How To Cheat On A Proctored Exam: 10 Creative Ways

While there are many ways to cheat on a proctored online exam, institutions are becoming highly aware of these tactics. That’s why they are adopting sophisticated proctoring solutions designed to anticipate and neutralize these methods.

These tools combine AI, human oversight, and system controls to ensure integrity in online assessments. Here’s how they make cheating attempts a high-risk, low-reward endeavor.

Locking Down the Exam Environment

Proctoring systems create a secure testing environment to block unauthorized software. Tools like Respondus LockDown Browser and Examplify temporarily restrict computer functions, blocking other applications, tabs, copy-paste, and screen-sharing. 

MyMathLab often integrates these to prevent dishonesty (see: How to Cheat on MyMathLab). This directly counters Browser Exploits (#7), Screen Recording (#4), and Plagiarism (#9).

AI-Powered Behavior Analysis and Anomaly Detection

Modern systems use AI to monitor for subtle, suspicious behaviors. Software from providers like Proctorio and Honorlock analyzes webcam/microphone feeds to flag unusual head movements, gaze deviation, whispering, or the presence of others.

This is the frontline defense to detect cheating in online exams and effectively flags Secondary Devices (#1), Hidden Earpieces (#6), In-Room Accomplices (#12), Bone Conduction Headsets (#15), and Hidden Notes (#16).

Rigorous Identity Verification and Authentication

To prevent impersonation, proctoring tools use multi-factor verification. Before the exam, students must show a government-issued ID to the webcam.

Services like ProctorU and  Examity Cheating Detection tools use facial recognition and keystroke analysis to confirm identity at the start and throughout the test. This is designed to stop Exam Impersonation (#11), a serious form of contract cheating.

Live and Recorded Human Proctor Oversight

Human intelligence adds a crucial layer of judgment to protect the integrity of the exam process. In live proctoring (e.g., Meazure Learning), a person monitors students in real-time. In recorded proctoring, an expert reviews AI-flagged events to confirm if academic dishonesty occurred. A human can spot nuanced behaviors missed by AI, like Using Reflections (#13) or Abusing Bathroom Breaks (#5), and differentiate thinking from cheating.

Comprehensive Environment and Hardware Scans

The system ensures the physical and digital workspace is clean before the exam. Test-takers perform a 360-degree room scan using their webcam, a standard feature in platforms like PSI Bridge and Talview.

The software also scans for prohibited hardware, such as secondary monitors or virtual machines, to ensure no unauthorized resources during the exam are accessible.

This prevents proctored exam computer cheating methods set up in advance, including Remote Desktop Software (#2), Virtual Machines (#3), External Devices (#8), and HDMI Splitters (#14).

Advanced Plagiarism and Content Detection

To combat copying, some platforms integrate built-in originality checks for essay questions. For example, Examity Cheating detector can use software like Turnitin, which scans answers against a vast database of web and academic content.

This is a direct countermeasure for plagiarism and cheating, specifically targeting Plagiarism (#9) and the use of AI Assistance (#10) while ensuring exam integrity.

System-Level Technical Auditing and Data Forensics

Proctoring systems conduct deep forensic audits by logging extensive data. Tools like Pearson VUE and Mercer Mettl log IP addresses to flag VPN use or proxy testing rings.

They also record mouse clicks and system events, while keystroke analytics from platforms like Verificient Proctortrack detect changes in typing rhythm. This data provides concrete evidence against Remote Desktop Access (#2), AI Assistance (#10), and helps invalidate Exam Impersonation (#11).

Native Security Features within Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Institutions leverage security features built into their core learning platforms to prevent Cheating in Online Proctored Exams. Blackboard Learn offers a detailed ‘Access Log,’ while D2L Brightspace and Canvas feature question randomization and strict time limits (see: Can Canvas Detect Cheating). 

Moodle allows disabling backtracking and integrates secure browsers (see: Can Moodle Detect Cheating?). These features disrupt collusion and make it harder to use stolen content (#4), secondary devices (#1), or AI assistance (#10).