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Honorlock FAQs and Instructions for Students

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What is Honorlock?

Honorlock is an online remote proctoring service that allows students to take exams remotely.
When the nature of the course or instruction makes online proctoring a necessity, your instructor
may require you to take exams through Honorlock.

What are the Minimum Computer Requirements to use Honorlock?

If your instructor approves the delivery of exams through Honorlock for your course, prior to taking
your exam, you need to make sure you are meeting the following requirements:
If your instructor approves the delivery of exams through Honorlock for your course, prior to taking
your exam, you need to make sure you are meeting the following requirements:

  • A laptop or a desktop computer (cannot be a tablet/iPad/cell phone) – any Chromebook,
    Mac, or Windows device that meets Honorlock’s MSRs.
  • Minimum operating system: Windows 10, macOS 10.13 and higher, Chrome OS.
  • A webcam & microphone (most laptops have microphone and camera integrated). If you are
    unable to purchase one, a limited number of webcams are available for checkout through
    the Office of Information Technology.
  • Dual monitors are NOT permitted
  • A photo ID (school ID: UTD Comet Card, or a government issued photo ID: driver’s
    license/passport/state ID card)
  • Google Chrome browser (minimum version 79) (download Google Chrome)
  • The Honorlock Chrome Extension (download extension)
  • A stable, reliable internet connection (speed: 1.5 Mbps download, 750 Kbps upload). Students can run a system requirement check by going to the Honorlock Support page. Scroll down until you see “Simple Single-Click Test.”

How can I get started using Honorlock?

When you are ready to test:

  • Using Chrome browser, login to Blackboard, go to your Course Homepage, click on
    the Exam you wish to take. If you haven’t already, you will then be prompted to add the
    Chrome extension. Then click on Begin exam.
  • Clicking “Launch Proctoring” will begin the Honorlock authentication process.
  • Once you click on “BEGIN”, your exam session will start recording and the exam time starts
    counting down.
  • Once you submit your exam, your session ends and your exam attempt is noted in
    Blackboard
  • From there, your instructor can assess your work and, if needed, view the results of
    proctored sessions.
  • Honorlock concludes proctoring activities on your browser when you exit the exam.
  • You then can opt to disable or remove the Honorlock extension.
  • A live proctor will only pop-in if students encounter an issue during an exam session.
    Honorlock proctors take the time to look at the exam before they pause it and jump-in. They will only pause the exam and jump-in if the student is doing something they should not be doing.

Do I need to schedule an appointment for my exam with Honorlock?

No. You can take your exam anytime during the exam window set by your instructor and do not have to pre-schedule an appointment through Honorlock.

Is there a fee for students?

No. Honorlock proctoring service is being offered at no cost to students.

Can I get a chance to practice this before taking my exam?

Yes. A Practice Test should have been created by your instructor within every exam course for you to test out the technology. Please check with your instructor if you did not see a Practice Test available.

Do I have to download a software in order to use Honorlock?

No. Proctoring with Honorlock is 100% browser-based. However, you should log in using Google Chrome and install the Honorlock Chrome Extension prior to taking your exam.

Are students required to create a new profile in Chrome before taking their first exam with Honorlock?

It is not required but recommended. Creating a new Chrome profile prior to taking the first exam with Honorlock creates a fresh version of Chrome with default settings, so you are less likely to run into technical issues. If you have a firewall setting, an anti-virus Chrome extension, etc., it could interfere with Honorlock.

How do I enable cookies on my Google Chrome?

It is important for you to clear cache and enable all cookies on your Google Chrome prior to taking your exam:

  • Open Chrome preferences and click on Settings, then Show Advanced Settings
  • Under Privacy, click on Content Settings
  • Make sure “Block third-party cookies and site data” is not checked
  • If your browser is not listed above, please refer to your browser’s help pages
  • You may need to restart your browser to proceed

Do I need a photo ID to test? What forms of ID are acceptable?

You will need a photo ID. Honorlock verifies the name on your ID to ensure you are the correct test taker and log a photo of the ID. You can use your UTD student ID (Comet Card), or any government-issued ID (i.e. driver license, state ID, passport) that has your photo. In order for Honorlock to validate your ID, you need to ensure that your ID is in English.

What if I do not have a computer or a webcam?

Should you need a computer or webcam, please complete the corresponding request form through the Office of Information Technology. Please note a limited number of webcams are available for check out through the Office of Information Technology. Please plan ahead and request one early in advance before your exam.

I am using a desktop computer that cannot easily move around my webcam for the room scan. What can I do to show my testing environment is secure?

We recommend students to use a small mirror if possible. The mirror can be held up to the web camera and tilted in various directions to provide a room scan of your testing environment and the surface that you are using. We would encourage you to utilize mirrors to practice this room scan with a Practice Exam your instructor provides to you. This way you can attempt multiple room scans to ensure you’re ready to provide a quality room scan come exam day.

How do I submit my written responses as a pdf to my exam?

This can be done by utilizing a third party application on your cell phone or by simply taking photos of your work to email yourself, then uploading them into eLearning. Please do your best to remain within the camera at all times to ensure you are not flagged.

How do I take ALEKS Math Placement test with Honorlock?

Please refer to this ALEKS User Guide for detailed Instructions.

Do I need a password to access my exam?

No, you do not need a password to access your exam. However, if you are being prompted to enter a password or an access code, please make sure that you are using the Chrome Browser and have the Honorlock extension added to your Chrome browser prior to taking your exam. Note: If your exam is in a Third Party publisher (i.e. MyMathLab, McGraw-Hill Connect etc.), you will have to click the “Insert Password” button on the Honorlock webcam window to start your exam.

What should I do if a test is asking for a password?

No passwords are required for Honorlock tests. If you are being prompted for a password, most likely you are not logged in using Google Chrome browser, or did not have the Honorlock Chrome extension which must be added prior to the exam. If not, you should shut down/reboot your computer and make sure you have enabled cookies and cleared caches on your Google Chrome browser. If that still doesn’t work, we recommend you to create a new profile of Chrome and then accessing the test from the new Chrome profile. When you create a new profile of Chrome you are going back to the default settings and you have a fresh Browser with no other extensions or ad blockers, etc.

What happens if I experience technical difficulties during my exam?

If the internet is disconnected, once restored, you will be required to re-authenticate yourself (to verify it is still you re-entering the exam) and will be able to continue as before. Students are encouraged to use the Live Chat function which is visible within the exam screen – Honorlock support agents are just a click away. Please note: your timer will NOT stop or pause if you initiate the Live Chat support utility.

What if something happens outside my control or the system flags something that isn’t a violation?

Honorlock uses a combination of AI technology and human proctors. If your roommate/child, etc. walks into the room unannounced or some other perceived disruption, the live virtual proctor will pop in to assess the situation, make sure there isn’t an academic violation, and help you get back on track with your exam.

Can I take bathroom breaks during the exam?

No. Please use the bathroom prior to taking your exam. If you need to take a bathroom break during the exam due to any reason (medical, etc.), you should notify your instructor ahead of time (prior to the exam) so that this instruction is provided to the Honorlock Proctors, or it will be flagged as a violation.

If a student gets up during the exam to use the restroom does the timer continue to run? Do they have to re-authenticate into the exam?

The timer continues to run if the student leaves the exam for a restroom break. When they return they will have to show their face to the camera for the exam to start back up.

I need to use the natural reader app to read what’s on the screen to me, or I use job access with speech or JAWS. Will Honorlock be compatible with my adaptive technology? Will it work with these?

Yes. Students can use screen readers during their exams.

Who should I contact if an Honorlock proctor interrupts my test when I am trying to use one of my accommodations and has an objection to it, for example, I may need to access my phone to check my blood sugar?

We recommend your instructor puts a note in the “Accommodations” field in eLearning that this is a possibility, but if not Honorlock proctor will simply ask the student to remove their phone from the environment. The student can then respond and let the proctor know of the medical condition. Honorlock proctor will simply put a note in the report for the instructor and then let the student resume.

What happens if I look away or don’t maintain constant eye contact on the screen?

A proctor may drop in to check on you, but this is only if you look away for an extended period of time. Your exam will NOT be discontinued because of your use of resources.

What should I do if I have questions regarding exam materials allowed for my exam?

Your instructor provides Honorlock with your exam parameters (i.e. open book, eBook, calculator, etc.), so they will have that information prior to your exam. If you have questions about materials allowed for your exam, you must contact your instructor directly (prior to beginning your exam). The instructions given to the Honorlock Proctors for each exam will be dictated by what each instructor individually allows.

What actions might trigger a proctor to pop in?

Honorlock AI system is built to ensure that you keep your focus on your exam without any external distractions. You may trigger a live proctor pop in due to insufficient lighting, background noise, or an incomplete room scan. Once a proctor has popped in, this will temporarily block the view of the exam while the proctor works with you to follow the exam guidelines or adjust environment conditions for better capturing purposes. The proctor will be able to resume the exam for you once their session is over.

Can students take exams on public Wi-Fi?

Students can use public Wi-Fi, but it is not recommended. As public networks are generally not as reliable as private networks.

Does Honorlock Access my entire Wi-Fi network?

No. Honorlock does not have any access to your network or any devices connected to your network. Please review Honorlock’s Student Privacy for more information.

Does Honorlock monitor my entire network?

No. Honorlock does not scan or monitor a student’s device or network or monitor data from other devices connected to the network. During the exam, Honorlock can detect secondary devices, such as phones. Because the browser extension does not get installed onto secondary devices, Honorlock cannot procure data from those devices, nor can it capture web traffic from other devices on the student’s network at the time of the exam.

Does Honorlock detect someone photographing the screen?

If someone attempts to photograph the screen, since they are recorded by webcam, you would see this action taking place

How does Honorlock protect my data and privacy?

Honorlock has satisfied the requirements of the Information Security Office vendor
assessment, agreed contractually to comply with FERPA, and uses encryption methods to protect Internet connections. Honorlock collects certain data elements from your computer which are necessary to perform proctoring services, but Honorlock does not have the ability to access your entire personal network. The use of the Google Chrome Extension limits access to operations provided by your browser during the period of time you are engaging in a proctored test. UT System Administration and UT Dallas are not aware of material weaknesses in Honorlock’s security that would allow a third-party hacker to access information about students.

Does Honorlock sell my student information to third parties?

No. Honorlock’s agreement with the University does not permit selling student information to third parties.

Can I opt out during the exam session?

No. As would be the case if your instructor proctored an in-class exam, students cannot opt out of the proctoring process.

Does Honorlock determine who is cheating?

No. Honorlock simply reports possible incidents to your instructor. By taking a UTD online proctored assignment or exam, you agree to comply with the UTD Community Standards and Conduct – Academic Integrity, which expressly prohibits Academic Dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to Plagiarism, Collusion, Cheating, and Fabrication.

What about accessibility and students with special needs?

Honorlock is VPAT certified and fully accessible to students with special needs. Additionally, Honorlock works with screen readers if needed.

Can I have a checklist for my exam day prep?

Yes! Here is a checklist you should complete before sitting down to take your exam:

  • Make sure you have any extra instructions about exam from professor.
  • Make sure you have a working webcam and microphone (most laptops have microphone and camera integrated).
  • Install Google Chrome, if not already installed on your computer (download Google Chrome)
  • Install Honorlock Google Chrome extension (download Chrome extension).
  • Complete the Practice Test within Blackboard in your Course Homepage.
  • Have your UT Dallas Comet ID Card or a Government issued Photo ID handy.
  • Take the exam at a desk or table (not a bed or couch)
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window).
  • Remove all tablets, hats, hoods and shades.
  • Ensure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted.
  • Complete a network speed test during the practice exam startup. (scroll down to the end until you see “Simple Single-Click Test)
  • Turn off all other devices (phones, smartwatches) and place outside of your reach.
  • Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted – books, papers, other devices (this is not including approved notes and books specified by professor).
  • Remain at your computer for the duration of the test. Use bathroom prior to sitting down to take your exam.
  • Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface. Do not have the computer on your lap, a bed or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • For built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
  • Make sure your laptop is fully charged before your exam.

For additional questions, please email UTD Testing Center: infotestingcenter@utdallas.edu.