Enable and Use Testlify's Proctoring Features

Testlify offers a range of proctoring features to help you monitor candidate activity, maintain assessment integrity, and review potential violations. You can choose the features that best fit your assessment requirements and configure their settings to match your preferred level of monitoring.

This guide explains how to enable proctoring features, configure their available options, and review the information collected during an assessment.

Before You Begin

  • You need Admin or Assessment Manager access to configure assessment settings.
  • Proctoring settings are configured individually for each assessment.
  • Some features include additional charges. Review the pricing displayed in your Testlify workspace before enabling paid features.
  • Depending on the selected feature, you can configure tolerance limits, violation limits, warnings, automatic assessment termination, and other settings.

Open the Proctoring Settings

To configure proctoring for an assessment:

  1. Open Assessments in your Testlify workspace.
  2. Select the assessment you want to configure.
  3. Click Edit to open the assessment setup.
  4. Navigate to the Proctoring tab.
  5. Select a proctoring preset or choose Custom to configure individual features.
  6. Enable the features you want to use and configure their available options.
  7. Click Save to apply your changes.

Choose a Proctoring Configuration

Testlify provides three configuration options:

  • Standard: A balanced set of proctoring controls for general assessment monitoring.
  • Strict: A more restrictive configuration for assessments that require stronger monitoring controls.
  • Custom: Allows you to select individual proctoring features and configure their settings according to your requirements.

Choose the configuration that best suits your assessment. If you need specific controls, select Custom and configure each feature separately.

Screen and Device Monitoring

1. Full-Screen Mode

Full-Screen Mode requires candidates to take the assessment in full-screen view. Enabling Force Full-Screen Mode adds stricter controls to help prevent candidates from leaving full-screen mode during the assessment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Full-screen mode.
  3. Enable Force full-screen mode if you want to enforce full-screen use.
  4. Configure the tolerance limit and violation settings shown for the feature.
  5. Click Save.

Configure the Available Options

  • Force full-screen mode: Enforces full-screen use during the assessment.
  • Tolerance limit: Defines the allowed time, in seconds, before a detected event is treated as a violation.
  • Terminate in case of violation: Enables automatic assessment termination when the configured violation threshold is reached.
  • Violation limit: Defines how many violations are allowed before the configured termination action is triggered.

When a candidate exits full-screen mode, they may be prompted to return to the assessment. If termination is enabled, reaching the configured violation limit can end the assessment automatically.

Review Full-Screen Violations

Open the candidate's report and locate the Proctoring section. Select View Logs under Full Screen Violations to review the recorded events.

2. Tab Proctoring

Tab Proctoring detects when a candidate switches away from the assessment tab. This can help you identify activity that may require further review.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and go to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Tab proctoring.
  3. Set the tolerance limit, if displayed for the selected configuration.
  4. Enable Terminate in case of violation if you want the assessment to end after the permitted number of violations.
  5. Set the Violation limit when termination is enabled.
  6. Click Save.

Configure the Available Options

  • Tolerance limit: Sets the allowed time, in seconds, for the detected event before it counts as a violation.
  • Terminate in case of violation: Automatically ends the assessment when the configured violation limit is reached.
  • Violation limit: Sets the number of violations permitted before termination.

Review the recorded tab-switching activity before deciding whether a candidate has violated your assessment rules.

3. Mouse Out Tracking

Mouse Out Tracking records when a candidate moves their mouse cursor outside the assessment window. This information can help you identify activity that may need further investigation.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Mouse out tracking.
  3. Set the Tolerance limit in seconds.
  4. Click Save.

The tolerance limit determines how long the cursor can remain outside the assessment window before the event is counted as a violation.

Review Mouse Out Activity

Open the candidate's result page, go to the Proctoring section, and select View Logs under Mouse Out Violations.

4. System Requirement Check

System Requirement Check allows you to check whether a candidate's device meets the technical requirements configured for the assessment before they begin.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable System requirement check.
  3. Click Configure to review the available settings.
  4. Enable Limit retry attempts if you want to restrict how many times a candidate can retry the system check.
  5. Set the Number of attempts.
  6. Click Save.

Configure Retry Attempts

The Limit retry attempts option controls whether candidates can retry the system requirement check only a specified number of times. Use the Number of attempts field to set the permitted number of retries or attempts according to your configuration.

This feature helps identify technical compatibility issues before the candidate starts the assessment.

Behavior Tracking

5. AI Assistance Detection

AI Assistance Detection helps identify activity that may indicate the use of AI assistance during an assessment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and go to Proctoring.
  2. Enable AI assistance detection.
  3. Enable Terminate in case of violation if you want the assessment to end automatically after the configured violation threshold is reached.
  4. Set the Violation limit.
  5. Click Save.

Configure Violation Handling

  • Terminate in case of violation: Automatically ends the assessment when the configured violation limit is reached.
  • Violation limit: Defines how many detected violations are permitted before termination.

Use this feature to support your assessment integrity policies. Review the available results and context before making a final decision about a candidate.

6. Copy/Paste Tracking

Copy/Paste Tracking monitors copying and pasting activity during an assessment. It can be useful for assessments where candidates are expected to produce their own responses without copying content from external sources.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Copy/paste tracking.
  3. Enable Show violation warning if you want candidates to receive a warning when a violation is detected.
  4. Enable Terminate in case of violation if the assessment should end after the configured violation threshold is reached.
  5. Set the Violation limit when termination is enabled.
  6. Click Save.

Configure the Available Options

  • Show violation warning: Displays a warning to the candidate when a violation is detected.
  • Terminate in case of violation: Automatically ends the assessment when the configured violation limit is reached.
  • Violation limit: Sets the number of violations allowed before termination.

Review Copy/Paste Activity

Open the candidate's display page and navigate to the Trust Insights section to review the recorded copy/paste events.

7. Question-Level Activity Logs

Question-Level Activity Logs provide information about a candidate's activity on individual questions, helping you review time spent and potential interruptions.

To enable it:

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Question level activity logs.
  3. Click Save.

To review the data, open the candidate's results and navigate to the Proctoring section. Select View Logs to access question-level activity information.

Location

8. Location Tracking

Location Tracking records location information during the assessment.

To enable it:

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Location tracking.
  3. Click Save.

Note: When a candidate uses a VPN, the reported location may reflect the VPN server rather than the candidate's actual location.

9. VPN Detection

VPN Detection helps identify when a candidate is using a virtual private network during an assessment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and go to Proctoring.
  2. Enable VPN detection.
  3. Enable Block candidates using VPN if candidates using a VPN should not be allowed to proceed.
  4. Click Save.

The blocking option allows you to decide whether candidates detected as using a VPN can continue with the assessment.

Identity

10. Photo ID Verification

Photo ID Verification asks candidates to photograph and upload a valid government-issued identity document before beginning the assessment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Photo ID verification.
  3. Click Save.

Candidate Experience

Before starting the assessment, candidates are prompted to capture and upload their identity document as part of the verification process.

Review Uploaded IDs

Open the candidate's display page and navigate to the Proctoring section to review the uploaded ID.

Pricing: The Proctoring settings display a charge of $0.50 per attempt for Photo ID Verification. Review the applicable charges before enabling the feature.

11. Face Match

Face Match is an identity verification option displayed under Photo ID Verification in the Proctoring settings.

How to Configure

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Photo ID verification.
  3. Enable Face Match if you want to use the face-matching option.
  4. Click Save.

Use the available identity verification settings to support your candidate verification process.

12. Snapshot Proctoring

Snapshot Proctoring captures photos of the candidate through their webcam at scheduled intervals during the assessment. These snapshots can help you review the candidate's presence and assessment environment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Snapshot proctoring.
  3. Select the required interval under Set interval for snapshots.
  4. Click Save.

Configure the Snapshot Interval

Use the interval dropdown to determine how frequently snapshots are captured. Select the interval that best fits your monitoring requirements.

Review Snapshots

Open the candidate's display page and navigate to the Proctoring section to view the captured snapshots.

13. Dual Camera Proctoring

Dual Camera Proctoring uses a candidate's mobile device as a second camera to provide an additional view of the candidate and their surroundings while they take an assessment on a computer.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Dual camera proctoring.
  3. Enable Terminate in case of violation if you want the assessment to end when the configured violation conditions are met.
  4. Enable Customise instructions to provide instructions for candidates.
  5. Edit the instructions to explain how the candidate should connect and position their mobile device.
  6. Click Save.

Customise Candidate Instructions

You can provide instructions such as:

  • Open the same assessment link on the mobile device.
  • Position the mobile device next to the laptop so the camera can capture both the candidate and the laptop screen.
  • Complete the mobile monitoring setup before starting the assessment.

Make sure the instructions clearly explain how candidates should position their device and complete the setup.

14. Talking Prohibition

Talking Prohibition uses the candidate's microphone to detect and log voice activity during the assessment.

To enable it:

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Talking prohibition.
  3. Click Save.

When voice activity is detected, the candidate may see a warning. Recorded events can be reviewed in the Proctoring section of the candidate's display page.

Advanced Proctoring

15. Live Video Proctoring

Live Video Proctoring provides an additional way to monitor candidates during an assessment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Live video proctoring.
  3. Set the Tolerance limit in seconds.
  4. Enable Terminate in case of violation if you want automatic termination after the configured violation threshold is reached.
  5. Set the Violation limit.
  6. Enable Enable candidate preview if you want candidates to see a preview before proceeding.
  7. Click Save.

Configure the Available Options

  • Tolerance limit: Sets the allowed time, in seconds, before a detected event is treated as a violation.
  • Terminate in case of violation: Automatically ends the assessment when the configured violation limit is reached.
  • Violation limit: Defines the number of violations permitted before termination.
  • Enable candidate preview: Allows candidates to preview their camera before proceeding.

Live Video Proctoring is marked as a Beta feature in the Proctoring settings.

16. Camera Recording

Camera Recording records the candidate through their camera during the assessment.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Camera recording.
  3. Enable Show camera preview to candidate if you want candidates to preview their camera before the assessment begins.
  4. Click Save.

The preview option helps candidates confirm that their camera is working and positioned correctly before proceeding.

17. Screen Recording

Screen Recording captures the candidate's screen activity during the assessment so that it can be reviewed later.

How to Enable

  1. Open the assessment and navigate to Proctoring.
  2. Enable Screen recording.
  3. Enable Show screen preview to candidate if you want candidates to preview their screen before starting.
  4. Click Save.

When both Camera Recording and Screen Recording are enabled, Testlify displays the camera and screen recordings together.

Best Practices for Configuring Proctoring

  • Choose features based on your assessment needs. Not every assessment requires the same level of monitoring.
  • Set tolerance and violation limits carefully. Consider how much time candidates should be allowed for brief interruptions before an event is counted as a violation.
  • Use automatic termination thoughtfully. Enable it when your assessment policy requires the assessment to end after a specified number of violations.
  • Provide clear candidate instructions. This is particularly important for dual-camera setup, camera access, and screen recording.
  • Review recorded activity before making decisions. A proctoring event is useful evidence for review, but it should be considered in context.
  • Review any applicable charges. Some proctoring features have additional per-attempt costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different proctoring settings for different assessments?

Yes. Proctoring settings are configured for each assessment, allowing you to select features based on the requirements of that assessment.

What is the difference between a tolerance limit and a violation limit?

A tolerance limit specifies the time allowed, in seconds, before a detected event is counted as a violation. A violation limit specifies the number of violations permitted before a configured action, such as automatic termination, is triggered.

Can I automatically terminate an assessment after a violation?

Yes. For features that provide the Terminate in case of violation option, enable it and configure the violation limit to determine when the assessment should end automatically.

Where can I review candidate proctoring activity?

Depending on the feature, you can review recorded activity from the candidate's report or display page, typically in the Proctoring or Trust Insights section. Some features provide a View Logs option for more detailed information.

Do all proctoring features have an additional cost?

No. Some features display additional per-attempt charges in the Proctoring settings. Review the pricing shown in your workspace before enabling a paid feature.

Need Help?

For assistance with configuring Proctoring features or choosing the right settings for your assessments, please reach out to Testlify Support. Our team will be happy to guide you.

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