Novel Cost-Effective Internal Live Online Proctoring Solution

In nursing education, the industry standard is live in-person proctoring for high-stakes exams. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unexpected mandatory shutdown of the campus testing center. The contracted proctoring vendor that provided a live online testing option was unable to meet the demand due to pandemic-related requests for service. The vendor was unable to accommodate simultaneous exams in a specified window to maintain test integrity. University staff were not performing regular on-site duties and were available to be redeployed as proctors. Using existing licenses for the university’s learning management system, web conferencing program, and exam security software, an internal live online proctoring protocol was developed for prelicensure graduate nursing course exams. Job aids for both proctors and students were developed. Professional development, including role-play, was provided for proctors by course faculty. Proctors and nursing students participated in pilot testing of the protocol using a mock exam prior to full implementation. Since April 2020, 879 exams have been successfully administered using this exam proctoring protocol. This novel live online exam proctoring protocol maintains industry standards, ensures test integrity, optimizes existing human resources, and anecdotally promotes proctor and nursing student satisfaction.