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ProctorU Record+, Information for Students
This document explains the proctoring tool, ProctorU Record+, for students.
Record+ is an automated proctoring service that allows undergraduate students to take exams online through Canvas or Moodle without an instructor present by using Guardian Browser, a modified version of Chrome. The service authenticates your identity, as well as monitors and records your computer screen, microphone input and the video from your webcam. There is no fee for students to use Record+ and you do not need to make an appointment to take an exam in Canvas that uses Record+. Please note that some programs, placement tests or courses (particularly for graduate students) may use other services, such as Live+ or Review+, which will work differently. Please contact your instructor or program for further directions.
Prepare for the Exam
- Create a ProctorU Test-Taker account. Be sure to use your Illinois email address.
- Please review the equipment requirements. Only select Mac OS and Windows versions are compatible, as well as Chromebooks that meet the requirements.
- Depending on your computer type, you will need to install one of the following:
- For Mac or Windows computers, download and install ProctorU’s Guardian Browser onto your computer.
- View instructions for how to download, install and uninstall Guardian browser.
- On Mac computers, you must also adjust your privacy and security settings.
- For Chromebooks, add the Guardian extension to your Chrome browser.
- For Mac or Windows computers, download and install ProctorU’s Guardian Browser onto your computer.
- Please test your equipment well in advance of your exam to ensure compatibility.
- If you require any DRES accommodations, including extended test-taking time, notify your instructor immediately. They must grant you an accommodation in the ProctorU system at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam but may require more advance notice.
- You must be an administrator on the computer you will use or have an administrator install Guardian browser on the computer and give it access to record audio, video and the computer desktop. A computer provided by an employer may have security settings that prevent Record+ from functioning, so if possible we recommend not using one.
- Recommended: watch these videos: “Best Practices” and “What to Expect on Exam Day” and review the full instructions for “What to Expect on Exam Day.”
Take the Exam
- You cannot use ProctorU’s website to make an appointment or to access the exam.
- Take the exam alone and in a quiet place.
- You must show a photo ID to begin the exam.
- Restart your computer.
- Launch either Guardian browser (for Mac and Windows computers) or Chrome with the Guardian extension (for Chromebooks), and only open additional resources as permitted by your instructor.
- Using only the appropriate browser, manually type in or copy and paste the URL for Canvas (https://canvas.illinois.edu/) or Moodle (https://learn.illinois.edu/). You must type in the URL. You cannot use Guardian to search for it, nor can you use another web browser.
- Be sure that your webcam and microphone are enabled, turned on and not muted or covered. Your instructor must be able to see and hear you clearly in the recording, or y may either fail the exam or a need to take a replacement exam.
- You will be prompted to follow a series of steps before beginning the exam. You will be required to share your microphone and camera, show a photo ID, use your webcam to show the entire room as well as under the desk, close other applications and possibly more.
- You will be shown a list of permitted resources. Using any other resources or not permitting the camera and microphone to clearly record you during the exam may result in either a failing grade or the need to take a replacement exam.
- The password should automatically be entered for you. If you are prompted for one, be sure you are using the Guardian browser. If you are, then seek help as directed below.
Common Issues
- Record+ requires a strong internet connection and a lot of resources on your computer. If taking the test exceeds certain thresholds of your computer’s internet speed, CPU usage or available RAM, you may lose connection during the test.
- If you are prompted for a password when you try to open the exam, please ensure that you are using Guardian browser (for Mac and Windows computers) or Chrome with the Guardian extension (for Chromebooks). Please close all other web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Restart your computer and try again.
- Review the tips below.
Troubleshooting Tips for Guardian Browser
- View ProctorU’s Common Troubleshooting Solutions and FAQs.
- Check that your computer’s hardware and operating system meet the requirements.
- Test your equipment.
- If Guardian browser is not working, uninstall and reinstall it. Guardian is subject to frequent updates, so reinstalling it often helps.
- View instructions for how to download, install and uninstall Guardian browser.
- If you have a Mac, you must adjust your privacy and security settings per this page:
- Shut down and restart your computer and shut down any open applications.
- Launch only Guardian browser. Do not open any other web browsers.
- Navigate to your course in Guardian browser. You cannot use Guardian to search for these. You must type in the URL for Canvas (https://canvas.illinois.edu/), Moodle (https://learn.illinois.edu/) or the site provided by your instructor.
- If you are still unable to access the exam, please try contacting ProctorU support.
Get Help
- Contact ProctorU support or use the Live Chat feature in your ProctorU account.
- Consult the ProctorU Help Center for students, and please check that your computer meets equipment requirements.
ProctorU Record+ Resources
- Five Steps to Success (PDF)
- Privacy Policy
- 4 Myth-busters
- Student Bill of Rights
- Compliance Statement on Security and Accessibility concerns.
- What to expect on Exam Day.