Knowing what not to do in a proctored exam is just as important as knowing the material—because even small missteps can trigger integrity alerts. Whether your exam is monitored by AI, a live proctor the rules are strict and consistently enforced.
Some of the things to know are:
First, do not use unauthorized devices. Phones, smartwatches, tablets, or secondary monitors are strictly prohibited. Even having a phone in your pocket or on your desk, can result in your exam being flagged or canceled. Most proctoring systems require a full room scan, and any visible electronic device is a red flag.
Second, do not leave your seat or go off-camera unless your exam explicitly includes scheduled breaks (like the NCLEX). Stepping out of view—may be interpreted as attempting to access notes or receive help.
Third, do not talk, read questions aloud, or make unnecessary noise. Proctored exams often use audio monitoring, and verbalizing answers, sighing repeatedly, or using voice commands (e.g., “Hey Siri”) can trigger suspicion.
Fourth, do not look away from the screen excessively. While occasional glances are normal, repeatedly looking down (as if reading notes on your lap) or to the side (toward a second screen) is commonly flagged by eye-tracking algorithms.
Fifth, do not have other people in the room. Exams must be taken alone. A family member walking by, a pet on your lap (in some systems), or background voices can violate privacy and integrity policies.
Sixth, do not open other browser tabs, applications, or documents unless explicitly allowed. Screen-monitoring software detects unauthorized activity—even minimizing the exam window can be logged as a violation.
Finally, do not attempt to cheat using hidden notes, reflective surfaces, or AI tools. Modern proctoring combines AI analysis with human review, making detection highly likely.
In short, what you should not do in a proctored exam includes anything that breaks isolation, introduces external aids, or distracts from a controlled testing environment. Stick to the basics: one computer, one screen, no talking, no devices, and full focus. By avoiding these common mistakes, you protect your academic record and ensure a smooth testing experience. Always remember: when you know what you should not do in a proctored exam, you’re already halfway to passing with integrity.