Yes, most online proctoring services do record sound during a proctored exam as part of their standard monitoring protocol. Audio recording is used alongside video and screen capture to ensure academic integrity and detect potential cheating behaviors. Platforms like ProctorU, Respondus Monitor, Examity, and Honorlock typically require access to your microphone and will record ambient sounds throughout the entire exam session.
The primary purpose of audio recording is to identify suspicious activities that video alone might miss. For example, proctoring systems may flag:
- Voices or conversations (indicating someone else is in the room),
- Unusual background noise (like typing on another device or reading aloud),
- Use of voice assistants (e.g., saying “Hey Siri” or “OK Google”),
- Or even prolonged silence in exams that normally involve some interaction.
During the pre-exam setup, you’ll usually be prompted to allow microphone access, and many systems perform an audio test to confirm it’s working. In live-proctored exams, a human proctor may also listen in real time and speak to you if they hear something concerning. In AI-only proctoring, the audio is recorded and analyzed later—either by automated algorithms or reviewed by a human if the system detects anomalies.
It’s important to take your exam in a quiet, private space to avoid accidental triggers. Even normal sounds—like a pet barking, a phone notification, or family members talking in another room—can be flagged for review, though they don’t automatically mean you’ve cheated. Still, repeated or unexplained audio events may lead to your exam being scrutinized or invalidated.
Always check your specific exam instructions, but assume that yes—sound is being recorded. To stay compliant, ensure you’re alone, silence all devices, and avoid talking, humming, or making unnecessary noise. If you have a medical condition that causes vocalizations (e.g., Tourette’s), contact your institution in advance to request accommodations.
In short, proctoring services do record sound to uphold exam fairness. Understanding this helps you prepare a distraction-free environment and avoid unintentional violations. When you know that your proctor records sound, you can take simple steps to ensure a smooth, compliant testing experience.