A proctored exam is an exam that is overseen by an impartial individual, called a proctor, who monitors or supervises you while you are taking the exam. The proctor ensures the security and integrity of the exam process. A valid form of ID is always required before beginning a proctored exam. If you've ever taken an SAT/ACT/etc. exam, the procedure is similar in nature. There are rules and protocols that must be followed.
Some eCore courses will have a proctored exam requirement, while others will have major project assignment. Students in courses with a major project will be directed by their professor regarding project submission. Please check in with your course instructor regarding these requirements.
For courses with a proctored exam requirement, a proctored exam experience is required for successful completion of an eCore course. In courses requiring only one proctored exam, failure to take that exam will result in a failing grade for the course regardless of the average of other grades. In courses in which the instructor requires two proctored exams, you may or may not pass the course as long as you take at least one of them, depending on your other grades. In other words, the zero you receive on the missed exam will lower your average grade for the course significantly, perhaps below the passing mark.
Exam costs for USG Testing Centers may range from $15 – $40 per exam. These costs vary for each location. They are payment for the use of a testing facility, as well as the proctor's time to monitor your exam. Some testing centers may require prepayment while others will require you to pay when you arrive at the testing center. Appointment confirmations will be sent to your home institution email address.
If you are a currently enrolled student at one of the following schools, you are able to take your exam at your school's testing center without cost: Fort Valley State University, South Georgia State College, Savannah State University, Albany State University, and East Georgia State College. You will be required to pay the proctoring cost If you are currently enrolled in one of the schools listed above and you schedule with a testing center at a school where you are not currently enrolled.
ProctorU – Base cost is $19.75 per session. There may be a surcharge for scheduling within 72 hours of the exam. Payment is due at the time the appointment is scheduled.
LiveProctoring by SmarterServices is $19.75 per session. Please note that you will forfeit your payment to SmarterServices if you miss your appointment and never attempt to connect or fail to cancel the appointment in advance.
Students enrolled in eCore courses have the following options for taking proctored exams:
ProctorU is a live online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from a private, secure location (well-lit with no one else in the room).
Live Proctoring by SmarterServices is a live online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from home or other private, quiet, enclosed location. This is a great option for Chromebook users as it is compatible with Chromebooks.
You can test your compatibility using the SmarterServices System Check. It is important to check your equipment prior to scheduling your exam appointment to ensure it works properly with this virtual option. Technology requirements are also listed on the SmarterServices System Check page. Please check these requirements prior to scheduling.
Any students that cannot use one of the above options will need to contact the eCampus testing coordinators at 678-839-4900 or etesting@ecampus.usg.edu at the beginning of each semester to discuss testing options.
Check your course syllabus as soon as you can access your online course. Not all classes with a proctored exam requirement will have both a proctored midterm and a proctored final. Some classes have only a proctored midterm or a proctored final.
For more information, review the posted eCore Academic Calendar
eCore classes with a proctored exam requirement will have a minimum of one, with a maximum of two proctored exams per course. Whether you must take one or two proctored exams in your course is dependent on what your professor has selected. Keep in mind, in courses requiring only one proctored exam, failure to take that exam will result in a failing grade for the course regardless of the average of other grades. In courses in which the instructor requires two proctored exams, you may or may not pass the course as long as you take at least one of them, depending on your other grades. In other words, the zero you receive on the missed exam will lower your average grade for the course significantly, perhaps below the passing mark.