Overcoming Cheating Challenges with AI-Powered Remote Proctoring

Companies and educational institutions are opting for online exams to save costs, time, and effort it takes to arrange for offline tests where the candidates have to be physically present at the venues.

However, with the ease of execution that the online alternative brings, it also comes with some unique challenges that need to be overcome if they have to remain effective. Similar to offline tests, candidates have come up with clever ways to bypass the system and it’s important to know these methods and the relevant countermeasures to prevent cheating in online exams–given the fact that there obviously aren’t any invigilators physically around to keep an eye during the process.

Why Is Cheating A Major Concern in Recruitment?

A company entrusts key data and private information to the candidates once they are hired. If they got in through some kind of malpractice or impersonation, this can seriously harm not only the company’s operations, daily output, and money, but their reputation too–especially if this becomes public knowledge.

If that cheating candidate does get a head start in the exam, it becomes an unfair advantage compared to those candidates who are trying to genuinely pass the test (and probably undoubtedly would do better at doing that job). False hiring can be a costly mistake — it sours team performance and morale, leading to greater implications for the organisation.

Additionally, if there is cheating that goes undetected it raises the issue of whether or not any aspect of the hiring process can be trusted, and it could seriously damage a company's brand should intentions become known. This can lead to legal implications, since it often entails falsifying credentials or qualifications. This is why cheating prevention in assessments has become one of the key focus areas of companies in all major industries.

What Is an AI-Powered Proctored Test and How Does It Help in Hiring?

AI-powered remote proctoring software is a really sophisticated system that scans candidates and keeps an eye on their every movement through the digital camera to ensure transparency in every online test.

Remote proctoring software solutions are equipped with next-generation camera and voice sensing devices, constantly deterring unethical activities and continuously monitoring the candidates all through their test sessions. Proctoring software for online exams is capable of fitting right in by integrating with online platforms as well as real-time monitoring test sessions, which helps maintain a uniform testing standard among different students. 

The system is powered by machine learning algorithms that constantly help in capturing and reviewing video and audio data to detect any possible misconduct; not to mention that AI proctoring makes it possible to take multiple assessments at once, showcasing that this technology is not only sophisticated but also scalable and efficient in the current assessment system - both for companies and institutions.

Common Tactics Candidates Use to Cheat on AI Remote Proctored Exams and Ways to Deal with Them

1. Employing External Devices

It’s now common knowledge that almost all on-screen activities are usually tracked by remote proctoring software. Hence candidates mirror their desktop screen on an external display or projector for the helper to look up the exam content and signal the solutions. Cheating with electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or smartwatches is another potential risk during online exams. You use them to look up a note, search for an answer or talk to someone else.

MeritTrac tip: Don’t allow the usage of external devices during the examination. Deploy online proctoring software such as the one by MeritTrac that is able to spot any devices connected to the candidate's computer.

2. Screen Sharing Methods

The candidates can share their screen with someone who might know the solutions to the questions asked in the test.

MeritTrac tip: Incorporate proctoring software into your hiring platform that can help detect screen sharing during the test and inform the stakeholders involved.

3. Copy Pasting

The answers can be copied from online resources or candidate's notes.

MeritTrac tip: Install anti-plagiarism software or scan the answers for possible similarities.

4. Using Virtual Machines

A virtual machine is a simulated computer. Candidates use a virtual machine (another operating system at their disposal on the side) to find answers to an exam question while proctoring software watches their device's main OS. Candidates can use the virtual machine to take the test through multiple instances so they can search for answers with another interface, without even leaving the exam.

MeritTrac tip: The AI proctoring software used should be able to identify and block virtual machines from executing.

Case Study: A University Significantly Reduces Cheating with AI-Powered Remote Proctoring

Background:

With more than 10,000 students studying online at the university, cheating in online exams was becoming a major challenge.

Problem:

The students were using mobile devices and employing screen sharing and impersonation; the quality of academic work was compromised.

Proposed solution:

In 2023, the university turned to AI proctoring by implementing face recognition and other technologies to tackle suspicious tactics and illegal devices.

Results achieved:

This cut down cases of cheating in the first semester. The system not only improved fairness and scalability, but also helped maintain exam integrity. As a result, professors and students had an easier time trusting the process.

The Way Forward

Remote proctoring technologies are the ultimate solution to minimise cases of cheating during online examinations and hiring. MeritTrac provides the perfect assessment platform with a remote proctoring system. This helps organisations filter the perfect candidates in the online recruitment process. It also assists in removing any possible fraud techniques. Drop an email at info@merittrac.com to book a free demo.

FAQs

1. How does AI proctoring help with the security of online tests?

AI proctoring solution improves the security of online exams with AI algorithms. It inspects test-takers via video and audio analysis, detects cheating, and ensures that the person being tested is the same person throughout the examination. This goes a long way towards establishing the integrity of the online testing environment.

2. Can AI-proctoring systems manage a large volume of candidates at once?

Yes, AI proctoring systems can monitor several examinees in a simultaneous session, thus giving a very scalable solution to online examinations happening at scale.

3. Are there any disadvantages to using AI proctoring?

There are some areas of improvement in AI proctoring such as false-positive processes, privacy concerns, and an increase in candidate stress and anxiety.