The role of a proctored invigilator (often simply called a proctor) is to uphold the integrity, security, and fairness of an examination. They act as an impartial supervisor, ensuring that all students adhere to the established rules and that the testing environment is consistent and secure for everyone. Their work is crucial in maintaining the credibility of the assessment process, whether it occurs in a physical testing center or online.
Core Responsibilities: The Three Pillars of Proctoring
The invigilator's duties can be broken down into three main areas:
Pre-Exam Setup and Verification:
Before the exam begins, the invigilator is responsible for preparing the environment. In a physical setting, this involves setting up the room, ensuring desks are spaced appropriately, and posting rules. For online exams, this means ensuring the proctoring software is functioning correctly. Their most critical pre-exam task is identity verification, where they check each student's government- or school-issued ID to prevent impersonation.
Vigilant Monitoring During the Exam:
This is the most active part of the role. The invigilator continuously monitors candidates for any behavior that could compromise the exam's integrity. This includes watching for:
- Unauthorized Materials: Use of notes, textbooks, or electronic devices not explicitly permitted.
- Communication: Attempts to communicate with other candidates or individuals outside the testing environment.
- Suspicious Behavior: Excessive looking away from the screen (suggesting use of a secondary device), unusual eye movements, or audible whispering.
In an online context, this is done via webcam and screen-sharing technology, often assisted by AI that flags anomalies for human review.
Rule Enforcement and Incident Documentation:
The invigilator is the authority figure in the exam room. If they observe a rule violation, they are tasked with intervening, which can range from a warning to disqualification, depending on the severity. They meticulously document any incidents, creating a formal report that includes the time, nature of the violation, and actions taken. This objective record is essential for any subsequent academic integrity proceedings.
In essence, the proctored invigilator is not merely a watcher but a guardian of the exam's validity. Their presence ensures that the credential earned reflects a student's own knowledge and effort, thereby protecting the value of the qualification for all.