Top features of online proctoring software you need to know

Businesses worldwide are utilizing technology to improve and streamline their operations. Recruitment, an essential aspect of organizational growth, is adopting new technologies to quicken the hiring process and make it more efficient. Online tests and proctoring are used by organizations to assess a candidate's suitability for the position and company, allowing them to easily shortlist prospects for interviews. Online proctored tests have become the preferred screening method as they simplify and accelerate the employment process without adding extra steps or complexities.

What is Online Proctoring in HR?

Online or remote proctoring in HR refers to a system that allows HR departments to administer assessments to job candidates in an online environment, while ensuring the integrity of the examination process through remote monitoring.

It typically involves the use of online tools and technologies to monitor candidates as they take assessments and perform other tasks from a remote location, such as their own computer or mobile device.

The process starts with the candidate logging into a secure platform, where they are asked to verify their identity and consent to being monitored.

Next, the proctoring software will use various technologies such as webcams, machine learning algorithms, computer vision, and data analytics to monitor the candidate's behavior and activities during the assessment. This information is then analyzed in real-time to detect any signs of cheating or misconduct.

The results of the assessment, along with any relevant data from the monitoring process, are then reported back to the HR system for review and evaluation. This allows HR departments to make informed decisions about the candidate, while ensuring that the assessment results are reliable and trustworthy.

Top 14 Features HRs Need in an Online Proctoring Tool

Live proctoring: A live proctoring feature that enables HR departments to monitor candidates in real-time during assessments. This feature uses webcam technology and audio to allow a proctor to observe the candidate as they take the assessment, ensuring that the assessment is conducted fairly and without misconduct.

Identity verification: A feature that verifies the identity of candidates, ensuring that the right person is taking the assessment. Identity verification in HR online proctoring requires a combination of hardware and software technologies, including webcams, biometric authentication, document verification, machine learning algorithms, and secure communication channels. These technologies ensure real-time monitoring, identity verification, document authenticity, cheating detection, and secure personal information during the verification process.

Multiple device detection: Multiple device detection is a feature in online HR proctoring that allows the proctoring system to detect and prevent the use of multiple devices during an assessment. The system uses technology such as device fingerprinting, IP address tracking, and session monitoring to detect when a candidate is using multiple devices, which can indicate cheating or other unethical behavior. The detection of multiple devices helps to ensure the integrity and reliability of the assessment results and to prevent misconduct. This feature helps to promote fairness and impartiality in online assessments, and it is an important aspect of online proctoring in HR.

Automated proctoring: Automated proctoring that uses algorithms and analytics to detect and prevent cheating during assessments. It requires advanced software tech like machine learning algorithms, computer vision, and NLP to monitor and analyze candidate behavior during an assessment. These technologies detect cheating, track movements, analyze audio/speech patterns and provide real-time, secure, efficient, and accurate proctoring to ensure reliable results.

Fraud detection: Advanced fraud detection that minimizes the risk of cheating or misconduct during assessments. Fraud detection in HR online proctoring uses tech such as machine learning, data analytics, computer vision and secure communication channels. These technologies detect cheating, analyze data from assessments, monitor movements, uncover patterns and protect personal information, providing real-time fraud detection and reliable results.

Real-time monitoring: Real-time monitoring that enables HR departments to monitor candidates in real-time during assessments. Real-time monitoring in HR online proctoring requires webcams, machine learning algorithms, computer vision, and secure communication channels. Webcams capture images/videos for real-time monitoring, machine learning analyzes data for cheating detection, computer vision tracks candidate's movements to ensure compliance, and secure channels protect personal information.

Secure assessment environment: A secure assessment environment that minimizes the risk of cheating or misconduct during assessments. A secure HR online proctoring environment requires SSL encryption, firewalls, secure servers, and biometric authentication. These technologies protect personal information and assessment data from theft, loss, and cyber attacks, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy assessment process.

Lockdown browser: A lockdown browser that prevents candidates from accessing other applications during an assessment. A lockdown browser as a feature in HR online proctoring requires the use of secure software technologies that prevent candidates from accessing unauthorized websites or applications during the assessment. This helps to ensure that the results of the assessment are fair and accurate.

The lockdown browser typically integrates with the online proctoring system and is designed to lock down the candidate's device, preventing them from accessing other applications, files, or settings. Some lockdown browsers may also use technologies such as virtualization or sandboxing to further secure the environment and prevent cheating. This technology is critical for maintaining the integrity of the assessment process, ensuring that the results are reliable and trustworthy.

Flexible scheduling: Flexible scheduling that enables candidates to take assessments at their convenience. This requires robust scheduling and time management software technologies. These technologies allow candidates to schedule their assessments at a time and date that is convenient for them, and provide real-time updates on availability and scheduling. The scheduling software can also be integrated with other HR and assessment tools, ensuring seamless coordination and communication between all parties. The software must be user-friendly and accessible, allowing candidates to easily schedule and reschedule their assessments as needed.

Easy setup and configuration: Easy setup and configuration that enables HR departments to get up and running quickly and easily. This may include intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop tools, and pre-configured settings that can be customized to meet the specific needs of the organization. Additionally, automated installation and setup processes can streamline the setup process, reducing the amount of time and resources required to get the proctoring system up and running.

Integration with HR systems: Integration with HR systems, such as applicant tracking systems and HR information systems, to streamline the recruitment process. Integrating online proctoring with HR systems requires various technologies such as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, and data management and storage technologies. APIs allow for seamless communication and data transfer between the online proctoring platform and HR systems.

SSO solutions provide a secure and efficient way for candidates and HR personnel to access the online proctoring platform, reducing the need for multiple logins and passwords. Data management and storage technologies, such as databases and cloud computing, are used to store and manage large amounts of assessment and candidate information, ensuring that it is secure, easily accessible, and up-to-date.

Scalability: Scalability that enables HR departments to support large volumes of assessments. To include scalability in online proctoring with HR systems, the following technologies are required: cloud computing, load balancing, and APIs. Cloud computing allows for flexible and on-demand allocation of resources, enabling the system to handle increasing demands in real-time. Load balancing distributes the incoming traffic across multiple servers, ensuring that the system is not overwhelmed and remains available even during periods of high usage. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable integration with other HR systems, allowing for seamless and efficient data exchange and communication between the online proctoring system and the HR systems.

User-friendly interface: A user-friendly interface that makes it easy for HR departments to use the tool. To make online proctoring more user-friendly with HR systems, technologies such as modern user interfaces, responsive design, and intuitive navigation are required. Modern user interfaces, such as intuitive graphical interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, make the proctoring process simple and straightforward for candidates and HR personnel.

Responsive design allows the system to adjust to different screen sizes and devices, providing a consistent and convenient experience for users. Intuitive navigation, such as clear instructions, step-by-step guidance, and well-organized menus, helps users quickly find what they need and reduces frustration. Additionally, technologies such as real-time technical support, multimedia tutorials, and online help documentation can provide users with quick and convenient access to assistance when they need it.

Affordable pricing: Last but definitely not the least, online proctoring should be affordable. By implementing the following measures, online proctoring for HR can become more accessible and cost-effective for organizations of all sizes.

Utilizing open source technologies to reduce software costs. Implementing a cloud-based solution to reduce infrastructure costs. Offering flexible pricing options, such as pay-as-you-go, to accommodate different budget sizes. Optimizing the assessment process to reduce the duration of each session, thereby reducing overall costs. Partnering with service providers to reduce costs through bulk purchasing. Utilizing a shared proctoring model, where multiple assessments can be monitored by a single proctor. Providing training and support to HR personnel to reduce the need for external proctoring services.

Why are Online Proctoring Tools Necessary?

Now that we know what feature to look out for in remote HR proctoring, here are some reasons why HRs actually need this.

Improving candidate experience: Online proctoring offers a flexible and convenient way of conducting assessments, making it easier for candidates to participate from anywhere, at any time.

Reducing cost and time: It eliminates the need for physical proctoring, reducing travel and logistical costs. Additionally, the automation of the assessment process streamlines the recruitment process, saving HR departments time and resources.

Enhancing security: Online proctoring minimizes the risk of cheating or misconduct during assessments, as it uses advanced technologies to monitor and prevent these activities.

Ensuring fairness: By enabling remote proctoring, online tools help ensure that all candidates are evaluated on a level playing field, regardless of their location.

Enhancing objectivity: By automating the assessment process, online proctoring tools can reduce the potential for human error and bias, helping HR departments make more objective hiring decisions.

Role of HR in Online Proctoring

The role of HR in online proctoring is to evaluate and select the most appropriate tool to meet their organization's needs and to ensure the secure, efficient, and fair administration of assessments. The following are the key responsibilities of HR in online proctoring:

Selection of the right tool: HR departments play a critical role in selecting the right online proctoring tool for their organization, considering factors such as cost, functionality, security, and compatibility with existing HR systems.

Implementation and administration: HRs are responsible for implementing and administering online proctoring tools, including setting up and configuring the tool, creating and managing assessments, and monitoring candidate performance.

Compliance and security: HRs have to ensure that online proctoring tools comply with relevant regulations and data protection laws, and that assessments are conducted in a secure environment.

Candidate experience: HRs should ensure that candidates have a positive experience during online assessments, including providing clear instructions, technical support, and feedback.

Integration with HR systems: HR departments are responsible for integrating online proctoring tools with existing HR systems, such as applicant tracking systems and HR information systems, to streamline the recruitment process.

The rise of remote work has made online proctoring a crucial tool for HR departments. With the help of these tools, HR can conduct assessments and evaluate candidates from anywhere, at any time. From live proctoring to fraud detection, there is a range of online proctoring tools available to help HR departments make the most of this technology. At Hire Quotient we have the tools you need to conduct effective virtual interviews and assess your applicants’ skills. Get in touch with our team to know how.