Virtual proctoring has emerged as a powerful solution for conducting exams in today’s digitally driven education landscape. As more institutions adopt remote testing platforms, the shift promises greater accessibility, flexibility, and scalability. Yet, despite its benefits, virtual proctoring presents several practical and ethical challenges that institutions must address to ensure fair, secure, and effective assessments.
Below, we explore five key challenges of virtual proctoring and the corresponding solutions that can help institutions navigate this evolving space.
1. Maintaining Academic Integrity
Maintaining academic integrity in online assessments is one of the most pressing challenges for institutions. A 2023 review of survey-based research found that 44.7% of university students admitted to cheating in online exams, with the rate rising from 29.9% pre-COVID to 54.7% during the pandemic—largely driven by opportunity and lack of oversight. These figures underscore the inherent risks posed by unsupervised or weakly monitored digital environments.
Solution: Advanced AI-based proctoring tools now offer behaviour monitoring that can detect anomalies such as unusual eye movement, multiple voices, or switching tabs. Pairing AI with human oversight, such as live or recorded invigilation, enhances detection accuracy while respecting student privacy. Institutions should also educate students on academic honesty policies and incorporate integrity-focused exam design, such as question randomisation and open-book formats where appropriate.
2. Data Privacy and Compliance
Remote proctoring requires access to webcams, microphones, and screen activity. Understandably, this raises concerns around data privacy, consent, and compliance with laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Students may be wary of being monitored at home and having their data stored or analysed.
Solution: Institutions must work with vendors that uphold rigorous data security standards and offer transparent policies on how data is collected, used, and stored. Proctoring platforms should request explicit consent, limit data retention periods, and provide secure encryption for all stored information. Aligning with frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 can further validate a platform’s commitment to information security.
3. Technical and Connectivity Issues
Not all students have equal access to reliable devices, bandwidth, or quiet spaces. Remote exams can be disrupted by unstable internet connections, software crashes, or power outages, potentially disadvantageing students through no fault of their own.
Solution: Allowing for flexible exam windows, automatic saving of responses, and offline modes where feasible can help accommodate varying circumstances. Clear technical support channels, compatibility with multiple devices, and pre-exam system checks also reduce friction and ensure smoother delivery.
4. Candidate Authentication
Verifying a student’s identity in a virtual environment presents another layer of complexity. Traditional methods may fall short, especially in high-stakes exams where impersonation is a concern.
Solution: Tools such as multi-factor authentication, facial recognition, and keystroke biometrics offer more secure and scalable options. Platforms that incorporate these features—as seen in solutions such as Janison Remote—help support exam integrity without introducing unnecessary complexity for students. Institutions should also establish clear ID requirements and ensure support teams are equipped to resolve authentication issues promptly.
5. Student Anxiety and Perception
Being monitored via webcam or AI can induce anxiety among students, which may affect performance. There are also lingering perceptions that virtual proctoring is intrusive or unfair, particularly when it involves invasive scanning of rooms or continuous eye tracking.
Solution: Transparent communication is key. Institutions should clearly explain the purpose of proctoring, how the data will be used, and what behaviours are flagged. Offering practice tests with the proctoring tool helps students become familiar with the interface and expectations. Minimising intrusive practices and ensuring that platforms are inclusive by design can alleviate stress and improve perceptions.
Building Trust in the Future of Remote Assessment
As educational institutions embrace digital transformation, virtual proctoring offers a viable path to accessible and scalable assessments. However, it must be implemented thoughtfully, with consideration for ethics, inclusivity, and technical fairness. By addressing these challenges head-on, institutions can not only protect academic standards but also build trust among students and stakeholders in a remote-first learning environment.
