Starting Your Proctorio Exam

Overview

To access your exam, sign in to your institution's learning management system (LMS) or exam platform from the browser on the device you will use for testing. Then, follow your usual steps to open and start the assessment. If you're unsure where to find it, contact your exam administrator or check your email for instructions.

When you start the exam, Proctorio will guide you through installing or launching any required browser extension or app and completing the pre-checks based on your device and exam settings.

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A compatible device
  • A stable internet connection
  • Your LMS or assessment platform login credentials
  • Permission to install any required browser extension or app

See minimum system requirements for details.

Note: Proctorio does not host exams or manage login credentials. Your exam is administered through your institution or exam provider.

Instructions

Regardless of your device, begin by signing in to your learning management system or assessment platform from the device's browser and opening the exam.

Windows or macOS Computers

To take an exam on a Windows or macOS computer, you’ll need the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension. Depending on the exam settings, you may also be prompted to install the Proctorio Desktop App.

To start your exam:

  1. Open Chrome or Edge for maximum compatibility.
  2. Sign in to your learning management or assessment platform.
  3. Open and start your exam. If the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension is not installed, select Add Extension and follow the prompts.

two laptops; both displaying add extension prompt and instructions

  1. Complete the displayed pre-checks. If the Advanced Security pre-check appears:
    1. Select Launch to open the Secure Companion App or Open Store to install it.
    2. Wait for the app to connect, then return to the pre-check page and click Run Now. If prompted, close any listed applications or background processes before continuing.

two laptops: left laptop displays the advanced security pre-check with the option to launch or open store; right laptop shows the advance security pre-check complete with the desktop app connected and running

For troubleshooting steps, see Companion App Troubleshooting.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks require the Secure Exam Proctor extension for all exams. Exams with Advanced Security settings also require the Proctorio Mobile App on supported Chromebooks.

To start your exam:

  1. Open the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
  2. Sign in to your learning management system or assessment platform.
  3. Open and start your exam. If the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor extension is not installed, select Add Extension and follow the prompts.

two chromebooks; both displaying add extension prompt and instructions

  1. Complete the displayed pre-checks. If the Advanced Security pre-check appears:
    1. Select Launch to open the Mobile App or Open Store to install it.
    2. The app launches automatically. If prompted, sign in to your LMS or assessment platform again through the app to complete the remaining pre-checks.

two laptops: left laptop displays the advanced security pre-check with the option to launch or open store; right laptop shows the mobile app open display the platform sign-in page

Note: Not all Chromebooks support apps from the Google Play Store. If your Chromebook is unsupported, use another compatible device or contact your exam administrator.

iOS or Android Devices

You can use the Proctorio Mobile App to take an exam on a supported iOS or Android device if mobile testing is enabled by your exam administrator.

Starting from an iOS or Android Device

You must open and start the exam from a browser on your mobile device before launching the Mobile App.

To start your exam:

  1. Open a browser on your mobile device, preferably Chrome.
  2. Sign in to your learning management system or assessment platform.
  3. Open and start your exam from the browser.
  4. Tap Launch Mobile App to open or install the app. If mobile isn't available for your exam, you'll be notified immediately and must switch to a desktop or laptop device.
  5. If prompted, sign in to your learning management system or assessment platform again through the app.
  6. Complete the Proctorio pre-checks to begin your exam.

thre mobile devices: left device shows the assessment page with to launch the mobile app button; center device shows the mobile app open with the platform sign in page displayed; the right image shows the mobile app open with the first pre-check page, before you begin

Starting a Mobile Exam Using a Desktop QR Code

When mobile testing is enabled, a QR code is displayed on your desktop or laptop so you can continue the exam on your mobile device.

To start your exam:

  1. Open a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Opera) on your desktop or laptop.
  2. Sign in to your learning management or assessment platform.
  3. Navigate to the assessment. Look for the mobile QR code on the instructions page or after selecting Start.
  4. Scan the QR code with your mobile device.
    • If the app is already installed on your device, it will open.
    • If the app is not installed, you'll be redirected to your device's app store to install it.

two devices: left device is a laptop showing the option to add extension or scan a QR code to contine on a mobile device; left device is a mobile device with instructions on how to launch the exam

  1. Once the app is installed and running, open your mobile browser, sign in to your LMS or assessment platform, and tap Launch Mobile App to begin. If prompted, sign in to your learning management system or assessment platform again through the app.

Troubleshooting

Several factors may prevent you from accessing or starting your exam. Fortunately, most issues are easily resolved, but others, such as service outages, may require you to wait until the issue is fixed. Please select the appropriate troubleshooting article based on your specific issue.

I cannot install the required software.

Some devices are managed by an institution or organization, and you may not have permission to install the required applications or browser extensions. Contact your IT department for assistance or try testing on a different compatible device.

For installation instructions and troubleshooting, select the appropriate resource:

If your Chromebook does not support apps from the Google Play Store, you will need to use another compatible device. See minimum system requirements for details.

I am asked to enter an access code or password.

You do not need to enter an access code or password to start your Proctorio exam; however, device or connectivity issues may trigger a request for one.

I'm receiving an error or unable to start my exam.

There are several reasons you may not be able to access or start the exam.

I cannot pass the Systems Diagnostics Test.

The System Diagnostics Test evaluates your device and connection; select the article below based on the error you are receiving.

I cannot pass the Webcam Image Test.

Poor lighting and other factors may prevent you from passing the Webcam Image Test.

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