Yes, Proctorio records your screen during the entire exam
Proctorio is a proctoring tool that colleges and testing centers use to monitor students taking exams online. When you take a test with Proctorio enabled, the software records everything on your screen from the moment the exam starts until you submit your answers. This includes your browser window, any tabs you have open, and your cursor movements.
The recording captures the full screen, not just the test itself. If you have multiple monitors, Proctorio records the primary display. The recording is stored on Proctorio's servers and can be reviewed by your instructor or the testing center afterward. You will see a notification when recording begins, though you cannot pause or stop it during the exam.
Beyond screen recording, Proctorio also uses your webcam to record video of you and your testing environment, monitors your keyboard and mouse activity, and flags suspicious behavior like looking away from the screen or switching windows. The combination of screen recording plus video and activity monitoring is what makes Proctorio a full proctoring solution rather than just a screen capture tool.
Key Takeaways
- Proctorio records your entire screen continuously during the exam, including all browser tabs and windows visible to you.
- The screen recording is paired with webcam video of you and your surroundings, creating a complete record of the testing session.
- You cannot pause, stop, or disable screen recording once the exam begins, though you will see a notification that recording is active.
- Instructors and proctors can review the screen recording after the exam to check for cheating or rule violations.
- Proctorio flags suspicious activity like window switching or extended periods looking away from the screen, which may trigger manual review.
What the screen recording actually captures
The screen recording shows exactly what you see on your monitor during the test. This means your instructor can see every question, every answer you type or select, and every second you spend on each part of the exam. If you open a calculator, notes, or any other window, that appears in the recording too.
Proctorio records at a resolution that allows reviewers to read text on your screen clearly. The recording includes your cursor position and movements, so instructors can see where you click and how long you pause before answering. Timestamps are embedded in the recording, which means reviewers know exactly when you looked at each question and when you submitted your final answers.
The software does not record audio from your microphone during screen capture — the audio comes from the separate webcam feed. However, if you speak during the exam (which most institutions prohibit), the webcam recording will pick up that audio and your lip movements.
How Proctorio flags suspicious behavior during recording
While Proctorio records your screen, it simultaneously runs detection algorithms that watch for specific actions. The system flags you if you switch to a different browser tab or window, minimize the test window, or use keyboard shortcuts like copy and paste. These flags do not automatically fail you — they create a record that a human proctor can review later.
Proctorio also monitors how much time you spend looking away from the screen. If the webcam detects that you are not looking at your monitor for more than a few seconds, the system logs this as a potential violation. Similarly, the software flags rapid mouse movements, multiple people in the room, or objects like phones or books on your desk.
The combination of screen recording plus these behavioral flags means that even if you do not cheat, your exam file may contain multiple flagged moments. Your instructor receives a report showing which flags occurred and at what timestamp in the recording, so they can jump directly to suspicious sections if they choose to review your exam.
What happens to your screen recording after the exam
Your screen recording is stored on Proctorio's servers indefinitely unless your institution sets a different retention policy. The recording is linked to your student ID and exam, making it retrievable by your instructor or the testing center at any time. Most institutions keep exam recordings for at least one semester, though some keep them longer for grade appeals or academic integrity investigations.
Your instructor can watch the entire recording or jump to specific timestamps where flags occurred. They can slow down the playback, zoom in on text, or review sections multiple times. If your exam is flagged for potential cheating, a human proctor will typically watch the full recording and compare it against the flagged moments to make a information.
You generally do not have the right to delete your recording, and you cannot request that it be removed from Proctorio's servers. Some institutions allow you to request a copy of your own recording for your records, but policies vary. Check your school's testing center website or student handbook for their specific retention and access policies.
Differences between Proctorio and other screen recording tools
Proctorio is designed specifically for exam proctoring, which means it records more aggressively than a standard screen capture tool. A basic screen recording program like OBS or Camtasia records only what you tell it to record and stops when you stop it. Proctorio runs continuously, automatically, and cannot be stopped by the test-taker.
Other proctoring services like ProctorU, Examity, and Respondus LockDown Browser also record your screen during exams, so the experience is similar across platforms. However, the specific behaviors they flag and the resolution of their recordings can differ. Proctorio is known for aggressive flagging of window switches and eye movement, while some competitors focus more on environmental monitoring.
If you are using Proctorio for a class, you are not choosing the tool — your instructor or institution selected it. Understanding what it records helps you know what to expect and how to prepare your testing environment to avoid unnecessary flags.
How to prepare your setup to avoid recording issues
Before your exam, close all browser tabs except the one you will use for the test. Close email, messaging apps, and any other programs running in the background. Even if you do not plan to use them, having them open means they will appear in your screen recording if you accidentally click on them or if they send notifications.
Make sure your monitor is clean and positioned so the webcam can see your face clearly. Remove any papers, books, phones, or other objects from your desk — Proctorio flags these in the recording, and your instructor will see them. If you need scratch paper, ask your instructor in advance whether it is permitted and have it ready before the exam starts.
Test your internet connection and make sure your computer has enough battery or is plugged in. If your connection drops or your computer crashes during the exam, Proctorio will stop recording, and you may lose your work. A stable setup means a complete recording with fewer technical flags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my own screen recording after the exam?
That depends on your institution's policy. Some schools allow students to request a copy of their recording, while others restrict access to instructors and proctors only. Contact your testing center or ask your instructor about their specific policy on student access to exam recordings.
Does Proctorio record audio from my microphone?
Proctorio does not record audio as part of the screen recording. Audio comes from the separate webcam feed. However, if you speak during the exam, the webcam will pick up your voice and lip movements, which your instructor can hear and see during review.
What if I accidentally switch to another tab during the exam?
Proctorio will flag the window switch in its report, and your instructor will see it in the screen recording at that exact timestamp. A single accidental switch usually does not result in academic consequences, but repeated switches or switching to suspicious sites may trigger a review for potential cheating.
How long does Proctorio keep my screen recording?
Proctorio stores recordings indefinitely on its servers, but your institution may have a shorter retention policy. Most schools keep exam recordings for at least one semester. Check your testing center's website or student handbook for the specific retention period at your school.
Can I request that my recording be deleted?
You typically cannot request deletion of your exam recording. Recordings are institutional records tied to your grade and academic file. If you have concerns about privacy or believe your recording was mishandled, contact your school's testing center or student ombudsman to discuss your options.