# What is online proctoring?

> Online proctoring supervises an exam taken on a computer, by webcam, screen recording or AI. Here are the types, the privacy questions, and a fairer approach.

Learn · Glossary

Online proctoring is supervising an exam that's taken on a computer, using some mix of webcam, microphone, screen recording, browser lockdown and AI or human review, so the result can be trusted.

- Page: https://sparkmentis.ai/learn/what-is-online-proctoring

## Common types

- **Live.** A person watches candidates in real time.
- **Recorded.** Sessions are recorded and reviewed afterwards.
- **Automated.** Software flags suspicious behaviour for review.
- **Lockdown.** The browser or device is restricted during the exam.

## Privacy and fairness

Proctoring collects sensitive data, and automated flags can be wrong. A fairer approach records only what's needed, such as the moments a candidate leaves the exam, and has a person decide every flag.

## Questions

**Can AI accuse a student of cheating?**

It shouldn't decide. AI can raise a flag; a person should decide.

**Is screen recording always on?**

It depends on the tool. Some keep only short clips around the moments a candidate leaves the exam.

## Related

- [SparK-12: Online exams and proctoring](https://app.sparkmentis.ai/features/online-exams-proctoring): Screen recording that only keeps what matters
- [SparkExam vs Talview](https://sparkmentis.ai/compare/sparkexam-vs-talview.md)
- [SparkMentis vs Proctorio](https://app.sparkmentis.ai/compare/sparkmentis-vs-proctorio): On app.sparkmentis.ai
- [What is academic integrity?](https://sparkmentis.ai/learn/academic-integrity.md): Glossary

## Book a demo

Email info@sparkmentis.ai (subject "SparkMentis demo request") with your organization, your role and the products you're interested in.