Honorlock

Honorlock is an online proctoring service designed to maintain academic integrity during remote exams. It uses a combination of AI and live proctors to monitor students, detect potential cheating behaviors, and ensure a fair testing environment. The platform integrates with our Brightspace learning management system, offering flexibility for students and faculty by allowing written exams to be taken from any location while upholding testing standards.

FAQs for Students

To meet the minimum system requirements, you will need a webcam, microphone, and internet connection. You will also be required to install a Google Chrome extension. Note: You may also be required to download the Honorlock Application. Finally, please ensure the location where you are taking your exam is well-lit, comfortable, and quiet, free of distractions, clutter, and other people.

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We recognize that virtual proctoring isn’t for everyone. So If you prefer to take your written exams in person with a live proctor or come to the USC campus, you have that flexibility.

Here is how the DEN Exams team supports you through that choice:

As soon as we confirm a course has written exams, our team emails all enrolled DEN students with full instructions—including the link to the DEN Student Proctor Form.
If you want to use an external testing center, college, or library proctor, or come to USC campus, you must submit that form as early in the semester as possible so our team can vet and approve your proctor.
If your proctoring location changes later in the term, simply email DEN Exams right away to update your record. DEN exams will more than likely ask you to submit the form again.

A quick note on proctoring fees: While virtual proctoring through Honorlock is free, external testing centers or university proctoring sites may charge a seating or administrative fee. Students are responsible for paying any external proctor fees, as USC does not reimburse these costs

During assessments in Brightspace, Honorlock runs through your web browser to observe activities like video, audio, screen behavior, and navigation. The instructor and DEN Exams team customize the settings for each exam, and the proctoring team, trained by a certified counselor, is available to support managing test-related stress and anxiety.

Honorlock uses a blend of AI technology and live proctors to monitor exams. Rather than being under constant observation, AI scans for irregularities—such as an unexpected person in the room. The system flags something unusual, and a live proctor is notified if something unusual is detected. Depending on the nature of the flag, the proctor may stop the exam and engage with you through a chat before allowing the exam to continue. The goal is to provide assistance, not to suspect cheating immediately. After the exam, the instructor can review any flagged recordings to assess whether there are concerns related to academic misconduct.

When done thoughtfully, proctoring creates a supportive, fair environment that encourages all students to perform at their best while maintaining accountability.

Here are general guidelines when submitting a completed exam

Use a scanner or a camera/scanner app on your phone to scan a copy of your written exam.
Email the scanned file to yourself so you can access it from your computer.
Open another tab to access your email and download the file.
Click the "Browse My Computer" button in your assessment interface to open the file folder on your device.
Find and select the downloaded file to upload it to the exam instance in Brightspace

Make sure you follow any additional guidelines provided by your instructor or exam administrator regarding submission formats or deadlines

Published on December 11th, 2024Last updated on August 28th, 2026