Instructors may require students to take proctored exams with Honorlock. You will generally take your exam on your own computer via the internet. Exam sessions are recorded and reviewed by your instructor.
What You Will Need
- A computer, running MacOS, Windows, or ChromeOS. Full system requirements. If your computer doesn't include a built-in webcam and microphone, you will also need to attach:
- A webcam
- A microphone
- The Google Chrome browser and a one-time installation of a Chrome browser extension for Honorlock. The system will guide you through this simple step, and you can remove it after use by following these instructions.
- A stable and strong Internet connection. We recommend using an internet speed test website like Ookla (or similar) to ensure your internet connection meets or exceeds Honorlock's minimum speed required, 1.5 Mbps (download) and 750 Kbps (upload).
Attention: If you need accommodation for any exam requirements, please contact the Office of Disability Services before completing the exam.
Important Notes
- If you have concerns about Honorlock and privacy, please see the Honorlock Security and Privacy Statement.
- Be sure to follow your instructor's guidelines. Mason's Academic Honor Policy and Student Code of Conduct apply during exams. Proctors and TAs report suspected violations to instructors as well as to the appropriate university staff.
- We recommend that you disable functions and plugins that might cause you to accidentally violate exam rules (such as spell- or grammar-checkers, automatic translators, etc.). See instructions for disabling Chrome's automatic translation function.
- macOS users: If you have recently upgraded to a newer operating system version, you may need to allow screen sharing of your desktop and other applications on your computer for any application like Honorlock that uses screen sharing. See this support article with instructions for doing so.
Ready to Take the Exam
See Getting Started with Honorlock and HonorPrep to test how the test startup will work. View the brief videos below so you know what to expect.
Problems During the Exam
- Please use the live chat link in the Honorlock window to find a solution. Honorlock support staff will have instant access to your session to save time diagnosing problems.
- At any time, you can also visit Honorlock Support for 24/7/365 support, to test your system, and troubleshoot problems. Honorlock also has a searchable knowledge base for answers to common questions. You can check the Honorlock status page to find out if there are system-wide issues.
Honorlock Security and Privacy
George Mason University has a formal agreement to provide online proctoring services through Honorlock. The agreement supersedes Honorlock’s general Terms of Services and includes specific legal requirements for the privacy and security of student information including:
- A formal data-sharing agreement for student information with specific privacy and security restrictions under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
- FERPA binds Honorlock to only collect, process, and store student data for contracted services and this information cannot be sold or transferred for any other purpose; access to student data that is restricted to only those within Honorlock with an authorized reason to process or view this data;
- Storage of student data that is restricted to only data centers located in the United States and requires encryption in the transmission of any protected university data;
- The use of appropriate administrative, technical, and physical security measures to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected student data;
- Data minimization procedures to delete collected information when no longer necessary or upon the termination of the agreement;
- Procedures to alert the university upon the confirmation of a data breach of the Honorlock system.
Honorlock is a cloud-based proctoring solution, that has successfully completed the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 1 audit, US Privacy Shield compliance, and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) readiness. The audit affirms that Honorlock’s information security practices, policies, procedures, and operations meet the SOC 2 standards for security, availability, and confidentiality.
Frequently Answered Questions
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What do I need to know before taking my exam?
Ensure your computer is charged and has a strong internet connection. We recommend using an internet speed test website like Ookla (or similar) to ensure your internet connection meets or exceeds Honorlock's minimum system requirements. Make sure to use Google Chrome when you log in to take your test. We recommend students take their exam in a quiet private location to limit potential flags and distractions. Your instructor may provide specific requirements regarding the exam setting.
Will all online exams require Honorlock?
No. The university does not require all online exams or assessments to be remotely proctored; however, instructors have the option to use proctoring at their discretion.
Instructors have a number of options available with respect to assessment, and we are encouraging them, where possible, to devise assessments in which online proctoring is not necessary. There may, however, remain some courses in which the instructor determines a proctored exam is the most appropriate strategy to safeguard academic integrity for the benefit of all students.
Mason has an Honor Code statement. Why do we need to use Honorlock?
The balance between trust and due diligence is a difficult one, and we recognize there are trade-offs with any such decision. We also must recognize that the online environment, without any proctoring whatsoever, presents challenges that could prove detrimental to academic integrity and ensuring a fair academic evaluation for all students. In a typical year, the Honor Committee receives approximately 50 reports of academic integrity violations illustrating incidents related to online testing do occur. The university, therefore, believes that employing reasonable measures to protect academic integrity benefits students and meets our responsibility for basic due diligence.
Instructors will have a number of options available with respect to assessment, and we are encouraging them, where possible, to devise assessments in which online proctoring is not necessary. There may, however, remain some courses in which the instructor determines a proctored exam is the most appropriate strategy to safeguard academic integrity for the benefit of all students. Remote proctoring provides a reliable process for identity verification and secure testing environments.
Why do online exams need to be proctored?
Online proctoring is standard practice for online instruction, and George Mason University has used some form of remote proctoring for online courses for the last five years.
We understand that proctoring, not unlike when the instructor remains in the room for an in-person exam, creates some discomfort. We also must recognize, however, that online test-taking without proctoring has the potential to tempt students to make choices that affect other students and the integrity of the educational process.
Proctoring is part of the university’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the testing process, and doing so maintains a level playing field for all students so they are evaluated on the merits of their own preparation and ability.
Can I opt out?
No. As would be the case if your instructor proctored an in-class exam, students cannot opt out of the proctoring process.
Why do I need a photo ID? What forms of ID are acceptable?
Honorlock verifies the photo and name on your ID to ensure you are the correct test taker. You can use any government-issued (i.e., driver's license, passport) or a student ID that has your clear, recognizable photo.
What if my name is not the same on my ID?
If your chosen first name does not match the name on your ID, Honorlock should still be able to verify your identity. For other name-related issues, contact Honorlock support.
What if something goes wrong during my exam?
Honorlock offers technical support 24/7 to assist students before, during, and after their proctored tests. If you need any assistance, contact the support agents by live chat using the link in the Honorlock window. Always contact Honorlock support via chat if you encounter problems during the exam!
Why am I being prompted for an access code?
If you are being prompted for an access code you are most likely not in Google Chrome or you do not have the Honorlock Chrome Extension.
What is the Honorlock Chrome browser extension?
The Honorlock extension is a small program that modifies the Chrome web browser and not your computer. Nothing is installed on the computer. Students can remove the Honorlock Chrome extension as soon as their exam is submitted.
What equipment is needed?
You will need to have a working webcam, microphone, and either a laptop or desktop computer. Integrated or external USBs will both work. A reliable and speedy Internet connection is essential.
How is my privacy protected?
Honorlock is FERPA compliant and uses securely encrypted protocols to save and view all test-taker assets. Honorlock's certified proctors and your institution's faculty are able to review test session videos until deleted based on the school's retention policy.
Is Honorlock fully accessible to all students?
The Honorlock interfaces for administrators, instructors, and end-users are fully ADA accessible and compliant with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please read Honorlock's Accessibility Statement for more information. If you need an accommodation, please connect with the Office of Disability Services.
Does Honorlock determine who is cheating?
No. Honorlock simply reports back possible incidents. Ultimately, your instructor determines whether there is a suspicion of cheating that has occurred by reviewing the video recording and submitting a referral to the Office of Academic Integrity for review.
What are the guidelines for testing area and behavior?
Honorlock Standard Exam Guidelines list general testing area and testing behavior guidelines. Check your syllabus for exceptions or additions to these requirements before beginning your exam. If you have any questions or concerns about guidelines for an exam, please double-check your exam instructions or contact your instructor for specific guidance before starting.
Why does Honorlock force me to change Chrome extensions and other settings?
To ensure test integrity, Honorlock requires certain computer settings, such as disabling some Chrome extensions. If using a personal device, you might want to consider creating a separate Chrome profile with only the Honorlock extension to simply the verification process. Follow the steps at Use Chrome with multiple profiles if you would like to add a new profile.