ProctorU

ProctorU is a remote invigilation service that allows students to complete online examination at home. It is not an assessment platform and therefore does not facilitate the design or delivery of exams. Instead, ProctorU is used in conjunction with existing assessment platforms such as Canvas Quizzes in order to add a layer of security and ensure exams are delivered securely to verified students. For their part, students must meet a number of technical requirements which include having access to a webcam, microphone and reliable broadband connection. Students are also responsible for ensuring their exam environment is suitable, including the fact that it must be free from interruption, have a suitable workspace and is well light.

Proctor U Basics
ProctorU has been used by the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS) on their online Computer Science programmes since 2015. More recently in 2020 and 2021 it has been used by the Hertfordshire Law School (HLS) on their Legal Practice course and also in the School of Life and Medical Sciences (SMS) on their course Online Optometry Independent Prescribing course. There are various reasons why this has been the case, here are just a few of the most common reasons.
- The programme is offered online and has global appeal by not requiring students to travel to campus in order to sit examinations.
- An examination is a requirement of a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) and students are not able to attend for in-person examinations (e.g COVID).
- Invigilated examinations offers peace of mind to students where technical problems may arise during an exam (i.e. they are supported and unforeseen issue are evidenced).
- Add credibility and security to the assessment landscape of a programme.
ProctorU is supported and funded at school level subject to request approval. For guidance on getting started and pricing information, please contact TELSupport@herts.ac.uk. Other useful resources include:
Find out more
You can learn more about the experiences of colleagues at UH using the technology by exploring the following resources.
- Lilley, M., Meere, J. and Barker, T., 2016. Remote Live Invigilation: A Pilot Study. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 2016(1), p.6. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/jime.408.
- Between 2017 -2019, the then School of Computer Science and the Learning and Teaching Innovation Centre (LTIC) collaborated on a EU funded project known Online Proctoring for Remote Examinations (OP4RE). You can read more about this project on the OP4RE website.
- Christopher Menzies from the Hertfordshire Law Schools shares his experiences as part of an audio poster presentation at the Learning and Teaching Conference 2021. Transition to online proctored assessments on the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Further Information
Software Licences: For details of pricing and service level agreements, please contact TELSupport@herts.ac.uk.
Integrations: Although ProctorU integrates with Canvas, it is not currently integrated at Herts, this is because the technology is only used on a small number of programmes.
Accessibility: ProctorU works with an independent accessibility solutions firm to determine how well it conforms to the WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. Currently, this is only available on request. Please see the ProctorU accessibility statement.
ProctorU does include a feature that allows the examining institution to register accommodations against a student’s ProctorU account. For example, where a student is entitled to 25% extra time or bathroom breaks as part of their study needs agreement. Please note that some accommodations such as adding extra time are not within the control of Proctors, these must be set up as part of the assessment.

Support queries may be sent to TELsupport@herts.ac.uk.
Professional colleagues and students should contact Helpdesk@herts.ac.uk