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Some online courses at MSU may require proctored exams. Some of these exams may be online and some may be paper-based. Check your course syllabus or with your instructor to find out if any of your exams need to be proctored.

What do I have to do to have my exams proctored?

  1. Find a proctor in your area. Make sure the proctor will be available for all exam dates. 
  2. Provide proctor information to your course instructor.
  3. The course instructor will approve the proctor prior to you taking the exam.
  4. The course instructor will provide the exam to the proctor.

Please note:

  • The student is responsible for paying any fees associated with having a proctor.
  • In addition to the above responsibilities, online students are expected to follow the MSU student conduct code and are subject to all stipulations of that code.
  • Course instructors can direct students to the NCTA Proctoring Network to locate possible testing centers.
  • Courses requiring a proctor for exams will include this notification in the Schedule of Classes listing.
  • If you are unable to locate a proctor in your area, ask your instructor if they provide a remote proctoring option where you will be monitored through a webcam during your exam.  

Who can be a proctor?

  • Superintendent, principal, full-time teacher, librarian, or guidance counselor of educational service region, school, or district, either public or parochial
  • Librarian at an academic or public library
  • Dean, department head, instructor, extension or correspondence administrator, registrar, or official testing service of an accredited university or college
  • Education officer (Armed Services or correctional facility personnel only)
  • Established testing or learning center personnel, either commercial or institutional
  • Human resources officers
  • MSU Extension service agents or adult education centers
  • For students living outside the United States: a proctor whose position is equivalent to one of those listed above or an administrative official of a U.S. embassy or consulate

Please note: 

  • Proctors must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
  • The proctor should provide a professional email address (.edu, .gov or similar) for correspondence. Instructors should avoid sending exams to informal email addresses (@gmail, @yahoo, @hotmail, etc.) .
  • Instructors may request and reference institutional directories to confirm the proctor's affiliation and contact information.
  • MSU IT Security prohibits emailing completed exams. Instructors should use a secure file share like OneDrive or have the exam submitted through a learning management system like D2L/Brightspace.

A Proctor cannot be any of the following to the student:

  • A family member
  • Friend
  • Supervisor
  • Direct Report
  • Co-worker
  • Church official from the student’s church (if applicable)
  • Coach/trainer unless the student is an athlete at MSU

What happens during a proctored exam?

You will need to show up for your exam appointment on-time and with a valid photo ID.

Your proctor will be given instructions from your professor on how to access your exam prior to your exam appointment, and will have specific instructions about the exam (i.e.. time allowed, whether you can use a calculator, notes). Your proctor will administer the exam to you in a quiet, distraction-free environment. 

Once you are finished taking the exam, your proctor will return the to the instructor per their directions.

Is there a testing center on the MSU-Bozeman campus?

Yes. Testing Services is located in the basement of Renne Library.

Schedule an In-person Exam