If you're interested in pursuing a career in real estate, you'll need to pass a licensing exam to become a licensed real estate agent or broker. One key component of the exam is having a proctor to ensure that the exam is conducted fairly and according to the rules. But what exactly does a real estate exam proctor do?

In this post, we'll explore the responsibilities and duties of a class proctor and why they play a critical role in the licensing process for aspiring real estate professionals. Whether you're preparing to take your real estate exam or simply curious about the process of proctoring a test, this post will provide valuable insights into the world of exam proctoring.

What is a Proctor?

A proctor is a person who supervises an exam or a test to ensure that it is conducted fairly and according to the guidelines. A proctor may monitor test takers to prevent cheating or other violations of testing protocols. Proctors may be employed by educational institutions, testing companies, or other organizations that administer exams. They may also be volunteers who oversee exams for community groups or other organizations. In some cases, proctors may be responsible for administering the exam, distributing test materials, and collecting completed exams for grading.

What Does a Proctor Do?

A real estate exam proctor is responsible for ensuring that the licensing exam for aspiring real estate professionals upholds the integrity of the exam-taking process.

So, what does a test proctor do? Here are some of the key duties and responsibilities of a real estate exam proctor:

Verify the identity of test takers. Proctors may check the ID of each test taker to confirm their identity.
Explain the test instructions. Proctors may read out the instructions of the exam and clarify any questions or doubts that the test takers may have.
Monitor test takers. Proctors may observe test takers during the exam to ensure that they are not cheating or violating any testing protocols. This includes ensuring that you do not leave the testing site, you do not use your phone or access other websites or materials, and you do not have contact with anyone while taking your exam.
Respond to questions. Proctors may answer questions from test takers about the exam, but they are typically not allowed to provide any assistance with the exam questions.
Report any irregularities. Proctors may report any irregularities or violations of testing protocols to the relevant authorities.
Collect completed exams. Proctors may collect completed exams at the end of the exam and ensure that they are securely stored until they are graded. They may also collect any scratch paper or materials that you may have used to work on complex problems.

This helps ensure that the testing environment is secure, fair, and consistent for all test takers.

Who can proctor an exam?

The requirements for who can be a class proctor may vary depending on the specific exam and the organization administering it. However, here are some general guidelines on who can be a proctor:

Educational institution staff. Many schools and universities have staff members who are designated exam proctors. These may include professors, administrators, or other school personnel.
Testing center staff. If the exam is being administered at a testing center, the center's staff may serve as proctors.
Professional organizations. Some professional organizations may have a network of approved proctors who can administer their exams.
Employers. In some cases, an employer may be able to serve as a proctor for an employee who needs to take a certification exam related to their job.
Notaries. In some states, notaries may be authorized to serve as exam proctors.
Government agencies. Some government agencies, such as the military or law enforcement, may have designated personnel who can serve as exam proctors.

Anyone the test taker has a personal relationship with, such as relatives, direct supervisors, or co-workers, is NOT considered a qualified proctor.

It's important to check the specific requirements for the exam you are taking to determine who is authorized to serve as a proctor.

What does proctored exam mean?

A proctored exam is an exam that is supervised by a proctor, an experienced supervisor, or an invigilator who is hired specifically to monitor test takers during an exam from beginning to end. A proctored exam is typically required for certification or licensure exams, online courses, and other high-stakes exams that require a high degree of security and accountability.

The proctor's role is to monitor the test taker to prevent cheating and ensure that the exam is completed in a secure and standardized manner. The proctor may be a person who is physically present in the same room as the test taker, or they may be a remote proctor who monitors the exam via video conference or other technology.

How does a proctored exam work?

Here is a general outline of how a proctored exam works:

The test taker schedules the exam for a specific date and time that is convenient for them.
On the day of the exam, the test taker checks in with the proctor, who verifies their identity and ensures that they are authorized to take the exam.
The proctor typically gives the test taker instructions on how to take the exam, including any rules or procedures they must follow.
The test taker then begins the exam while the proctor monitors them to ensure that they are not cheating or violating any testing protocols.
Once the exam is complete, the proctor may collect the test materials and ensure they are securely stored until they are graded. The test taker may receive a confirmation of completion or a score report, depending on the exam.

The specifics of how a proctored exam works may vary depending on the exam and the test proctoring method. For example, in the past, exams were predominantly conducted on paper in physical classrooms, making proctored assessments the most prevalent. Proctors were typically present during these exams to distribute test papers, keep track of time, and prevent cheating. However, with a shift to online learning, the traditional method of exam proctoring has also shifted to online proctoring. Nowadays, online exams can either be proctored through live or recorded monitoring, or they can be non-proctored.

Do's and Don'ts for Online Proctoring

Here are some general do's and don'ts for online proctoring, but it's important to check the specific requirements and rules for the exam you are taking to ensure that you comply with all the necessary regulations.

Do:

Ensure that your computer and internet connection meet the minimum requirements for online proctoring.
Test your equipment and internet connection before the exam to avoid technical issues.
Familiarize yourself with the exam instructions and rules.
Follow the proctor's instructions during the exam.
Have your ID and any other required materials ready before the exam.
Be on time for the exam.
Remain focused on the exam and avoid distractions.
Notify the proctor immediately if you experience any technical issues or other problems during the exam.

Don't:

Communicate with anyone else during the exam unless it is allowed by the exam instructions.
Use any unauthorized materials or resources during the exam.
Try to cheat or violate any testing protocols.
Use any prohibited software or tools during the exam.
Try to access other applications or websites during the exam.
Use any external devices or peripherals that are not allowed by the exam instructions.
Leave the testing environment during the exam.
Attempt to impersonate someone else or use a fake ID.

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Written and Published by: VanEd