This page outlines the security standards, technical requirements, and operational practices Kryterion follows when delivering online proctored exams with comprehsenive security.
Document version: v09282026.
Security & Exam Integrity
Kryterion Site Security
Kryterion operates globally and is centrally located in the United States with supporting locations and associates in the Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Japan. Kryterion locations require a security badge provided to employees only to access the site, security cameras that can be actively monitored, and a motion detection alarm system in the event the office is closed.
Security Measures and Quality Assurance
Security during online exams includes but is not limited to:
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Live proctoring of online exams by Proctors located at Kryterion locations for 24/7 coverage.
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Proctors utilize system alerts and transcript notation to document or address non-conformities. Proctors are supported by Customer Support Advocates when they escalate a candidate's session.
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Proctors and Customer Support Advocates never see or have access to live examination content.
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Video and audio recording of all test sessions.
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Ability to review exam sessions available after exam submission which are time stamped for any alerts sent during a testing session, viewable on the session's transcript.
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Daily auditing of sessions by Quality Assurance Analysts.
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Pre-Exam Security Check
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Optional Service: Candidate AI assisted pre-check is enabled, which prompts the candidate to validate their identity and secure their environment prior to beginning their exam.
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During the Pre-Check, the candidate will use their mobile device to perform several validations to ensure their identity, environment, or test material meets our security standards before seeing exam content.
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Customer Support Advocates will step in as needed during the AI Pre-check process to assist with the validation.
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Customer Support Advocates only work with 1 candidate at a time.
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Communication is provided via text chat, with tools to establish a voice call as needed.
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Validations may include but are not limited to:
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Government ID check against their Webassessor account biometric information. (First and last name, photo)
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Scan or panning of the environment to ensure unauthorized test aids, devices, or people are not a risk to exam integrity.
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Individual unauthorized test aids found should be moved at least 1 foot away from the front, right, or left of the testing device.
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Cluttered testing areas are examined, though will not be cleared unless the test sponsor requires it.
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Approved test aid material, or behaviors, as outlined in the exam accommodations.
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Camera type or position check when requirements include an external 90-degree view of the candidate, or dual camera.
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All pre-check expectations, or accommodations, must be approved and communicated before being implemented toward an exam.
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AI is used for a more streamlined check-in process.
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AI assists in checking the candidate's identification and in securing the surrounding area through captured photos.
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Photos captured during the AI pre-check are not saved for security reasons.
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Security Note: While the pre-check process is optional for Kryterion test sponsors, sponsors with accreditation or seeking accreditation will need to elect to use it to meet accreditation and test industry standards.
Candidate Support & Experience
Customer Support
Kryterion provides 24/7 support to all Kryterion Online Testing candidates for their Webassessor access needs.
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Exam launch assistance is limited to online proctored and Kryterion test center delivered exams. Paper Based, Unproctored, or Privately Hosted events are supported by the Customer Experience team. For assistance, please contact Customer Experience at clientsupport@kryteriononline.com.
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Web-form for Test Candidates: https://support.kryterion.com/contact/kryterion-support-webform-BJGi_dGq1e
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Outside Exam Experience - Live agent and AI guided chat support: https://support.kryterion.com
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The support chat is accessible via the bottom right of the community site screen. Clicking this option prompts the user to provide initial information to assist our Support Advocates.
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Ability for the user to save or request their transcript.
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Ability for the user to upload images or files for review.
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Inside Exam - Live agent support
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Button is located at the upper right corner while taking an exam. Shown as: Support
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During an Online Proctored exam this support is facilitated within Webassessor.
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Displays the candidate's video feed for their reference.
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Pauses the exam content and timer.
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Support conversation and notation accessible after the exam has completed, or suspended.
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System & Technical Requirements
KRYTERION Online Proctoring System Requirements: Secure Browser
The candidate must install the secure browser software to take an online proctored exam. The secure browser software creates a locked-down testing environment on the candidate's workstation to ensure the integrity and security of the testing session. It prevents the candidate from going to another website, disallows certain key functions, and disables plug-ins and applications (such as recording devices, Skype, etc.).
Secure Browser Application: Respondus
Camera Requirements
Comprehensive security exams require the use of dual cameras, including the device's built-in camera and an external camera, to proctor the exam. This setup provides a more comprehensive view of the candidate and their testing environment, helping ensure the integrity of the exam.
Security Note: Dual camera provides an enhanced view of the environment, meaning more of the test candidate, desk area, and area around the test candidate can be monitored for subversive indicators. With visibility to these areas while the candidate is testing, a proctor can more confidently address factual security concerns that rely less on subjective suspicions.
Dual Camera Requirements
The candidate will be instructed to set up their additional camera behind them, while the internal camera is positioned in front of the candidate. Refer to our candidate guidance [here] for additional information.
Security Note: This is the optimal camera requirement for online testing as more of the testing environment can be monitored for subversion. Additionally, the use of a mobile device as the second camera assists in reducing the number of cheating devices available to a candidate.
Proper Dual Camera Placement
Dual Camera: The proctor must be able to see all of the following items at the same time, from an internal view and 45-degree angle. (Please see image below for reference):
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Mouse
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Keyboard
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Test Aids (if allowed), with the whole test aid in view for duration of the session.
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Candidate's full head and torso
Authentication & Biometrics
Biometrics
Test Sponsors may choose to use one, or both, biometrics offered by Kryterion: keystroke analytics and facial recognition. This is an additional level of authentication that can be used beyond requiring a password to launch the exam and verify the identity of the candidate. Kryterion recommends that Test Sponsors use biometrics in online test administrations of credentialing exams to ensure test security is as close to onsite test center security as possible.
If a Test Sponsor requires either type of biometric, the candidate must create a biometric profile during an enrollment process after Step 1, installing the secure browser. After the biometric profile is created, upon launching an exam, the system will verify the candidate's biometrics before allowing them to proceed in the exam.
Keystroke Analytics
For keystroke analytics, the Candidate's typing pattern, which is based on the flight of the fingers between keys (i.e., speed) and the duration of the fingers on the keys (i.e., rhythm) creates a unique biometric profile. During the enrollment phase, the candidate is prompted to type in their name 5-8 times to create a biometric profile. When the candidate launches into the exam, he/she will be prompted to type their name again and the software analyzes the typing pattern to ensure it matches the one captured during the enrollment process.
Facial Recognition
For facial recognition, the candidate will take an image of themselves during enrollment. When the candidate launches into the exam, they will be prompted to take another image to compare. The technology compares a facial mapping of both images to verify the candidate's enrollment photo and authentication photo are a match.
Enhanced/Accreditation Security Overview
Dual cameras are required to appropriately monitor and secure the testing environment. An internal camera cannot be used to effectively monitor the testing environment.
Pre-checking Requirements
Pre-checked exam sessions will assist in validating that candidates and their environments are properly prepared to take an online exam, refer to section "Pre-Exam Security Check". It also benefits any program specific instructions that need to be practiced prior to the candidate seeing exam content.
In addition to our standard security practices, our Customer Support Advocates will assist toward removing accessories/consumables as listed:
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Hats, head scarves
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Watches
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Masks
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Consumables that are not considered water in a clear container.
An exception is made for medical or religious items.
Testing Conditions
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The testing area should be well lit, quiet, and free from distraction.
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The testing surface area is generally clutter-free and contains only one computer system, one monitor (dual monitors will be detected by the secure browser and the 2nd monitor will be disabled for use), one keyboard, and one mouse.
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Only allowed test aids are in the immediate area.
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Interaction with other individuals during test sessions is not permitted and may result in early test session termination, unless approved by the Test Sponsor.
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Breaks during exams are not allowed unless specifically authorized by the Test Sponsor. Leaving the area for any reason may result in early test session termination.
Proctoring Operations
Online Proctor Training
Training for Proctors includes though is not limited to:
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40 Hours Training Curriculum.
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Structured training curriculum with Trainer.
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Training videos with scenario examples.
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40 Hours Shadowing.
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Shadowing a more experienced Proctor.
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60 days of Nesting.
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Standard Operating Procedures documentation designed specifically for the Proctor role.
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Summative Exam resulting in a credential (i.e., Kryterion Certified Proctor).
Online Proctor Equipment
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All online Proctors use noise cancelling headphones set at a pre-determined minimum level for optimal audio intake to distinguish aberrant behavior during an exam.
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All online Proctors use monitors with SD resolution.
The goals for Kryterion online Proctors are:
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Ensuring the candidate has set up their testing area, or camera, in a standardized manner so the session can be effectively proctored to yield a valid test result. (Non-Precheck)
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Recognizing and sending the appropriate alerts to the candidate when unauthorized activity is observed and escalating the testing session to a Customer Support Advocate when appropriate. This includes all forms of behavior for which Kryterion is responsible to document, react to, and report (e.g., cheating and/or test item theft).
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Allowing Candidates to test as freely as possible, only disrupting the session when concerns about test security arise.
Test Security Provisions
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Online Proctors must strictly monitor the testing sessions. Only the Candidate is permitted to be in the immediate testing area during a test session unless approved by the test sponsor.
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Online Proctors visually inspect all candidates' eyewear to check for smart glasses or any type of video recording technology.
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If a concern is identified, the session will be escalated to a Customer Support Advocate.
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Online Proctors assess candidates for any accessory attire or other items that are not allowed in the testing area and ensure they are removed.
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Items or accessory attire identified by the Proctor after a test session has begun are subject to inspection and/or removal based on severity of security risks they pose.
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Customer Support Advocate (CSA) Operations
Customer Support Advocate Training
Training for CSAs includes but is not limited to:
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40 Hours Training Curriculum.
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Structured training curriculum with Trainer.
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Training videos with scenario examples.
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40 Hours Shadowing.
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Shadowing a more experienced CSA.
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60 days of Nesting.
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Standard Operating Procedures documentation designed specifically for the CSA role.
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Summative Exam resulting in a validation of understanding.
Test Delivery Services Training Articles
Proctors and CSAs have access to a comprehensive and routinely updated library of policy and procedures for reference and quality assurance of proctoring and candidate assistance activities. Our internal articles provide resources to continually update and improve the efficacy of Kryterion online proctoring services.
Candidate Policies & Compliance
Candidates Requiring Accommodations
Kryterion operates under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as all other local, state, and federal regulations. Upon request from the Test Sponsor, Kryterion will add reasonable accommodation to an exam for individual Candidates that require it. An accommodation must be discussed and planned with Kryterion prior to being added to an exam to allow for sufficient adherence to the exam security exceptions.
Candidate Misconduct
Candidates displaying certain behaviors will be sent alerts and escalations will be made to correct the behavior/situation, up to and including suspending the session from continuing or early termination of the session entirely. Alert parameters and special considerations are set at the discretion of the Test Sponsor. Each interaction within the online session is notated on the session's transcript itself, made by either the Customer Support Advocate or the online Proctor.
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Any alert sent during a session will be logged in the session's transcript with the alert name and a time stamp.
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Should the session be escalated to a Customer Support Advocate, the Support Advocate's conversation will be stored in the session's transcript.
Examples of Candidate misconduct during an exam can include:
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Using any prohibited test aids during the exam (e.g., unauthorized written material, study materials).
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Threatening or lewd conduct.
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Attempting to access a test session using another user's credentials or personal profile.
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Talking or vocally reading out loud in the test area during the test session.
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Tampering with the operation of the computer or attempting to use it for any purpose other than taking the test during the test session.
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Using unauthorized personal items during the test session (e.g., portable electronic devices such as a cell phone or tablet).
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Receiving assistance of any kind from another individual during the test session.
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Attempting to record and/or photograph any parts of the exam or test session.
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Leaving the test area without approval.
Alerts, Escalations & Rules
Customizable Proctoring Business Rules
Below is a description of the various types of alerts. For each type of alert, the Test Sponsor must decide which action, if any, should be taken by the system. For each type of alert, Test Sponsors can have the system take no action or suspend the testing session. In addition, Test Sponsors must indicate the number of times an alert is sent before a system action is to be taken. Unlimited should not be used, and instead an exam exception to the behavior should be implemented.
Although the proctoring rules are highly customizable, Kryterion recommends that Test Sponsors administer online proctoring test sessions with as little variation with onsite test center security as possible. Test Sponsors can alter the settings (e.g., types of permitted cameras, actions taken in response to triggering events during test sessions) as needed to accommodate higher or lower security assessments and risk tolerances. Online proctoring settings for individual examinations are reported separately.
Allowance for breaks during testing is also reported separately according to individual test sponsor policies that use Webassessor functionality to maintain examination security (e.g., forward-only navigation) while accommodating the need for candidates to step away from the testing session temporarily.
Exam alerts are a Proctor's only form of communication to a Test Candidate. In the event an alert is not effective with communicating the online exam's testing expectations, the candidate will be escalated to a Customer Support Advocate for a 1:1, text-based, conversation. This occurs only once for the given behavior being addressed and is not practiced if the candidate has gone through a pre-check. You may also opt for Proctors to notate only instead of alerting to limit candidate interruptions.
Alerts (and meanings) during online exam
(Note that Candidate video feed and on-screen direction is also shown to the Candidate during alerts):
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Test Taker Left Area
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Triggering Event: Candidate leaves testing area.
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Alert: Written notification that leaving the testing area is not permitted.
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Unauthorized Test Aid
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Triggering Event: The candidate has materials in the testing area that are not approved.
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Alert: Written instruction to remove unauthorized items and reference to authorized items.
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Inappropriate Environment
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Triggering Event: The Proctor notices materials, items, or persons in view of the candidate that are not allowed in the testing area.
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Alert: Written and visual instruction to remove items like hats, headphones, jewelry, watches, phones and tablets.
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Camera out of Position
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Triggering Event: Non-acceptable view of testing area.
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Alert: Written instructions on how to adjust camera as well as photo of view needed for external camera on alert screen.
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Camera out of Focus
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Triggering Event: Camera view is blurry or distorted.
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Alert: Written instructions on how to adjust focus on alert screen.
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Poor Lighting
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Triggering Event: Too bright/dark in testing area.
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Alert: Written instructions on how to increase or decrease lighting in the area.
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Reading Exam Aloud
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Triggering Event: Candidate audibly reads exam content, talks about exam, or to another person.
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Alert: Written instructions to refrain from speaking during the exam.
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Leaning Out of View
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Triggering Event: Tester leans out of camera view.
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Alert: Written instruction to refrain from leaning out of view during exam.
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Test Item Theft
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Triggering Event: Visual confirmation of test item theft (e.g., photos of exam being taken, video recording) or other proxy testing events (e.g., seat swapping)
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Alert: Written notification that candidate is not allowed to photograph, record, or write down the test items and to discontinue this action immediately.
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Eye Movement
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Triggering Event: Prolonged staring, looking away from the exam subversively such as using an item out of view.
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Alert: Written notification to focus on test questions during the exam. Eye strain can be relieved by closing them and looking away often or for long periods may impact their ability to continue the exam.
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Escalations during the exam and their meaning
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Audio
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Triggering Event: Audio is not present for the proctor during session.
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Alert: Session will be paused with a written notice that an Advocate will be with them shortly to assist.
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Video
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Triggering Event: Video not available for the proctor at beginning of session or lost during session.
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Alert: Session will be paused with a written notice that an Advocate will be them shortly to assist.
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Environment
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Triggering Event: Testing environment standards are not met.
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Alert: Session will be paused with a written notice that an Advocate will be them shortly to assist.
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General
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Triggering Event: Technical issues, Proctor directed questions, address confusion and/or nonconformance to initial alerting.
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Alert: Session will be paused with a written notice that an Advocate will be them shortly to assist.
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Tools, UI & Test Aids
Online Exam Test Aids – Test Candidate and Proctor Facing
Approved test aids may be represented in the form of accommodation icons available to both candidate and Proctor. The icons may generalize the physical items allowed, while a unique icon may outline specifics as needed.
Available Icon Options
Differing from Test Center examinations, our online Proctors lose their visibility to the Test Candidate on exam submission. Items containing exam content cannot be controlled.
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Paper and Pencil
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We highly recommend against allowing physical scratch paper.
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Calculator
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One Book
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Multiple Books
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Written Materials
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ADA / Special Accommodations
For the following, we highly recommend only allowing outside reference materials or notes to be provided on low-stakes exams that do not result in the awarding of a formal credential that validates competent practice (i.e., certification or licensure exams).
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One Book
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Multiple Books
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Written Materials
Example of Session Icon use: A calculator is allowed for the online exam. A test sponsor may allow:
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A physical non-specific calculator. (only session icon utilized)
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A calculator is provided within the exam. (no session icon utilized) (Possible note in ADA)
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A specific physical calculator. (session icon and note in ADA utilized)
Online Proctor UI Example
Visual example of a Proctor's screen when monitoring online proctored test candidates.
Online Customer Support Advocate UI Example
Visual example of a Customer Support Advocates screen when supporting a candidate. This image is pulled from training material.
Interruptions for Reasons Other than Candidate Misconduct
Various disruptions can occur during the testing session, such as test delivery system or equipment failure, construction noise, power outages, unexpected arrivals, or severe weather conditions. Candidates may also accidentally submit their test before they have completed the exam. These are not limited to online test taking, and Kryterion makes every effort to ensure online test sessions are as standardized as possible between candidates in all settings. Should interruptions occur outside of the candidate's control the online Proctor will pause the test session until the interruption is resolved and allow the candidate to continue. If interruptions cannot be resolved, the test session will be discontinued, and the candidate may receive reschedule assistance depending on the reschedule rules provided per Test Sponsor.
Proctor to Candidate Ratio
Each Proctor can monitor a limited number of sessions at a time which are distributed evenly. Currently the maximum number of sessions that can be assigned to a single online Proctor is 15. However, a single online Proctor handles between 4-8 sessions depending on several factors (e.g., seasonality of testing volumes, shift staffing).
Operationally, Kryterion's Test Delivery Services will forecast their Proctors with a 1:8 ratio as the baseline using test sponsor forecasts in conjunction with historical data. Additionally, capacity is monitored on a weekly and monthly basis to limit available testing slots to maintain that ratio.
The Kryterion Quality Assurance team finds the 1:8 ratio to be an effective balance between meeting test sponsor demand for testing availability while retaining Proctor and CSA ability to adequately monitor all assigned testing sessions. The Quality Assurance team continually monitors Proctor and CSA performance by auditing test sessions for completeness and accuracy, providing feedback and remediation where needed to maintain appropriate online testing security.
Quality Assurance & Monitoring
Employee Supervision
Kryterion's Proctors and Customer Support Advocates are monitored through Webassessor's Session Master which provides a live display of all active test sessions, their status, and which associate they are assigned to. As well, Kryterion Supervisors will complete regular check-ins to monitor associate attention to their active sessions.
Quality Assurance
Kryterion Proctors and Customer Support Advocates undergo a regular sample review of the sessions they have interacted with each month. These sessions are reviewed by Supervisors and Quality Assurance team members.
Online proctored sessions have the functionality to move from one Proctor or CSA to the next with or without interruption to the test candidate depending on the circumstance. For this reason, a single session may have multiple Proctors or CSAs listed. When reviewing a Proctor's or CSA's interaction with a session, a scoring card system is utilized to accurately track their overall performance, as well as specific policy expectations.
Quality – Proctor
On a monthly basis, proctors should have their work output checked for adherence to a quality that meets Kryterion's TDS department standards. Below are key points and explanations on what is focused on when reviewing an employee's work.
Procedure:
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Proctors' initialing to signal session was received.
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Was the notation clear and provided enough information?
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Did they address any issues via sending alerts, or with escalation?
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Was anything missing prior to the alerts or escalation?
Quality – Customer Support Advocate
On a monthly basis, Customer Support Advocates should have their work output checked for adherence to a quality that meets Kryterion's TDS department standards. Below are key points and explanations as to what is
Professionalism:
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Is the CSA providing positive customer experience?
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Is the CSA clear when providing directions or information?
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Is the CSA using the correct procedure when speaking to a tester?
Procedure:
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Has the CSA followed the correct procedure depending on the issue being addressed?
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Has the CSA provided correct/appropriate information depending on the issue being addressed?
In the event a Test Delivery Services associate falls below a 90% quality average score, they will have 30 days to correct their behavior before being flagged for refresher training, or corrective action.
Session Review & Reporting
Accessing and Understanding the Session Review UI
As a Webassessor Client Admin, you may access the video recording and transcript for a specified candidate's online proctored exam session, specific to your program with Kryterion. This is only available for the Online Proctored Exam delivery type. Examination session recordings are retained at Kryterion until it is formally requested, they be removed in accordance with individual client data retention policies as the controller of the data. From the Client Admin home page, select Candidates then Session Reviews.
After selecting Session Reviews, you will be redirected to the Session Review session search UI. Referenced in the following image are the different functions available to you:
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Client Region: Picklist options to select the specific Client Region desired, leave selection as All to query all of your Client Regions.
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Login: Text field in order to find a specific candidate's exam session recordings, leave blank to query all exam session recordings.
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Search: Button to initialize your exam session recording query.
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Previous Month / Next Month: Selection defaults to the current month and year, Previous Month navigates to the month prior and Next Month navigates to the month after.
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Query Results:
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Candidate Name – The test candidate's name as shown on their Webassessor account.
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Test Name – The exam name taken by the test candidate.
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Event Session Date – Date the exam was taken.
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Event Session ID – Unique value for reporting purposes.
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Registration ID – Unique value for reporting purposes.
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Status – A live reference to the status of the exam.
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Reviewed – Icon to indicate if a session has been reviewed by a Webassessor Admin user.
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Session Review UI
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Reference to candidate details from their Webassessor Account.
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Check to indicate a session has been reviewed, comments text box for relevant notes.
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Biometric Enrollment photo and Validation photo for side-by-side comparison.
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Session video recording with volume options and playback speed settings.
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Transcript page selection.
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The session's transcript records session activity such as when the exam begins, Proctor notations, CSA notations, and support conversations between candidate and CSA.
Access to certain features is restricted based on role type in an effort to reduce item exposure and promote process integrity. Please see the member role description page for information on permissions.