International Access for Proctored Online Assessments

If you plan to use online quizzes with Proctorio, please be aware that the Proctorio tool may cause problems for international users physically located in other countries. Below is a summary of the issues that may be encountered, as well as some recommended solutions.

Challenge: Does Proctorio work in all countries (e.g., China)?

In order to access and complete an online exam with Proctorio settings, students need: 

• a computer with a reliable high-speed internet connection

• Optional: Virtual Private Network (VPN) which is a secure internet access

• reliable access to their Canvas course site

• Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, or Brave browser 

• Proctorio Extension installed in browser

According to Canvas and Proctorio support documentation, Proctorio should work successfully in any country. In reality, a student’s location while taking the exam may affect their experience.

What is the issue?

International access issues may be caused by:

Firewalls or government restrictions

Due to firewalls or government restrictions, students traveling to or located in China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the region of Crimea may have difficulty accessing online Canvas sites and exams with Proctorio settings.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Students may use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to install Google Chrome browser and Proctorio Extension to Google Chrome browser. VPNs are designed to hide a user’s identity, therefore, canceling the benefit of online exam proctoring. Proctorio will recognize the use of a VPN or anonymous proxy service and will not allow those with a VPN connection to access and complete a proctored exam. 

• If you have students who use a VPN to access Canvas, they can use it to download Chrome and install the Proctorio extension. 

• Once the browser installation step is completed, students must turn off the VPN and access an exam through Canvas as normal. 

If any of your students rely on a VPN to access Canvas, it is best to provide an alternative assessment (see suggestions below).

Solution: What can instructors do to avoid issues?

Learn about Proctorio

Some Proctorio issues are caused by incorrect Proctorio set up. To avoid these issues, consult the Proctorio faculty guide or contact the Walker Center for assistance.

Determine if proctored exams are necessary

There are many options available to address online academic integrity, and you may find that you do not need to use online proctoring. If your course typically has timed, in-person, proctored exams, there are a number of options to consider if you wish to use online proctoring tools. These options range from technologically simple to more complex and the appropriate solution will depend on your course assessment needs and requirements. Realize that as these options become more complex, there is more potential for technical issues, student anxiety, and need for individual accommodation.

Please note that it may be possible for you to use alternative assessment strategies or use existing Canvas Quiz settings to address any academic integrity questions you may have.

Provide students with opportunities to test Proctorio settings

If you decide to use Proctorio for online exam proctoring, it is critical that you set up the proctored exams correctly, and work with students to prepare them for this experience. 

A module has been shared to the Canvas Commons that you can import into your course. This module includes a Canvas page with general information about Proctorio, including support information, and a sample Canvas quiz. The Proctorio enabled quiz is helpful in making sure your students are ready for tests throughout the semester.

You can view and import the module by clicking the Commons link on the global navigation menu in Canvas, then searching for Proctorio.

We recommend:

• Create and administer a practice test with Proctorio settings before the actual test.

• Communicate to students that they need to download/install required software and hardware, and check their internet connection.

• Require students to complete a practice exam BEFORE each graded exam. Computer settings, browser extensions, and internet access may change significantly from one exam to the next. The settings and the format of a practice test should be as similar to the actual exam as possible:

• Provide support options for students.

  • Proctorio Help Center is the first line of support; direct students to contact Proctorio support if they experience technical issues during their exam

Have a back-up for international students

If you plan to use Proctorio and have international students (physically located in other countries) in your class, have a back-up assessment plan for those students. For example, you may need to create a separate assessment for those students and use Canvas settings to maximize security (rather than Proctorio).