Proctortrack: Student Guide for Online Proctored Exams

Overview

Proctortrack is an online exam proctoring service that may be used for certain courses and assessments at Cedar Crest College.

If your instructor requires Proctortrack, you may need to install the Proctortrack application, complete an onboarding or identity verification process, and perform equipment checks before taking your exam.

This guide provides general preparation and troubleshooting information. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your instructor and Proctortrack.

1. Before Your Exam

Before taking a Proctortrack exam, make sure you have:

• A compatible Windows or Mac computer.
• A reliable internet connection.
• A working webcam and microphone.
• A valid form of identification, if required.
• A quiet, well-lit testing environment.
• Any materials specifically permitted by your instructor.

Important: Proctortrack requirements may vary depending on the exam and proctoring configuration. Check the current system requirements and your instructor's instructions before exam day.

2. Access Proctortrack Through Canvas

If your instructor has configured Proctortrack within Canvas:

1. Sign in to Cedar Crest College Canvas.
2. Open the course containing your exam.
3. Locate the Proctortrack link or exam instructions provided by your instructor.
4. Follow the prompts to access Proctortrack.
5. Complete any required setup or onboarding steps.

Note: The location of the Proctortrack link may vary by course. Your instructor may provide access through Modules, Assignments, or another course area.

3. Install and Prepare Proctortrack

Depending on the exam requirements, you may need to download and install the Proctortrack application.

1. Open the Proctortrack exam or onboarding link provided through your course.
2. Follow the installation instructions displayed by Proctortrack.
3. Grant the necessary camera, microphone, and other permissions when prompted.
4. Complete the required system or equipment checks.
5. Confirm that your computer meets the exam requirements.

Do not wait until your scheduled exam time to complete the initial setup.

Important: Some proctored exams may require specific browser settings, application permissions, or restrictions on other running software.

4. Complete Required Onboarding

Some Proctortrack exams require students to complete an onboarding process before taking a proctored assessment.

Depending on the configuration, onboarding may include:

• Verifying your identity.
• Capturing an identification photo.
• Testing your webcam and microphone.
• Completing a facial recognition or identity verification check.
• Reviewing exam rules and requirements.

Follow the instructions provided within Proctortrack.

If onboarding approval is required, complete the process sufficiently in advance of your exam to allow time for review and any necessary corrections.

5. Prepare Your Testing Environment

Before beginning your exam:

1. Choose a quiet location where you are unlikely to be interrupted.
2. Ensure that your face is clearly visible to your webcam.
3. Confirm that your microphone and webcam are working.
4. Close unnecessary applications.
5. Remove prohibited materials from your workspace.
6. Connect your laptop to a power source.
7. Review your instructor's exam rules.

Only use materials, devices, and resources specifically permitted for the assessment.

6. Take Your Proctored Exam

When you are ready:

1. Sign in to Canvas.
2. Open the appropriate course and exam.
3. Launch Proctortrack using the instructions provided.
4. Complete any required identity, equipment, or environment checks.
5. Review the exam rules.
6. Begin the exam when instructed.
7. Follow all on-screen instructions throughout the assessment.
8. Submit your exam and complete any required Proctortrack checkout process.

Important: Do not close the proctoring application or end the monitoring session until the exam process instructs you to do so.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Proctortrack Will Not Launch

• Restart your computer.
• Confirm that your operating system is supported.
• Verify that the required application is installed.
• Check whether security software or device restrictions are preventing the application from launching.
• Follow Proctortrack's current troubleshooting instructions.

Webcam or Microphone Is Not Detected

• Confirm that the device is connected and working.
• Check camera and microphone permissions in Windows or macOS.
• Close other applications that may be using the webcam.
• Restart Proctortrack and repeat the equipment check.

Internet Connection Problems

• Use a stable internet connection.
• Avoid downloading large files or streaming video during the exam.
• If possible, move closer to your wireless access point or use a wired connection.
• Follow the instructions displayed if your connection is interrupted.

Identity Verification or Onboarding Problems

If you cannot complete onboarding:

• Confirm that your webcam is working.
• Use adequate lighting.
• Follow the identification instructions carefully.
• Review any feedback provided by Proctortrack.
• Contact Proctortrack support if the issue continues.

Problems During an Exam

If a technical problem occurs during an active exam:

1. Follow any recovery instructions displayed by Proctortrack.
2. Contact Proctortrack's exam support through the available support option.
3. Notify your instructor as soon as possible.
4. Record the error message and time of the issue, if possible.

Your instructor is responsible for decisions regarding exam deadlines, additional attempts, and academic accommodations.

Troubleshooting Proctortrack on a Mac

If you are taking a Proctortrack exam through Canvas on a Mac, macOS security settings may prevent the Proctortrack application or installer from opening.

You may receive a message similar to:

"Proctortrack can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software."

This message may appear when macOS cannot verify the application's developer. It does not necessarily mean the application is malicious.

Before proceeding, confirm that you downloaded Proctortrack using the official installation instructions provided through your Canvas exam.

Try the following solutions.

Solution 1: Right-Click to Open Proctortrack

On some macOS versions, you may be able to approve an application by opening it from its shortcut menu.

1. Locate the Proctortrack installer or application on your Mac.
2. Right-click the application, or hold Control while clicking it.
3. Select Open.
4. If macOS provides an option to approve the application, review the warning and select Open.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation or launch Proctortrack.

If the application remains blocked, continue to Solution 2.

Note: On newer versions of macOS, this method may not bypass the security warning. Use the Privacy & Security settings described below instead.

Solution 2: Allow Proctortrack in macOS Privacy & Security

If macOS prevents Proctortrack from opening:

1. Attempt to open the Proctortrack application so macOS displays the security warning.
2. Dismiss the warning.
3. Select the Apple menu > System Settings.
4. Select Privacy & Security.
5. Scroll to the Security section.
6. Look for a message indicating that Proctortrack was blocked.
7. Select Open Anyway, if available.
8. Enter your Mac password or authenticate when prompted.
9. Select Open to confirm.
10. Return to Proctortrack and continue the installation or exam setup.

For older macOS versions: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Unlock the settings if prompted, then select Open Anyway if available.

The Open Anyway option may only appear for a limited time after attempting to launch the application.

Security reminder: Only approve Proctortrack if you obtained it through the legitimate exam setup process. Do not bypass warnings that the application contains malware, will damage your computer, or has been modified or corrupted.

Solution 3: Check Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording Permissions

Proctortrack may require additional permissions to monitor your exam.

1. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Select Camera and allow Proctortrack access, if requested.
3. Return to Privacy & Security and select Microphone.
4. Allow Proctortrack microphone access, if requested.
5. Select Screen & System Audio Recording (or Screen Recording on older versions).
6. Enable Proctortrack access if required for your exam.
7. Restart Proctortrack if prompted.

Only enable permissions required by the application and your exam.

If Proctortrack Still Will Not Open

Try these additional troubleshooting steps:

• Restart your Mac.
• Confirm that your macOS version is supported by Proctortrack.
• Download a fresh installer through the official Proctortrack exam setup process.
• Close other applications that may be using your camera or microphone.
• Repeat the Proctortrack equipment check.

If you receive a warning that the application is damaged or contains malware, do not override the warning. Contact support.

8. Official Proctortrack Resources

For current installation instructions, system requirements, onboarding procedures, and exam support, visit:

• Proctortrack Official Website
• Proctortrack Support Center

Always use the Proctortrack instructions associated with your course or exam when they differ from general guidance.

Need Additional Assistance?

For technical problems with Proctortrack or its integration with Canvas, submit an IT Support Request.

Include:

• Your course name and instructor.
• The exam or assignment affected.
• Your computer's operating system.
• A description of the issue.
• Any error messages or screenshots.

For issues during an active proctored exam, use Proctortrack's available live support first and notify your instructor promptly.