Yes, Proctorio uses your webcam to monitor you during the exam
Proctorio is a proctoring service that your school or testing organization installs as a browser extension. When you take an exam through Proctorio, it accesses your webcam to record video of you and your testing space for the entire duration of the test. The webcam feed is used to verify your identity, watch for suspicious behavior, and create a record of the exam session.
Proctorio does not use your webcam outside of an active exam session. The extension sits dormant in your browser until an instructor or proctor starts a monitored test. Once the exam ends, the webcam access stops. However, the video recording from that session is stored and may be reviewed by human proctors or analyzed by Proctorio's automated monitoring system.
Key Takeaways
- Proctorio's browser extension accesses your webcam only during an active exam and records the entire session.
- The webcam captures your face, upper body, and the area around your desk to detect unauthorized materials or suspicious movement.
- You must position your camera to show your face clearly and your testing environment, or the proctor may flag the session as invalid.
- Video recordings are stored on Proctorio's servers and may be reviewed by human proctors or scanned by automated systems for violations.
What the webcam actually records during your exam
Proctorio's webcam captures a wide-angle view of your face and the space around your desk. The system is designed to detect whether you are looking away from the screen, whether other people are in the room, whether you are using notes or other materials, and whether you are using a second monitor or device. The video feed is continuous throughout the test—there is no pause or privacy break once the exam begins.
The camera must be positioned so that your face is clearly visible and your hands are in frame. If you adjust the camera angle, cover the lens, or position it so that your face is not visible, Proctorio will flag this as a violation. Some institutions treat camera obstruction as an automatic test failure, while others allow the proctor to review the session and make a judgment call.
How Proctorio analyzes the webcam footage
Proctorio uses two methods to review what the webcam records. The first is automated flagging: the software scans the video for specific behaviors like eyes moving off-screen repeatedly, a second person entering the frame, or hands leaving the desk. These flags are logged and may trigger a human review, but they do not automatically fail you.
The second method is human review. A proctor watches the recorded video after the exam is complete. They look for the same behaviors the automated system flags, but they also use judgment—for example, a proctor might note that you looked away briefly to read a question on your screen, which is normal, versus looking away repeatedly in a pattern that suggests you are reading hidden notes. The proctor's notes and any violations they identify are sent to your instructor.
What happens to your webcam video after the exam
Your video recording is stored on Proctorio's servers, not on your computer. Proctorio retains these recordings for a set period—typically several months to a year, depending on your school's contract with the company. During this time, your instructor, the institution's testing center, or Proctorio's own review team may access the video.
You do not own or control the recording once it is made. You cannot request that it be deleted, and you cannot prevent your instructor from watching it. Some schools allow students to request a copy of their own recording, but this varies by institution. If you have concerns about privacy or how your video will be used, check your school's testing policies or contact your instructor before the exam.
Technical requirements for your webcam to work with Proctorio
Your computer must have a working webcam, and Proctorio must have permission to access it. When you start a Proctorio exam for the first time, your browser will ask you to allow the extension to use your camera. You must click "Allow" for the exam to proceed. If you deny permission, the exam will not start.
The webcam must have adequate lighting—Proctorio's system performs better in well-lit spaces. If your room is too dark, the automated system may have trouble detecting your face or identifying objects on your desk, which can result in flags or a failed session. A desk lamp or window light pointing toward your face (not into the camera lens) usually solves this problem. Your webcam also needs a stable internet connection; if your connection drops during the exam, Proctorio will pause the test and may require you to restart.
What you should do before turning on your webcam for a Proctorio exam
Before you start the exam, clear your desk of everything except what your instructor has approved—typically just a pen, paper for scratch work, and your computer. Close all other browser tabs and applications. Position your webcam so that your face is centered and clearly visible, and your desk surface is visible on either side of you. Test the camera angle by opening your computer's camera app or taking a screenshot to see what Proctorio will see.
Make sure the room is well-lit and that no one else is present. If someone needs to be in your home during the exam, tell your instructor beforehand—some schools allow this with advance notice, while others do not. Check that your internet connection is stable by running a speed test. Once you are ready, open the exam link and allow Proctorio to access your webcam when prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Proctorio access my webcam when I am not taking an exam?
No. Proctorio's browser extension only activates when an instructor starts a monitored exam session. Outside of an active test, the extension cannot access your camera. However, if you are concerned about privacy, you can disable the extension in your browser settings when you are not using it, or cover your webcam with a physical cover.
What if my webcam is broken or I do not have one?
You cannot take a Proctorio exam without a working webcam. Contact your school's testing center or IT support before the exam date to discuss alternatives. Some institutions offer in-person proctoring or may allow you to use a different device. Do not wait until exam day to report this problem.
Can I use an external webcam instead of my laptop camera?
Yes, Proctorio works with external USB webcams. Make sure the external camera is plugged in and recognized by your computer before you start the exam. Test it beforehand using your computer's camera settings to confirm it is working and positioned correctly.
Will Proctorio record audio from my microphone too?
Yes. Proctorio records both video and audio during the exam. The microphone captures any sounds in your room, including background noise, typing, and voices. This audio is stored along with the video and may be reviewed by proctors.
Can I request that my webcam recording be deleted?
This depends on your school's policy and contract with Proctorio. Some institutions allow students to request deletion after a certain period, while others retain all recordings indefinitely. Contact your testing center or registrar to ask about your school's retention and deletion policies.