor and UAOTS that your approved accommodation information has been received.
• Be aware that unless specified as an approved accommodation for your exams, you are not allowed a break during your exam. All exams must be completed in one sitting, so please plan accordingly and manage your time wisely.
• If you experience any technical difficulties during your exam, please make sure to contact SmarterProctoring Support using the live chat feature on your SmarterProctoring account. Also, please make sure to reach out to your instructor and to UAOTS at onlinetesting@ua.edu.
• If you need to have an extension on an exam or need to make up an exam, please contact your instructor. Your instructor will need to notify UAOTS directly at onlinetesting@ua.edu to confirm your approval and to provide a new exam window.

Proctor Responsibilities

• Have an account set up through SmarterProctoring.
• Receive exam passwords or exam files and instructions through your SmarterProctoring account and keep them secure.
• Identify the student with a photo ID.
• Notify the student of what they are allowed to use during the exam (i.e., calculator, notes), as described in the exam and proctoring instructions. Cell phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited from all exams. All personal items should be stored away and out of reach. All electronic devices need to be turned off and stored away out of reach.
• Notify the student of the time limit on the exam. For paper exams, it’s best practice to document the start and end times on the exam cover page. Proctors should keep track of the student’s time and provide warnings when their time is almost over. Proctors do not need to keep track of time for online exams.
• Monitor the student taking the exam.
• If a student is caught using unauthorized material or is not adhering to the exam and proctoring guidelines, please document the incident and confiscate any unauthorized materials or devices. However, please allow the student to continue with the exam. Submit an incident report in SmarterProctoring and/or send a detailed report to UAOTS at onlinetesting@ua.edu.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to UAOTS at onlinetesting@ua.edu. [Return to Top]