With the rise of generative AI, many organizations are wondering whether online exams can remain reliable. Could a candidate check their phone or take notes outside the camera’s field of view?
Fraud isn’t a new issue, nor is it unique to online exams. In an exam room, a proctor can’t keep an eye on every candidate at all times. Online, recordings of the screen, webcam and microphone leave a trail that can be reviewed after the exam. By combining technology, clear instructions and thoughtful exam design, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.
Is generative AI a game changer for online exams?
Yes. Generative AI tools are now accessible on virtually every computer and smartphone. Getting a written answer in seconds has never been easier.
Professional regulatory bodies, certification organizations, educational institutions and HR departments all face this same challenge. Many of them are turning to Nexam to better manage and secure their online exams.
Why zero risk doesn’t exist
No solution can guarantee 100% fraud prevention, and that’s just as true for in-person exams. The realistic goal is to layer several mechanisms. Each one reduces opportunities for fraud, and together they make cheating harder, riskier and easier to spot.
Technology mechanisms to secure the exam environment
The first layer of protection is technological. In Nexam, several mechanisms can be enabled to suit your needs, including:
- candidate identity verification, with access to the exam blocked if the identity doesn’t match;
- validation that only one face is present in front of the camera;
- recording of the candidate’s screen;
- blocking the use of a second screen;
- blocking copy-paste of question prompts;
- detection of changes in the writing environment, such as opening a third-party tool, a new tab or a new window;
- an alert message, with the exam content blurred, when suspicious behaviour is detected;
- webcam and microphone recording;
- audio transcription to make review easier.
It’s the combination of these three simultaneous recordings that makes the difference. A candidate who stops typing and stares elsewhere for several minutes becomes much more visible when the screen, webcam and audio are reviewed together.
The alert message, for its part, serves as an immediate reminder of the candidate’s commitments. While the content is blurred, it also becomes harder to consult an outside resource.
Nexam flags events without concluding that fraud has occurred. Analysis and decisions rest with the people in your organization who have the appropriate access rights, with respect for candidate privacy.
For organizations that want to go further, LIVE proctoring allows exam sessions to be followed in real time, as a complement to asynchronous proctoring.
Clear instructions and an explicit candidate commitment
Technology isn’t everything. The rules governing the exam play an equally important role.
- Decide whether candidates can leave the camera’s field of view. This is often the first question to settle. If it isn’t allowed, plan an adequate exam duration so candidates don’t need to step away, and aren’t tempted to consult outside material.
- Specify what is and isn’t allowed. Phones, the internet, AI tools, communicating with another person, outside documents: each one should be clearly named in the instructions.
- Get an explicit commitment. At the start of the exam, the candidate confirms they agree to follow the instructions. This simple step makes candidates accountable and gives you a clear basis if a rule is broken.
Mirrors and room scans: measures to validate with your legal team
Some organizations go further, for example by asking candidates to place a mirror behind them or to scan the room before starting.
These practices are more intrusive. They involve collecting more personal information. Before adopting them, check with your legal team that they are necessary and justifiable in your context.
Designing exams that are harder to get around
Exam design itself can limit opportunities for fraud. [Varying question formats and versions][internal link: EN Digital exam design page] makes it harder for candidates to share answers.
For certain skills, video responses are also worth considering. It’s generally harder to cheat orally than in writing, since candidates have to express themselves spontaneously on camera.
Frequently asked questions
Are online exams as reliable as in-person exams?
Yes, when they’re properly managed. Screen, webcam and microphone recordings even offer a level of traceability that an exam room rarely provides, since they can be reviewed after the exam.
Can phone use be detected during an online exam?
Not directly. However, combined screen, webcam and microphone recordings make it possible to spot unusual behaviour, such as a long pause in typing or eyes directed away from the screen.
Does Nexam decide whether a candidate cheated?
No. Nexam flags detected events. Analysis rests with the people in your organization who have the appropriate access rights.
What is the most effective measure against fraud?
No single measure is enough on its own. The best protection comes from combining technology, clear instructions and well-adapted exam design.
A comprehensive approach to reliable online exams
Protecting the integrity of your online exams in the age of AI relies on a set of complementary measures. At Nexam, we help you choose the ones that fit your context, your requirements and your candidates.
Let’s talk about your needs.
Schedule a demo with the Solution Nexam team →