Exam Security for Semester-Based Courses
There are many options for securing exams and the method may vary based on the instructor.
There are no additional charges to students for the exam security options listed below.
All students are expected to abide by the academic integrity guidelines as outlined in the UND Code of Student Life. Please see the FAQ section for answers to frequently asked questions.
Honorlock
After a comprehensive review process of existing proctoring vendors, Honorlock has been selected as the new proctoring solution for UND. Honorlock provides a hybrid approach that allows students to start a proctoring session at any time (without scheduling) while being monitored by a combination of AI and live proctors.
Honorlock is integrated with Blackboard and uses a Chrome extension to connect for proctoring. To get started with Honorlock, please review the following resources:
- HonorPrep Guided Tour - This will walk you through the entire proctoring process
- Test Taker Resources
- Minimum System Requirements
- Test Taker Privacy Resources
- Honorlock Student Toolbar Overview
- Honorlock Student Best Practices
- Completing a Room Scan Using Honorlock
- Honorlock Student FAQ
Prepare for your Exam
- Make sure your computer/laptop is fully charged and you have a working webcam and microphone connected.
- Make sure you are using the Google Chrome browser.
- Install the Honorlock Chrome Extension
- Check your system at honorlock.com/support.
- Find a quiet, private, well-lit location to limit potential flags and distractions.
- Be sure the desk or table is cleared of all other materials. This means removing all books, papers, notebooks, calculators, cellphones, etc. unless specifically permitted in posted guidelines for that particular examination.
- You may be asked to complete a room scan of your testing area before starting the exam. Students who do not wish to comply with a camera pan of the testing area, should contact their instructor to discuss alternative proctoring options.
- Have a photo ID available for identity verification (UND-issued student ID card or government-issued driver's license, passport, etc.)
Take your Exam
- When you are ready to complete your exam, go to https://blackboard.UND.edu/. Note: Honorlock will not work if you are using https://blackboard.NDUS.edu.
- Navigate to your Blackboard course and click on the exam link. Then click Begin.
- Follow the steps in the How to Use Honorlock (Test Takers) user guide.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you are prompted for a password or access code, verify that you are using https://blackboard.UND.edu/ to sign into Blackboard. Note: Honorlock will not work if you are using https://blackboard.NDUS.edu.
- Make sure you are using Google Chrome and have the Honorlock Chrome Extension installed or enabled. Other proctoring extensions (ProctorU/Proctorio) should be uninstalled from Chrome.
- Your exam session may pause briefly if Honorlock's AI no longer detects your image within the camera feed. Once you refocus your face within the webcam, the AI will automatically resume your exam session where you left off.
Honorlock Support
- Support access is built into Honorlock in real time. Faculty and students can contact Honorlock support by live chat within the Honorlock window in Blackboard and/or by email at support@honorlock.com.
- For answers to common questions visit Honorlock’s searchable knowledge base
ProctorU
ProctorU will continue to be available through the Fall 2024 semester as we transition to Honorlock. ProctorU exams may be set up as Auto with Review (Review+) or Live+ proctoring. Please check the course syllabus and verify with your instructor to find out which proctoring service will be used for your course.
ProctorU Auto with Review
For this proctoring method, a live proctor is not present and you do not need to schedule an appointment.
The session begins with an automated identity verification process. Your audio/video and screen are recorded throughout the exam. The exam recording is then reviewed by a professional ProctorU proctor and instructors are notified of any potential exam integrity issues.
Please note: UND has not transitioned to the ProctorU Guardian browser yet. Some Blackboard and ProctorU screens may include text or instructions about the Guardian browser. Please disregard any references to the Guardian browser and follow the instructions below instead.
Prepare for your Exam
- Review System Requirements
- Use the Chrome or Firefox web browser.
- Do NOT use the Guardian browser.
- Microsoft Edge and Safari are not supported.
- Some courses require the use of Firefox for exams. Please refer to the course syllabus or your instructor for information about browser requirements.
- Download the ProctorU extension for Chrome or Firefox.
- If you use Firefox and the ProctorU extension is disabled, please remove and reinstall the extension.
- Check to make sure you do not have other proctoring extensions installed/enabled.
- Access UND's ProctorU Single Sign-on page to create your account (new users) or sign in (existing users). On the UND Sign in
screen, use your same username and password that you use for Blackboard and click
Sign in.
- New Users: Once signed in, you will be prompted to fill in your address, phone number, and details to create your account. Do NOT change the email address that prefills for your account.
- Existing Users: If you are already signed into Blackboard or another UND system, you will be passed through to ProctorU.
- Run the automated system check.
- Take a practice exam in Blackboard and follow the steps under Take your Exam to become
familiar with the process.
- Go to the UND Student Resource Course in Blackboard
- Select Proctoring Options from the course menu.
- Take the ProctorU Auto with Review Practice Quiz to make sure your equipment is working properly.
Take your Exam
You do not schedule Auto with Review exams.
- Open Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox and sign in to Blackboard at blackboard.UND.edu. If you use any other address for Blackboard you will not be able to take your exam.
- Open a new tab in your browser and navigate to the ProctorU Single Sign-on page. You should be signed in automatically. Leave this window open.
- Go back to your Blackboard tab and navigate to your Blackboard course and click on the exam link, then click Begin. The system should automatically add the password and the ProctorU Welcome screen should open.
- From the ProctorU Welcome screen, begin the process of verifying your identity and setting up your equipment. Mac Catalina users may need to make these security setting adjustments in Chrome in order to proceed.
- Pop-ups blockers must be disabled. If asked to allow ProctorU access, click "Allow".
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are prompted for an exam password and the ProctorU Welcome screen does not appear, please try the following:
- Leave the Blackboard tab open and click on the ProctorU tab. Reload the ProctorU page using the reload button in the top left corner of the browser (or right-click on the page and select Reload). Go back to the Blackboard tab and reload that page as well. This should take you back to the initial Blackboard course landing page. Navigate to the exam link and then click Begin. You should now see the ProctorU setup page.
- Try clearing browser cache/cookies and repeating the steps above.
- Make sure you are using Google Chrome and the ProctorU extension is installed and running and that you are signed in correctly.
- Mac Catalina users may need to make these security setting adjustments in Chrome in order to proceed. Pop-ups blockers must be disabled. If asked to allow ProctorU access, click "Allow".
- Check to make sure you do not have other proctoring extensions installed/enabled.
- For additional assistance, please use the link on the left to contact ProctorU support and notify them that you are taking a UND Auto with Review exam.
ProctorU Live+
Certain time periods may not be available for scheduling when ProctorU experiences extremely high volumes of testing. Please schedule your exam appointment as far in advance as possible.
ProctorU Live+ is a live online proctoring service that allows students to take exams from anywhere using a webcam and Internet connection, while being supervised by a remote ProctorU proctor. Review your course syllabus or Blackboard site for more information. Additional equipment is required when taking PDF (written) exams.
Please note: UND has not transitioned to the ProctorU Guardian browser yet. Some Blackboard and ProctorU screens may include text or instructions about the Guardian browser. Please disregard any references to the Guardian browser and follow the instructions below instead.
Get Started with ProctorU Live+
- Create your ProctorU Account
- Download Chrome or Firefox web browser.
- Do NOT use the Guardian browser.
- Microsoft Edge and Safari are not supported.
- Some courses require the use of Firefox for exams. Please refer to the course syllabus or your instructor for information about browser requirements.
- Download the ProctorU extension for Chrome or Firefox.
- If you use Firefox and the ProctorU extension is disabled, please remove and reinstall the extension.
- Check to make sure you do not have other proctoring extensions installed/enabled.
- Review System Requirements
- Run the automated system check.
- Schedule your Exam as early as possible. If you do not see your exam listed, contact your course instructor.
- Sign into ProctorU when it is time for your appointment. Exams will be accessed through Blackboard and ProctorU will input the exam password. Wait times may be longer than normal (up to 45-minutes to connect to a proctor).
Exam Day: What to Expect
Review the steps and watch the video for Higher Education: What to Expect During Your Remote Proctored Exam.
ProctorU Help
ProctorU Help Center
1.855.772.8678
ProctorU Exam Guidelines
- Students must take the exam in a private, well-lit room. There should be no one else in the room when taking the exam and students should not speak out-loud during the exam (unless approved through an accessibility accommodation).
- For Live+ exams, ProctorU will ask to see a camera pan of the testing area to ensure exam integrity. Students who do not wish to comply with a camera pan of the testing area, should contact their instructor to discuss alternative testing options.
- Students will be asked to remove any papers, notes, books, calendars, personal items (phone, purse, photos) and other unpermitted resources.
- Students will not be allowed to take the exam with books, notes, or reference aids of any kind unless specified in the exam instructions.
- ProctorU will verify the identity of the student (with a photo ID such as a driver’s license) before the exam is started.
- ProctorU will enter the password to allow access to the Blackboard exam. Students should not have access to the exam password.
- Students are not allowed to open any browsers or computer files during an online exam, unless specified in the exam as a permitted resource.
- Students may not print, copy, or retain the exam.
- ProctorU will troubleshoot exam problems that arise during the exam.
ProctorU Data privacy and Security Information
Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is a free custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Blackboard. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. When an assessment is started, the computer is locked into the exam until it is submitted for grading. Compatible with Mac and Windows.
YuJa Proctoring
YuJa Exam Proctoring allows the student to record video/audio and their computer screen while completing an exam. The recording is securely allocated to a centralized instructor folder which will avoid distribution of the exam recording by the student. There is no additional charge for YuJa Exam Proctoring.
GET STARTED WITH YUJA PROCTORING
YuJa Proctoring with Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser can be used in addition to YuJa Proctoring for an extra layer of exam security.
In-Person Proctors
Some courses may allow use of in-person proctors or testing centers for proctored exams if no other options are available. Proctors are individuals who agree to supervise examinations and meet the criteria set forth by the University of North Dakota (see Proctor Policy below). Proctors have the responsibility of facilitating fairness and integrity during testing situations.
Individual fees for in-person proctors will be the responsibility of the student.
Please visit with your course instructor or department to see if this option is available.
Proctor Policy
Please note that the College of Engineering & Mines has a specific proctoring policy. Please see the In-Person Proctoring policy for CEM. Also, courses and programs may have different proctor requirements. Check with your course instructor to verify proctor requirements.
Proctors May Be
- Testing Centers
- School or Public Librarian
- K-12 Teachers or College/University Professors - with a verified school email address
- Educational Administrators (principal/superintendent) - with a verified school email address
- Adult Learning Centers
- Guidance Counselors
- Commanding Officers, Military Education Officers or Embassy Education Officers (for current military students and spouses)
Proctors May Not Be
- Students
- Teaching Assistants
- Friends
- Relatives
- Spouses
- Human Resources Representative
- Direct Supervisors
- Direct Reports/Employees
- Colleagues at Same Level
- Athletic or Assistant Coaches
- Personal Tutors
Proctoring Rules
- All exams will be accessed online. A computer with internet access must be available at the testing site where the exam is proctored. Wireless internet connections are not recommended. Web browser and operating system requirements can be found at Technology Requirements page. The web browser must be configured to accept cookies.
- Proctors must verify the identity of the student (with a photo ID such as a driver's license) and read all of the exam instructions to the student before he or she begins the exam.
- Proctors must closely monitor the student until he or she is finished with the exam and ensure the student does not leave the room, except for an emergency.
- Exams are typically posted in Blackboard and protected with a password. Proctors will not give the student the password for online exams. The student will navigate to the exam in Blackboard and the proctor will enter the exam password when prompted.
- Students are not allowed to open any browsers or computer files during an online exam, unless otherwise specified. Exams should not be printed, unless it is a PDF exam taken with an in-person proctor.
- Students cannot take the exam with books, notes, or reference aids of any kind unless specified in the exam instructions. Students cannot take notes about the exam or attempt by any other means (e.g., by using a cell-phone camera or other electronic device) to copy any part of the exam.
- If the exam is specified as a PDF (printed) exam, proctors must collect all exam documents at the conclusion of the testing period. The completed exam documents should be scanned and uploaded into Blackboard. Some print exams need to be returned to UND by fax and/or by mail. Please check the specific exam instructions within the Blackboard course for details. When exams are required to be returned by mail, students must provide a stamped, addressed envelope for the proctor to mail the exam to UND.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Please contact your instructor or UND Technical Support.
My exam/quiz is not available in Blackboard, what should I do?
If the exam is not available in Blackboard, please contact your course instructor.
What if an exam is not available for scheduling through ProctorU?
Check the Blackboard course site or contact the instructor to find out the exam availability dates. Remember, if your course is using Honorlock or ProctorU Auto with Review, you do NOT schedule your exam.
What if I am kicked out of the exam or receive a submission error?
For exams where the exam was not submitted, the proctor should be able to enter the exam password and let you back into the exam. If the exam submitted prematurely, please contact the course instructor.
What are the technical requirements for proctored exams?
- All exams will be accessed online. A computer with Internet access must be available. Exams should not be taken on smartphones or tablets.
- Exams should be taken in a private, well-lit environment.
- Wireless Internet connections are not recommended.
- Web browser and operating system requirements can be found on the Technical Requirements page. The web browser must be configured to accept cookies.
- See browser and extension requirements above for the various proctoring options.
- Additional equipment is required when taking PDF (written) exams.
What are my options if I am not comfortable with a room scan of my testing area?
- Students may be asked to provide a camera pan of the testing area prior to starting a proctored exam to ensure exam security.
- Students who do not wish to comply with a camera pan of the testing area, should contact their instructor to discuss alternative testing options.
What accommodations are available for students with disabilities?
The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to your classes and program, please contact Student Disability Resources to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom, clinical and/or online course settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with Student Disability Resources at the start of their class/program. More information can be obtained by email UND.sdr@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2100.