This article only applies to students enrolled in the following Fall 2025 courses.  Students in other courses should review the information posted on the FSU Testing Center's website.

The FSU Testing Center is piloting a new Live Online Proctoring service provided through SmarterProctoring.  You are the only one who can determine if online proctoring will be best for you. You should consider factors such as cost, location, appointment times, ease of scheduling, and any other factors that are important to you.  This article will address many common factors to help you decide between online and in-person proctoring.

Some Benefits of Using Online Proctoring

Convenient appointment times

SmarterProctoring's Live Proctors are available to proctor around the clock, which provides convenient appointment times for students who prefer to test early in the morning, late in the evening, or anywhere in between. 

Moderate Pricing

SmarterProctoring's Live Online Proctoring service is comparable to, or cheaper than, many in-person proctors.  SmarterProctoring uses a tiered pricing structure based on the length of the exam.  Please see your course syllabus for exact pricing.

• Late Scheduling Fees - Schedule your appointment more than 72 hours before you start your exam.  If you schedule an appointment any closer to your start time, you will have to pay an additional "late scheduling" fee along with the exam fee. 
  • Appointments must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid additional fees.
  • Scheduling less than 72 hours but more than 24 hours in advance adds a $5.00 fee.
  • Scheduling within 24 hours of the exam adds an $8.00 fee.

Location Flexibility

Students who use the Live Online Proctoring services don't have to travel long distances to take an exam.  Instead, students can choose a quiet, empty, and well-lit room at home, work, or another convenient location.

Some Drawbacks of Using Live Online Proctoring

Proctor-Assisted Check-In Process

The check-in process with SmarterProctoring can take longer than AI proctoring, but about the same amount of time as in-person proctoring.

• One tip to help reduce the length of check-in is to make sure your workspace is completely free of materials that are not authorized for use during the exam.  Clear away stray papers, receipts, books, electronics, etc.  The live proctor will ask for these materials to be removed from your workspace, even if they do not relate to your course or exam.

Moderate Pricing

SmarterProctoring's Live Online Proctoring service is comparable to, or cheaper than, many in-person proctors.  However, some in-person proctors may be cheaper.  For example, the FSU Testing Center is free for students taking FSU Course exams.  Make sure to review the FSU Testing Center's Approved Proctors List or Approved Proctors Map to determine if an in-person proctor will be a more cost-effective option.

Equipment Burden

Students must provide their own equipment (computer, microphone, and camera) that meets all of the technical requirements.  Review SmarterProctoring's System Requirements article for more details.

Location Requirements

Public spaces and shared areas are not allowed, so some students may have difficulty locating a suitable area where they can be alone in a quiet, well-lit room.

Scheduling an Appointment (online or in-person)

All appointments must be scheduled directly with the proctor that you are using for your exam, whether that is SmarterProctoring (Live Online Proctoring) or an in-person proctor.

• Live Online Proctoring appointments are made through the SmarterProctoring link in your Canvas navigation menu.
• The FSU Testing Center's appointments are made through the FSU Testing Center's website.  This website only creates an appointment at the FSU Testing Center in Tallahassee, FL.
• The OAS Testing Center's appointments are made through your OAS portal for both the Tallahassee,FL and Panama City, FL campuses.
• Appointments for FSU students in Panama City, FL are made through the GCSC Testing website.
• FSU ROP campus appointments should be made through the email address listed in your Proctor Selection portal.
• Other in-person proctor appointments should be made directly with the proctor you selected in your Proctor Selection portal.  Most proctors' websites are listed on the Proctor Map, and/or the complete list of Current Available Proctors.

Proctoring Costs

Live Online Proctoring

Please check your course syllabus for the exact cost of your exams.  SmarterProctoring charges an administration/proctoring fee based on the exam's time limit and can range from $13.00 - $29.00.  FSU has negotiated the following costs.  All fees are payable directly to SmarterProctoring.:

• 1-30 min - $13.00
• 31-60 min - $18.00
• 61-90 min - $21.50
• 91-120 min - $24.00
• 121-180 min - $29.00

In-Person Proctoring

Most in-person approved proctors also charge a fee.  Fee information has been assembled for nearly all Current Available Proctors, but the fee information we have could become outdated if a proctor does not contact us to update it.  Free options include:

• Tallahassee, FL: The FSU Testing Center or the Office of Accessibility Services (if you are registered with OAS)
• Panama City, FL: Gulf Coast State College's (GCSC) Testing CenterLinks to an external site. or the Office of Accessibility Services (if you are registered with OAS)
• Panama City, Republic of Panama: FSU's Republic of Panama (ROP) campus

Location Information

Live Online Proctoring

SmarterProctoring allows students to test anywhere, as long as they are alone in a quiet, well-lit room. Public spaces and shared areas are not allowed.

In-Person Proctoring

Please use the FSU Testing Center's Proctor Map to identify a nearby in-person proctor to use.  If you want to suggest a proctor for approval, follow the instructions on the Can't Find a Proctor webpage.