Figuring out how to know if an exam is proctored on Canvas is a critical step in preparing properly. The most direct method is to carefully read the exam instructions and announcements from your instructor. Professors are typically required to disclose proctoring requirements in the course syllabus or in a dedicated announcement before the exam. Look for explicit keywords like “proctored,” “Respondus LockDown Browser,” “Respondus Monitor,” “Honorlock,” “Proctorio,” or “online proctoring.” This is the first and most reliable step in the process of how to know if an exam is proctored on Canvas.
If the instructions are unclear, the next step is to look for visual cues within the Canvas quiz itself. When you navigate to the “Quizzes” section and click on the upcoming exam, you may see a distinctive icon or a text note indicating that “This quiz requires Respondus LockDown Browser.” The interface might also prevent you from starting the quiz until you launch it through the specific proctoring application.
Another effective strategy for how to know if an exam is proctored on Canvas is to simply ask. Send a polite email to your instructor or teaching assistant asking, “Could you please confirm if the upcoming exam requires any proctoring software, such as LockDown Browser?” This not only gives you a definitive answer but also shows you are proactive about following course protocols. By combining these methods—reviewing instructions, checking for on-screen indicators, and direct communication—you can confidently determine the requirements and avoid any last-minute technical surprises on exam day.