Some online courses at MSU may require proctored exams. Some of these exams may be taken online and some may have to be taken via paper and pencil. Check your course syllabus or with your instructor to find out if any of your exams need to be proctored.

Who can be a proctor?

  • Superintendent, Principal, Full-time Teacher, Librarian, or Guidance Counselor of educational service region, school, or district, either public or parochial
  • Head Librarian of an academic or public library
  • Dean, Academic Department Head, Professor, Extension or Correspondence Administrator, Registrar, or Official Testing Service of an accredited university or college
  • Education Officer (Armed Services Personnel Only)
  • Established testing center personnel, either commercial or institutional
  • Corporate Education Director
  • Human Resources officers
  • MSU Extension Service agents or adult education centers
  • For high school students: high school Principal, Full-time Teacher, Librarian, or Guidance Counselor
  • For students living outside the United States: a proctor whose position is equivalent to one of those listed above or an administrative official of a U.S. embassy or consulate
  • Proctors must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

A Proctor cannot be any of the following to the student

  • A family member
  • Friend
  • Supervisor
  • Direct Report
  • Co-worker
  • Church official from the student’s church (if applicable)
  • Coach/trainer unless the student is an athlete at MSU

What do I have to do to have my exams proctored?

  1. Find a proctor in your area. Make sure the proctor will be available for all exam dates. 
  2. Provide proctor information to your professor.
  3. Your professor should approve the proctor prior to you taking the exam.
  4. Your professor will provide the exam to the proctor.

Please note:

  • You are responsible for paying any fees associated with having a proctor.
  • In addition to the above responsibilities, online students are expected to follow the MSU student conduct code and are subject to all stipulations of that code.

What happens during a proctored exam?

You will need to show up for your exam appointment on-time and with a valid photo ID.

Your proctor will be given instructions from your professor on how to access your exam prior to your exam appointment, and will have specific instructions about the exam (i.e. time allowed, whether you can use a calculator, notes). Your proctor will administer the exam to you in a quiet, distraction-free environment. 

Once you are finished taking the exam, your proctor will return the to the instructor per their directions.

Is there a testing center on the MSU-Bozeman campus?

Yes. All students within the Bozeman metro area are required to use University Exam Services if they are able to physically travel to campus. Please see University Exam Services or call (406) 994-6984.