Ever wondered what happens when you cheat on a proctored exam? When you cheat on a proctored exam, you risk more than just a failed grade. You also put your academic record on the line, along with serious professional and legal consequences.
In this article, you’ll learn how proctoring works, how violations are spotted, and what follows when you breach exam rules. Armed with that insight, you can design fairer assessments and reinforce academic integrity.
With on-site proctoring, a staff member watches students in real time. They look for unusual behavior, like glancing at unauthorized notes or whispering to peers.
Many institutions now use artificial intelligence to flag suspicious actions. If you want to learn more, check out our guide on AI proctoring.
At-home proctoring lets students test from a personal space while you still supervise them. Learn about the tools and rules for remote testing in our guide on at-home proctoring.
Proctored exams rely on several layers of oversight:
If any of these cues cross a threshold, the session flags for human review.
Most institutions follow a tiered approach to sanctions. Here’s a general overview:
| Sanction | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Exam nullification | Zero credit for the compromised assessment. | Medium |
| Course failure | Automatic failing grade for the entire course. | High |
| Disciplinary probation | Formal warning with academic probation period. | Medium |
| Suspension | Temporary removal from campus and courses. | High |
| Expulsion | Permanent separation from the institution. | Severe |
Beyond these penalties, you may face transcript notes, a damaged reputation, or even legal action if the exam involves licensure or certification boards.
Once a proctor or AI flags a session, you gather evidence, such as video clips or log reports. You review each item before drawing conclusions.
You must inform the student in writing, detailing the alleged breach and next steps. Transparency helps maintain trust.
Students usually have a window to contest findings or present context. You set clear deadlines and guidelines so they know how to request a review.
Publish your rules in plain language, and require students to confirm they’ve read them. That way you set expectations up front.
Offer a brief orientation or tutorial on academic integrity. You’ll boost awareness and reduce unintentional slip-ups.
Mix question pools, randomize item order, and set time limits. These steps make it harder to share answers or search online during the test.
Ready to strengthen your next assessment? Review your proctoring mix and update policies to keep academic integrity front and center.
