How the check works
- Camera and microphone. Your browser asks once for both, like a call app does. We check that a picture comes through, that the lighting is good enough to see your face, and that we can hear you.
- Speakers. We play a short tune and ask if you heard it.
- Results. One list with what works and what to fix, plus the names of the devices to pick in your call app. Copy the results if you need to send them to IT or your exam's support team.
Choose An online exam before you start to also check your computer and screens against what proctoring tools usually ask for.
Before an online exam
Proctored exams watch you through your camera and microphone, and some listen through your speakers too. If one of them fails on the day, you may lose your slot. Check early:
- The day before, run this check and then your exam tool's own system check. LSAC, for example, asks LSAT takers to do it at least 24 hours ahead. That leaves time to fix a driver, a permission or a missing app.
- Use a Windows or Mac computer, plugged into power. Phones and tablets usually aren't allowed, and Chromebooks only work with some tools (see below).
- Close other apps that use the camera or microphone, like Teams, Zoom, Discord, OBS or FaceTime. On Windows, only one app can use the camera at a time.
- Unplug extra monitors. Proctored exams usually allow one screen.
- Leave the headphones out unless your exam allows them. Test with the speakers you'll use.
- Light your face from the front and have your photo ID ready. The proctor needs to see both clearly, and you may be asked to show the room with your webcam.
- Use a steady internet connection. Sit close to the router or plug in a cable, and turn off any VPN: most exam tools don't allow them. Ask others at home not to stream or download during the exam.
What each exam tool needs
Your school or test provider decides which tool you use and sends the link. These are the most common ones. Always check your own exam's instructions too: they can be stricter.
- Honorlock: runs in Google Chrome with the Honorlock extension, and some exams also need the Honorlock app. Works on Windows, Mac and Chromebooks, not on tablets or phones. System check: Run System Check on Honorlock's support site. Internet: at least 1 Mbps down and 2.5 Mbps up.
- ProctorU: most exams use the Guardian Browser, an app for Windows and Mac. Chromebooks only work for some exams, with a Chrome extension. System check: Test It Out, the Test Your Equipment button in your ProctorU account. Internet: 3 Mbps up and down.
- Respondus Monitor: the webcam part of LockDown Browser. Works on Windows, Mac and Chromebooks, and on iPads only if your instructor allows it. System check: the Help Center button in LockDown Browser's toolbar has a Webcam Check and a System Check.
- Pearson OnVUE: its own app, used for many certification exams. Windows and Mac only: no Chromebooks, Linux or iPads. System check: the System Test on your exam's OnVUE page, which Pearson says to run before you register, on the same computer and network. Internet: 6 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up.
Exam tool can't find your camera or microphone even though this check works? See the exam fixes for your microphone and camera.
Before a job interview on video
- Test in the app you'll use, after this check: Zoom has a test meeting at zoom.us/test, the Microsoft Teams desktop app has Make a test call in Settings > Devices, and Google Meet lets you test your microphone, speakers and camera on the screen before you join.
- Join 5 minutes early and pick the same camera and microphone this check found.
- Put the camera at eye level, with a lamp or window in front of you. A pile of books under a laptop works.
- Wired headphones with a mic stop echo and sound clearer than most laptop microphones. Bluetooth headsets often sound muffled on calls.
- Turn off notifications and close other tabs, so nothing pops up while you share your screen.
- Have a plan B: the interviewer's phone number, or the meeting's dial-in number.
Before a doctor's video appointment
- Open the link or app your clinic sent the day before, and run this check on the same phone, tablet or computer.
- A phone or tablet is fine for most appointments. Prop it up so your hands are free, and charge it.
- Find a quiet, private room with good light, so the doctor can see you clearly, for example a rash or a swollen ankle. Headphones keep the conversation private.
- Have your list of medicines ready, and a phone number to call if the video drops.
- Not sure about the technology? Ask a family member to set it up with you the day before.
Questions
Is this the same as Zoom's test meeting?
It checks the same three things (camera, microphone and speakers), but in your browser. Zoom's test at zoom.us/test checks the Zoom app itself. If this check works and Zoom's doesn't, your devices are fine and the problem is a Zoom setting: see the Zoom fixes.
Is anything recorded or uploaded?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser. The video and sound never leave your device, and we turn the camera and microphone off as soon as you move on to the speakers.
Can I wear headphones in an online exam?
Usually not. Honorlock, ProctorU and Pearson OnVUE don't allow headphones or earbuds unless your school or exam provider has approved them, and OnVUE then only allows wired ones. With Respondus, it's up to your instructor. Check your exam's rules.
Does this check my internet connection?
No, only your camera, microphone and speakers. For calls and exams, a steady connection matters more than a fast one: sit near the router or use a cable, and pause big downloads and streaming at home. Exam tools ask for a few megabits per second: ProctorU 3 Mbps up and down, Pearson OnVUE 6 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up.
My exam's system check fails, but this check works. Why?
Then your devices work, and something stops the exam tool from using them: it hasn't been given permission, another app is holding the camera, or it's picked a virtual camera such as OBS Virtual Camera. See the exam fixes, and contact the exam tool's support with your copied results.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. It works in Safari on iPhone and iPad and in Chrome on Android, using the front camera and the phone's microphone.
Need more detail on one device? Try the full mic test, webcam test or sound test.