Whether you can wear headphones during the preview exam depends entirely on the specific rules of the proctoring platform and your institution—but in most cases, headphones are not allowed during official or preview proctored exams unless explicitly permitted for accessibility reasons.
A “preview exam” (often a practice or system-check test) is typically designed to simulate the real exam environment, including all security protocols. Most proctoring services—such as Respondus Monitor, ProctorU, Examity, and Honorlock—require you to use built-in speakers or external speakers, not headphones or earbuds. This is because headphones can be used to receive unauthorized audio assistance, block proctor instructions, or hide communication with others.
During the preview exam setup, the system usually checks your audio output device. If you’re using headphones, you may receive an alert or be blocked from proceeding. Some platforms allow wired headphones with a built-in microphone only if they’re required for accessibility accommodations—but this must be pre-approved by your school or testing organization.
Bluetooth or wireless headphones are almost always prohibited, as they can connect to other devices or interfere with monitoring.
If you have a documented disability or hearing impairment, contact your institution’s accessibility office well in advance to request approved accommodations. Otherwise, assume that headphones are not permitted during the preview exam.
To be safe, use your computer’s built-in speakers and microphone during the preview. This ensures your setup complies with standard proctoring policies and gives you an accurate test run of exam-day conditions.
In short, unless you have formal approval, you should not wear headphones during the preview exam. Following this rule helps you avoid technical issues and ensures your practice session reflects real exam expectations. Knowing whether you can wear headphones during the preview exam prevents surprises and keeps your testing process smooth and compliant.