Digital proctoring in higher education: a systematic literature review

In short

Digital proctoring in higher education is the subject of this systematic review. Topic modelling of 154 publications yields seven common themes, among them spotting cheating, checking identity, barriers to uptake and exam performance.

What it looked at

A systematic review following an adapted PRISMA approach, drawing 154 publications from seven databases and grouping them with topic modelling. It looks at how institutions take up proctoring and what it means for students and educators.

What it means for teaching

Gives an overview of the themes in proctoring research for staff weighing up remote exam arrangements.

Limits

A review of published work, so it describes what the literature discusses rather than testing proctoring directly.

Cited 63 times by other papers, as counted by OpenAlex in November 2026. A count measures attention, not quality.