Canvas Exams

Note: ProctorU will undergo scheduled maintenance throughout the year. Please plan accordingly for the proctored exams in your course. Review the planned maintenance schedule.  

This is a guide for students taking virtual proctored exams that are hosted in Canvas.

You cannot schedule your exam.

Exam Day: Steps to Take to Complete Your Exam

Select the appropriate link below for more information.

Follow the steps below when you are ready to start your exam. All steps must be completed through the ProctorU Guardian Browser.

  1. Open the ProctorU Guardian Browser.
  2. Navigate to canvas.wsu.edu and log in with your WSU NID and password.
  3. Navigate to your course space.
  4. Log in to ProctorU.
    • Select the ProctorU link from the course navigation menu. Make sure you are launching ProctorU from within the course space. Do not open ProctorU in a separate tab.
    • Note: You will NOT access the exam through the ProctorU link. The ProctorU link is used primarily to confirm that you are logged in to your ProctorU account. When accessing your ProctorU account through the link in the course navigation menu, you will be directed to the My Cart page within your ProctorU account. 
  5. Access your exam in the course space.
    • Once logged in to your ProctorU account through the link in the course menu, navigate directly to the exam in the course space. Select the name of the exam to begin your exam with ProctorU.
    • When starting your exam through the course space, you should be directed to the ProctorU pre-checks.

This process will likely take between 2 to 5 minutes unless you experience technical difficulties, in which case ProctorU will assist you. This time is not subtracted from the time you’re allowed in your exam.

  1. Pre-checks: This video walkthrough will guide you through the ProctorU startup process: ProctorU Pre-Check Demo For Test-Takers video
    • If you don’t already have the ProctorU Guardian Browser, you will be prompted to download it.
    • You’ll be required to accept the exam guidelines and terms of service.
    • The browser will prompt you to share your screen, a required part of being proctored virtually.
    • You’ll be automatically guided through a series of equipment checks to make sure your system meets minimum requirements.
  2. Photos and Authentication: You’ll take a photo of yourself as well as your ID for identity verification purposes.
  3. Exam Rule Acceptance: You will be required to review and accept the exam rules outlined by your instructor.
  4. Take Your Exam: Select Begin Exam to start your exam when you’re ready. NOTE: Your webcam view and your screen will be recorded through the duration of your exam. 

  • Are you using the ProctorU Guardian Browser?
  • Did you set up your ProctorU account with your WSU email address?
  • Are you being prompted to enter a password to access the exam?
    • If you are being asked for a password, ensure that you are using the ProctorU Guardian Browser.
  • Did you select the ProctorU link on the left menu before attempting to begin the exam?
    • Note: You will NOT access the exams through the ProctorU link.
  • Is ProctorU not showing you the option to schedule your exam?
    • Hint: It’s not supposed to. There is no scheduling for exams located directly in Canvas. You can take an exam with ProctorU 24/7, during the exam availability.
    • Navigate back to your course space to start your exam.

Help and Support

ProctorU live support is available if you are having trouble getting connected or have other issues preventing you from taking an exam.

Note that Canvas Exams utilize the Record+ service line with ProctorU. If you contact ProctorU support, you must indicate that your exam is through Record+.

Contact ProctorU through one of the following methods: