Many students get excited when they hear about the option of taking the GED Online Proctored Exam. In this post, we talk about taking the GED Online Proctored Exam vs In A Testing Center.
Often, however, their excitement ends when they realize that taking an exam online means it will be proctored.
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GED Online Proctored Exam-How Does it Work?
During the GED Online Proctored Exam, candidates will be monitored throughout the test by a proctor, usually via a webcam, microphone, and screen access to the candidate’s computer.
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Students will have to install software that monitors suspicious activity using audio analytics and advanced video analytics.
This ensures that candidates focus on their test screen while taking the exam, that there’s enough light in the test room, and the software also checks for suspicious objects in background voice activity and video so the exam can be red-flagged if needed.
Online testing has its advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. This page balances it all.
So if you’re looking to take an exam online and avoid traveling to and from a testing center, you’ll need to understand the rules to appreciate the benefits and convenience of an online proctored format.
Online Proctored GED Testing also involves face recognition for student authentication. These are just a few of the features of the software that’s used in Online Proctored Testing.
We assume that you have completed online or traditional GED classes and are prepared to take the GED test. Best GED Classes’ free video lessons and GED practice tests are great to help you start out on your GED journey.
With this free help, you can easily discover whether an online course is a good fit for you. If that’s the case, register for the full, accredited GED program designed by Onsego Online GED Prep.
So now, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of taking exams online.
Some Pros of Online Proctored Testing
Accessibility – For test-takers, convenience and accessibility are the most important benefits. Thanks to Online Proctored (OP) test delivery, students can take an exam at home or at the office, saving them considerable time and expenses. Most probably, this is the biggest advantage of taking an exam online: candidates are not required to travel to and from a testing center.
Flexibility – Another key benefit of online testing is flexibility. Students don’t have to register for the exam far in advance. Often, they can schedule their test for the same day they’re free to sit for the exam if a proctor is available. To learn how to log in to your GED.com account and what to do if you have forgotten your password, check out the linked page.
When taking the GED exam, for example, test-takers don’t have to plan and register for one of the four GED subtests weeks in advance. They can schedule their exam for the same day or, if needed, reschedule it up to 30 minutes before the scheduled testing appointment. Especially for candidates with pretty busy schedules, this is particularly helpful.
Some Cons of Online Proctored Testing
Technical Requirements – Test-takers looking to sit for an exam in an online proctored format must be sure their Internet connection is secure and stable. They would not be able to take their exam online if there were bandwidth or technical issues.
Note-taking – Unlike candidates who sit for an exam at a test center, online test-takers are not permitted to take notes. There’s an online notepad, but taking notes outside of it is not allowed.
This may well be a drawback for candidates who find it much easier to work out solutions to problems when they can sketch them on a physical scratchpad rather than on-screen or in their heads. Check here to learn more about how to use a whiteboard on the GED online test.
Restrictions – When it comes to freedom of movement or stretching, online proctored exams are far more restrictive. To ensure online exams are conducted correctly, students are usually not allowed to leave the immediate vicinity of their computers, regardless of the location. If these restrictions cause any discomfort for students, they may be far better off sitting for their exams at a physical testing center.
Is Cheating Possible with the GED Online Proctored Exam?
One of the most popular search terms in relation to taking exams in an online proctored format is “How can I cheat on my online proctored exam.” So let’s take a closer look at possible answers to this question.
Cheating on the GED online proctored exam isn’t easy at all. First, the proctor will verify the candidate’s identity online and ensure that the online test-taker is indeed the same person who registered for the test.
Throughout the online test, state-of-the-art, highly sophisticated webcam technology will allow both the online proctor and the technology system to monitor not just the test-taker and the test room but also to detect suspicious sounds and movements.
A test-taker must provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport. This prevents impersonation. The online proctor will take a few minutes to check this, and then the test-taker must use the camera to show the entire testing room so the proctor can examine it for any possible irregularities or sources of information.
The testing room must be clean. Notepads, books, phones, notes on the wall, other devices, pens, papers, a second computer monitor, and other items are not permitted in the test environment. The test-taker is required to remain in the test room for the entire exam, and the testing system is configured to shut down the moment the test-taker leaves the testing area.
The online proctor will also demand that the candidate provide a close-up of his or her arms, ears, and pockets to make sure there aren’t any answers scribbled on hand palms or arms, perhaps a minuscule earpiece stuck inside an ear, or that any cheat sheets are tucked away in the candidate’s pockets.
The GED Online Proctored Exam employs a secure browser that is only used for the online proctored exam. This will guarantee that only the test delivery system runs on your computer when you take the exam.
All other programs on your computer will have to be shut down. In case you try to open any other application, the test process system will automatically shut down.
Additionally, functions like print, copy & paste, and all other functions are disabled, as are keyboard shortcuts and all of your function keys.
And keep in mind that the online proctored testing system will detect any unusual behavior, such as your eyes often darting away from the computer screen, and will issue alerts in many other cases.
But as always, despite tools and technological developments to detect and prevent cheating, those inclined to cheat will keep trying. The knowledge, however, that you are being watched for the full duration of the exam is itself already a very strong deterrent, wouldn’t you agree?
If the proctor or the software notices simply too many signs or red flags, your exam will be suspended, and your testing session will be canceled.
Is the GED Online Proctored Exam More Popular than at a Test Center?
Well, though online proctored test delivery has become a convenient and accessible method of testing and is available in most states that use the GED test, there are still many students who have to get used to this way of taking exams.
For taking the GED online proctored exam, broadband Internet access is key, and inadequate bandwidth and unstable connections are significant hurdles that prevent many students from taking tests online.
Additionally, test-takers are required to meet strict online testing requirements regarding their computer systems, webcams, microphones, testing protocols, and testing room environment. Not all students who are looking to take tests in an online proctored format may be in a position to meet these strict requirements.
Today, despite the obvious convenience and accessibility of online exams, taking exams at a test center remains the most popular and widely used option.
It used to be that the online GED test was more expensive ($6 per subtest) than writing the test at a test center, but that difference has disappeared. The price is now the same whether you take the exam online or at a test center.
However, online GED will cost you more, as you’ll have to buy and pass four GED Ready tests to qualify for online testing. One of these tests is $7.99. So that will set you back $32 in addition to the regular testing fees.
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Please note that the GED Online Proctored Exam is NOT available in the following states: West Virginia, Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Wyoming. In Iowa and Maine, the GED exam is NOT available. These states use the HiSET exam only for high school equivalency testing.
Last Updated on April 23, 2026.