Prepare for ProctorU: Canvas Exams

Students must access their exam through the ProctorU Guardian Browser in order to use ProctorU. Download and install the ProctorU Guardian Browser to your operating system. Allow at least 30 minutes for installation and troubleshooting.

• Download the ProctorU Guardian Browser

Create your ProctorU account. In your course space, accessed through Canvas, select the ProctorU link from the course navigation menu to create your account.

• When creating your account, be sure to list your WSU email as your email address.
• Important: You will need to log in to your ProctorU account in order to complete your proctored exam(s).

Note: Students CANNOT use Chromebooks for virtual proctored exams. If that is your only option, notify your instructor as soon as possible. 

Check and test your equipment to make sure your system is compatible with ProctorU.

• Check ProctorU Equipment Requirements  
• Test your equipment. You can also select Test Your Equipment from your ProctorU tool in your course space.

Devices not supported:

• Google Chromebooks
• Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
• Linux operating systems
• Windows 10 in S mode or Surface RT

Equipment Troubleshooting

• Camera Troubleshooting
• Microphone Troubleshooting
• How to Disconnect Multiple Monitors/Displays – You are only allowed to use one monitor attached to one computer during your exam.

The environment needs to be quiet, well- lit, and away from other people. The workspace area needs to be free of any materials not allowed on the exam. It’s preferable to choose a hard surface for a workspace rather than a bed or couch. 

Need Help and Support?

1. Prior to taking your exam:
   • Make sure you’ve downloaded the ProctorU Guardian Browser (Step 1 above).
   • Test your equipment. Visit go.proctorU.com and select Test My Equipment, or select Test Your Equipment from your ProctorU home page.
   • Have your photo ID with you. You’ll be asked to show a government-issued photo ID (a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or WSU student ID) during the ID check. 
2. Get your testing workspace ready:
   • Be located in a private, well-lit room with no one else around you.
   • Choose a hard surface for your workspace (rather than a bed or couch).
   • Clear your workspace from all materials except those allowed by your instructor.
   • Close all third-party programs and unplug any secondary monitors.
   • Remove any non-religious head coverings (i.e., baseball cap), headphones, and smart watches.

Actions and behaviors that will be flagged during an exam:

• Talking aloud: Unless you have an accommodation, talking or whispering aloud during the exam is not permitted.
• Being out of camera view: Your face, chin to forehead, needs to be in the camera view at all times.
• Anyone entering your testing area: You may not have anyone else in your testing location with you.
• Anyone talking to you while you’re in your testing area: Additional noises, including other people talking to you, while you’re in your exam are not allowed.
• Looking off-screen: If you aren’t allowed any materials or scratch paper, your eyes should stay on the screen at all times while testing.
• Utilizing materials that are not allowed: You’re only allowed the permitted materials allowed by your instructor.
• Taking pictures or screenshots of the exam: Taking pictures while in your exam, including screenshots, is not permitted.
• Copying and pasting any elements of the exam: In most cases, ProctorU will not allow you to copy and paste any content from your exam. Regardless of whether you can or cannot perform this function, ProctorU will capture all events of copy and paste that occur.
• Utilizing a virtual machine: Virtual machines can be detected through the pre-exam system check, and are not permitted.
• Utilizing a secondary monitor: You are only allowed to use one monitor attached to one computer during your exam.

Prior to starting your exam, you will need to log in to your ProctorU account. This should be done directly through your course space.

Follow the steps below when you are ready to start your exam. You will need to use the ProctorU Guardian Browser to start your exam.

1. Log in to Canvas.
2. Navigate to your course space.
3. 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. 
     
4. 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.