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Online proctored exams have become the norm as universities and organizations continue shifting to hybrid and remote learning. With AI-based identity checks, dual-camera monitoring, browser lockdowns, and real-time proctors, the system is designed to maintain fairness. Yet the question many still search for is: “Is it possible to cheat on a proctored exam?”
While students attempt various tactics simple to highly tech-driven modern proctoring solutions have evolved to detect them. This article breaks down the most common ways students cheat in online proctored exams, how proctoring software identifies suspicious behavior, and the latest technologies that protect exam integrity.
Why Students Attempt Cheating in Online Exams
Despite the strict monitoring, cheating attempts persist because:
- Students feel unseen behind a screen
- They assume AI cannot detect advanced techniques
- Pressure to perform leads to unethical shortcuts
- Misconceptions exist about what a proctoring tool can and cannot detect
To address this, it’s crucial to understand the tactics students use and how proctoring systems fight them.
1. Unauthorized Collaboration
Some students attempt to collaborate secretly during exams using:
- Messaging apps
- Social media chat groups
- Hidden earphones
- Video calling tools
They may share answers, discuss questions, or receive remote help.
How proctoring detects this:
AI identifies unusual eye movements, whispering, or additional voices in the background. Suspicious pauses, repeated glances, and attempts to hide the mouth often trigger flags.
2. Impersonation
A common and unethical method is letting someone else take the exam. Students may:
- Share login credentials
- Use a fake ID
- Ask a more skilled candidate to write the exam
Is it possible to cheat on a proctored exam using impersonation?
It’s increasingly difficult due to technological advancements.
Detection:
- Face recognition
- Photo ID match
- Voice biometrics
- Random re-authentication prompts throughout the test
If mismatched details appear, the system logs an impersonation attempt.
3. Plagiarism
With answers available online, students may copy-paste responses—especially in essay-style exams.
However:
Proctoring tools detect:
- Copy-paste activity
- Screen changes
- Use of unauthorized shortcuts
- Content similarity through plagiarism checkers
This makes it hard to rely on external text sources undetected.
4. Unauthorized Resources
Students often try to access:
- Smartphones
- Notes or cheat sheets
- Textbooks
- Browsers or apps on their laptop
Can a proctored exam see your screen?
Yes. Many proctoring solutions record the screen, track mouse activity, and restrict new tabs.
Can I use split screen during online exam?
Most secure browsers block it. Attempting split screen or tab switching typically triggers an integrity flag.
5. Malpractice in the Exam Environment
Cheating can also happen physically around the candidate. Examples include:
- Notes behind the screen
- Answers on hands, sticky notes, or walls
- Hidden earbuds
- Outsiders whispering answers off-camera
How detection works:
- Dual cameras show surroundings
- Suspicious audio gets flagged
- Proctors request a 360° room scan
Even subtle movements are captured.
6. Using AI Tools Like ChatGPT and Other AI Answer Generators
With the rise of generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and AI-powered solver tools, a growing number of students try to use them during online proctored exams. These tools can generate instant answers to complex questions, making them appealing for cheating attempts.
How Students Attempt This Method:
- Opening AI websites in hidden browser windows
- Using smartphones to type or dictate questions into AI tools
- Wearing concealed earbuds connected to someone feeding AI-generated answers
- Using software overlays or virtual machines to access AI without detection
- Using browser extensions or AI plug-ins that generate written responses instantly
Students often believe AI assistance is undetectable but proctoring tools have evolved significantly.
Is It Possible to Cheat on a Proctored Exam?
Students Google how to cheat on a proctored exam, how to cheat on online exam, or is it possible to cheat on a proctored exam.
Reality:
Cheating attempts are common, but detection is easier than ever.
With AI, multi-camera monitoring, and real-time human oversight, it is extremely difficult to cheat without being flagged.
What Happens If You Get Caught Cheating on a Proctored Exam?
Consequences vary by institution but can include:
- Exam invalidation
- Failing the course
- Suspension or academic probation
- Permanent record of academic dishonesty
- Loss of scholarship or certification eligibility
Every proctored exam generates audit trails, so there is always evidence to review.
How Talview Detects and Prevents Cheating in Online Proctored Exams
Talview’s AI-powered proctoring is built to identify modern cheating methods—but more importantly, to prevent them.
1. Comprehensive Integrity Score
Within 24 hours, Talview generates a detailed integrity score for each candidate. This includes:
- Risk-level events
- Proctor notes
- End-to-end video recording with timestamps
This helps exam administrators validate authenticity quickly.
2. Live Proctoring
Trained proctors monitor candidates in real time. They intervene immediately upon detecting:
- Screen sharing
- Unauthorized devices
- Multiple faces
- Suspicious sound
Human invigilation adds a strong layer of security beyond AI.
3. Secure Browser Lockdown
Talview’s secure browser prevents:
- Tab switching
- Copy-pasting
- Opening apps
- Screen sharing
- Split-screen attempts
This eliminates many common cheating methods.
4. Candidate Authentication
Talview uses:
- Face-to-ID matching
- Voice authentication
- Random identity prompts
It becomes nearly impossible to impersonate another candidate.
5. Secondary Camera Monitoring
Dual-camera proctoring allows a complete view of the environment, making hidden notes, assisting individuals, or off-screen devices detectable instantly.
6. Record and Review
AI captures every activity and flags unusual behavior. Human proctors review events to ensure fairness and accuracy before certifying the results.
How Talview Supports Fair, Secure, and Scalable Online Exams
By combining AI, advanced analytics, and human expertise, Talview safeguards exam integrity without compromising candidate experience.
Institutions using Talview reduce cheating incidents significantly while ensuring exams remain fair, credible, and compliant with global standards.
Book a demo today to see how Talview ensures secure and trustworthy online proctored exams.
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