When taking a proctored exam, it’s natural to wonder: Is it a real person watching the proctored exam? The answer depends on the proctoring method—but in many cases, yes, a real person may be involved, either live or in review.
In live proctoring (used by ProctorU, Examity Live, or institutional remote invigilation), a certified human proctor is watching the proctored exam in real time. They monitor your webcam, screen share, and audio, and can speak to you if you violate rules.
However, in AI-only proctoring (like Respondus Monitor or Honorlock’s automated mode), no one watches live. Instead, software records your session and flags anomalies. But here’s the key: even in AI systems, a real person may later review your session if flagged—so technically, a real person could still end up watching the proctored test after the fact.
Some platforms use a hybrid model: AI monitors continuously, and a human joins only if an alert triggers. In those cases, a real person might watch part of the proctored exam live.
Importantly, you should always assume a real person is watching the proctored exam. This is because your behavior is being recorded and can be reviewed by instructors, proctors, or integrity committees. This mindset helps you stay compliant.
Even if no one is watching live, the possibility that a real person will review your session means you must follow all rules strictly. After all, academic consequences apply regardless of whether monitoring is live or delayed.
So, to answer directly: sometimes a real person is watching the proctored exam live; other times, they review it later. But in all cases, your actions are subject to human judgment. That’s why it’s safest to treat every proctored exam as if a real person is watching the proctored exam from start to finish.