What is Live Proctoring?
Live proctoring is a real-time, human-led safeguard for remote interviews and hiring assessments. A trained invigilator watches the candidate’s webcam, screen share, and audio feed as the session unfolds ready to pause, flag, or terminate the session if any suspicious activity appears. The aim is simple: every answer, code snippet, or design decision must originate solely from the candidate.
Human Proctoring (synonym)
Human proctoring is merely another name for live proctoring—the same real-time, person-in-the-loop invigilation described above. Many vendors use the two terms interchangeably.
(SHRM’s 2024 Talent Tech survey reports that more than one-third of employers have added live proctor oversight to their remote executive assessments.)
How Live Proctoring Works in an Interview
| Step | Real-Time Action | Why It Matters |
| 1 • ID Verification | Proctor checks candidate photo-ID against live video | Prevents proxy interviewers |
| 2 • Environment Scan | Candidate pans webcam 360°, confirms no notes / devices | Creates a fair, distraction-free space |
| 3 • Continuous Monitoring | Split-view of webcam & screen; proctor notes eye-gaze, tab switches, extra audio | Detects live coaching or screen-share cheats |
| 4 • Intervention | When irregular behaviour is spotted, the proctor can message the candidate, temporarily pause, or fully end the session while logging a timestamped note for audit. | Stops fraud instantly, protects brand |
| 5 • Secure Recording | Video, screen, and chat saved with proctor notes & risk score | Provides a full audit trail for recruiters or clients |
Why It Matters for Recruiters
- Zero-Tolerance Integrity — blocks impersonation or external help on the spot
- Human Context — proctors interpret nuances AI might miss (tone, body language)
- Confidence in High-Stakes Roles — ideal for leadership or regulated-industry hiring
- Candidate Support — live proctors answer platform questions, reducing drop-offs
Live vs Automated Proctoring
| Feature | Live Proctoring | Automated / AI-Only |
| Human oversight | ✔ | ✖ |
| Real-time intervention | ✔ | Limited (AI flags only) |
| Cost per session | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Executive, finance, defense, confidential searches | Volume screening, coding marathons |
Key Benefits
- 🛡️ Immediate Fraud Prevention
- 👁️ Human Context Awareness
- ⏱️ Faster Resolution — issues handled during, not after, the session
- 📊 Comprehensive Audit Trail with proctor comments & video evidence
Typical Hiring Scenarios
- C-suite or board-level interviews
- Banking & FinTech coding challenges
- Government / defense contractor roles
- Graduate leadership assessment centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is live proctoring intrusive for candidates?
A: Candidates are informed in advance and give consent. Data is encrypted and auto-purged per policy; only flagged clips are reviewed.
Q2: Does live proctoring slow down the hiring process?
A: No. Sessions are scheduled like any video interview; the proctor simply joins the virtual room.
