Amazon's Online Assessment Does Use a Webcam
Yes. Amazon's online assessment for warehouse and fulfillment center jobs requires a webcam and uses it throughout the test. The system needs to see your face and monitor your environment to verify your identity and confirm you are taking the test alone in a quiet space. If your device does not have a working webcam, you cannot complete the assessment.
The webcam requirement applies to most Amazon fulfillment center positions, including associate roles and some entry-level management tracks. Amazon uses the webcam feed in real time — the system watches you during the entire assessment, not just at the start. This is part of Amazon's remote proctoring setup, which means a combination of automated monitoring and human review.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon's online assessment requires a working webcam and will not let you proceed without one.
- The webcam stays active during the entire test so the system can monitor your face, hands, and surroundings.
- You need adequate lighting, a clear view of your face, and a private space with no one else visible in the background.
- If your webcam fails during the test, you will need to restart and may lose progress, so test your equipment before you begin.
- The video feed is recorded and reviewed by Amazon staff as part of their proctoring process.
What the Webcam Actually Monitors During the Test
The webcam captures your face, your hands, and the space around you. Amazon's system is looking for signs that you are using outside help — a second person in the room, notes on the wall, a phone, another screen. The automated system flags suspicious activity, and a human proctor reviews flagged sessions after the test ends.
You cannot cover the webcam, minimize it, or look away for extended periods without triggering a flag. The system also detects if you leave the frame entirely. If you need to step away, the test will pause, but repeated pauses or a long absence can result in the assessment being marked as incomplete or invalid.
The video is not live-streamed to a person watching in real time. Instead, it is recorded and stored. Amazon or a third-party proctoring service reviews the recording afterward, usually within a few days. If nothing suspicious appears, your test results stand. If the review finds violations, Amazon may invalidate your results or ask you to retake the assessment.
Technical Requirements Before You Start
Your webcam must be built in or connected via USB, and it must work reliably. Test it before the assessment day. Open your device's camera app or a video call platform like Zoom to confirm the image is clear, the lighting is good, and there are no error messages.
You also need a stable internet connection — the video feed requires bandwidth, and a dropped connection can interrupt the test. Use a wired connection if possible. Sit in a well-lit room with a plain background. Avoid backlighting (sitting in front of a window) because it can make your face appear dark to the camera.
Clear your desk of everything except your computer. Put your phone in another room or in a drawer — do not leave it on the desk. Close all other browser tabs and applications. Amazon's proctoring software may block access to other programs, and having them open can trigger a flag even if you do not use them.
What Happens If Your Webcam Does Not Work
If you start the assessment and your webcam fails, the system will usually pause the test and ask you to troubleshoot. You have a limited time to fix it. If you cannot get the camera working, the assessment will be marked incomplete, and you will likely need to reschedule.
Some candidates have reported being able to restart the assessment on a different device if the first one fails. However, Amazon's policy on this varies, and there is no may provide you will be offered a second attempt. Contact Amazon's recruiting team through the job portal to ask about your options if your equipment fails during the test.
Do not attempt to take the assessment on a device without a webcam and then claim technical failure. Amazon's system logs which device you used and whether a camera was detected at the start. Starting without a camera will result in when ready disqualification.
Privacy and What Happens to Your Video
Amazon stores the video recording for a set period — typically 30 to 90 days, though the exact timeline is not publicly stated. The recording is used only to verify test integrity. It is not used for facial recognition, background checks, or any purpose beyond proctoring review.
Your video is treated as part of your assessment record. If you are hired, it may be retained in your employment file. If you are not hired, Amazon typically deletes it after the retention period expires. You do not have the right to request a copy of your own video under Amazon's current policy, though this may vary by location.
The proctoring service Amazon uses may be a third party — companies like Proctorio or similar platforms handle the technical side. This means your video may be processed by a vendor, not stored directly by Amazon. The vendor is bound by contract to keep the data confidential and use it only for proctoring purposes.
Common Reasons Assessments Are Flagged or Invalidated
Looking away from the screen repeatedly or for long periods is the most common flag. The system expects you to be focused on the test. Glancing at notes, a phone, or another person in the room will be caught. Even looking down at your lap for more than a few seconds can trigger a review.
Having another person visible in the background, even if they are not helping you, is a red flag. Make sure you are alone in the room and that no one can be seen or heard in the video. If someone knocks on the door or speaks, pause the test and ask them to leave before you resume.
Unusual hand movements — reaching off-screen, typing on a keyboard that is not visible, or handling objects — can also trigger a flag. Keep your hands visible and on your desk. If you need to write something down, use a notepad that is in view of the camera.
Audio issues matter too. If the proctoring software detects background noise, multiple voices, or sounds that suggest someone else is in the room, the session will be flagged. Take the test in a quiet space and ask household members not to make noise during the time you are testing.
Preparing Your Space and Equipment
The day before the assessment, do a full setup test. Sit at your desk with your computer in the position you will use during the test. Open the camera, check the lighting, and confirm your face is clearly visible from the forehead to the shoulders. Adjust your monitor height so the camera is at eye level or slightly above.
Close all browser tabs except the one you will use for the assessment. Disable notifications on your computer so pop-ups do not appear during the test. Restart your computer the morning of the test to clear memory and may support the webcam driver is working properly.
Wear something you would wear to an in-person interview. Amazon's proctors are looking at your appearance as part of the integrity check. Avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses. Make sure your face is fully visible and recognizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a laptop camera instead of an external webcam?
Yes. A built-in laptop camera works fine as long as it is functioning and produces a clear image. External USB webcams also work. The system does not care which type you use, only that it works reliably and shows your face clearly throughout the test.
What if someone else is in my house during the assessment?
They must stay out of the room and out of earshot. If the camera or microphone picks up another person, the session will be flagged. Ask household members to stay in a different area of the house and not to make noise. If someone enters the room during the test, pause it, ask them to leave, and then resume.
Can I retake the assessment if the webcam fails?
It depends on when the failure occurs and Amazon's decision. If the camera fails at the very start before you answer questions, you may be able to reschedule. If it fails partway through, you will likely need to contact Amazon's recruiting team to request another attempt. There is no automatic second chance, so test your equipment thoroughly beforehand.
Is the webcam recording audio as well as video?
Yes. The proctoring system records both audio and video. The microphone is used to detect background noise, multiple voices, or sounds that suggest someone else is helping you. Keep your space quiet during the entire assessment.
What if I fail the assessment — does Amazon keep my video?
Yes. The video is retained as part of your assessment record regardless of the outcome. Amazon may use it to review why the assessment was flagged or to verify the integrity of the test. After the retention period (typically 30 to 90 days), it is usually deleted if you are not hired.