If your instructor requires you to test with an in-person proctored testing facility and you are unable to find an approved proctor near you, you may request to have an alternate proctor approved. Review the proctor approval guidelines below, then follow instructions for requesting an alternate proctor. FSU Testing Center staff will determine if the requested proctor meets approval criteria and notify you once the approval status has been confirmed.
Proctor Approval Guidelines
To qualify as an approved, off-campus proctoring site for FSU distance learning exams, the following requirements must be met:
To meet requirements, the proctor must:
- Be affiliated with an official organization that provides a valid business address. Exams may not be proctored in a private residence or location that was not previously approved.
- Use an official, employer-provided email address. Personal or free email accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, etc., are not permitted.
- Not be the student's coworker, supervisor (except for higher-ranking military officers), friend, neighbor, or have any familial relationship (e.g., biological, marital).
- Provide a computer or laptop with reliable, high-speed internet access suitable for internet-based exams.
- If outside the United States, communicate with the FSU Testing Center staff in English via email.
- Comply with FSU’s exam policies and procedures.
While not required, the proctor should:
- Have experience proctoring internet-based exams.
- Provide access to Microsoft Office applications, primarily Word and Excel.
- Have a working printer to print any instructor-provided exam aids.
- Have access to a scanner or camera to scan/capture exam aids used during testing.
- IDENTITY VERIFICATION | Students must present a current, valid, and recognizable photo ID to take their exam. The photo ID may be an FSU student ID with photo (IDs without photos will not be accepted), state-issued driver’s license, or government-issued ID (passport, military ID, etc.). No exceptions. For paper exams, proctors must verify the student's signature on the Student Exam Certification. If a student does not have the proper ID, the proctor must not allow the student to test.
- CELL PHONES | Proctors must ensure that students’ cell phones are turned completely off while in the testing room. If a student’s cell phone is on, vibrates, or makes any alert or sound, before or after being seated, the student’s exam will be terminated and/or the student will forfeit the chance to test. Students must wait until they exit the testing room before turning their phone back on.
- EXAM AIDS | Proctors must ensure that students do not bring loose papers (study guides, notes, or blank paper) into the testing room, unless specified in the exam instructions. If scratch paper is provided, it must be turned in before leaving.
- MONITORING & SURVEILLANCE | Proctors must watch students continually throughout the exam administration, and the ratio of proctors to students may not exceed 1 proctor for every 30 students.
If you have any questions about approving remote proctors, please contact us at testing@.fsu.edu.
Students are responsible for identifying a proctor to administer their exam and requesting proctor approval 2-3 weeks before exam administration for students in the United States and 3-4 weeks for students abroad. If you are unable to locate a proctor, the FSU Testing Center is happy to help. Please email testing@fsu.edu with a list of the proctors you have contacted for assistance.
Request an Alternate Proctor
Follow the steps below to request an alternate proctor and be sure to submit your request at least two weeks before your exam.
- Check the Proctor Selection System to make sure there is not already an approved proctor nearby.
- Make sure the prospective proctor meets the approval guidelines above and can accommodate your exam within the desired window. If you need access to Microsoft Excel or other software, confirm the software is available before submitting your request.
- Find out what the facility charges for testing and if fees need to be paid in advance.
- Submit your request at least two weeks* before your exam to ensure adequate time for our staff to approve the request. We will contact the proctor to verify they meet proctor approval guidelines and notify you if approved. Please note that requests may be denied if we are unable to verify the security of the facility.
*Students testing outside the United States should request a proctor at least three weeks before an exam window opens to allow time for coordination across different time zones.
- Schedule your testing appointment with the approved proctor facility and pay any fees required in advance.
- Review the proctor facility's policies about when to arrive, what identification to bring, accommodation capabilities, etc.
Confirm that the facility has received your exam information.
- Bring one of the following forms of identification and be prepared to show an additional form of photo identification if the photo is outdated or not easily recognizable:
- FSU student ID
- State-issued driver's license
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport)
- Leave your own laptop at home. All students are required to use the computer provided by the proctor facility.
- Abide by the FSU Academic Honor Policy, as well as all policies and procedures set by the proctored testing facility.