Examining the Effect of Proctoring on Online Test Scores

In short

Proctored online tests drew lower marks in one online course. Comparing them with unproctored tests, the authors report scores 17 points lower on average, and less time used.

What it looked at

Test results of 147 students across several sections of an online course. Nearly half sat tests without proctoring and the rest had to use proctoring software. Scores were compared with linear mixed effects models, and gaps varied between exams and within sections.

What it means for teaching

Score gaps between proctored and unproctored tests may deserve a closer look before conclusions are drawn, on the evidence of one course.

Limits

Results come from one online course with 147 students. How students were placed in each group is not stated, and the comparison reports a difference in scores and time, not its cause.

Cited 188 times by other papers, as counted by OpenAlex in November 2026. A count measures attention, not quality.