Learn About Honorlock Recording Features During Exams

Understanding Honorlock's Recording Technology and How It Works

Honorlock is a proctoring service that many educational institutions use to monitor students during online exams. The system uses your computer's camera, microphone, and screen to record exam sessions. Understanding how this technology functions can help you prepare for a proctored exam and know what to expect when you sit down to take your test.

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The recording process begins when you launch the Honorlock extension or application on your device. The system will request permission to access your webcam and microphone before the exam starts. Your computer's screen is also monitored throughout the test so that proctors can see exactly what you're viewing. This three-part recording system—camera, audio, and screen—creates a comprehensive record of your exam session.

Honorlock's technology includes artificial intelligence that flags unusual activity during exams. The AI system can detect behaviors such as multiple faces in the frame, sudden changes in eye gaze, or audio that suggests another person is present. When the AI detects suspicious activity, it alerts a live proctor who may intervene during the exam or review the recording afterward.

The recording quality depends on your internet connection and device capabilities. A stable broadband connection is recommended for best results. The system stores video and audio in encrypted formats on secure servers. Most institutions retain these recordings for a set period, typically ranging from 30 days to one year, depending on their retention policies.

Practical takeaway: Before your exam, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection using Honorlock's system check tool. Position your webcam so it captures your face and upper body clearly, and ensure your microphone picks up your voice without excessive background noise.

What the Camera Records During Your Exam

The camera recording is one of the most visible aspects of Honorlock proctoring. Your webcam captures your face and the area surrounding you during the entire exam. This recording serves multiple purposes: it verifies that you are the person taking the exam, documents your behavior and demeanor throughout the test, and helps detect any suspicious activity or unauthorized assistance.

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The camera angle matters significantly for successful proctoring. Honorlock recommends positioning your device so the webcam captures your face, shoulders, and enough of the surrounding area to see your desk or table. If you're using a laptop, position it at eye level or slightly above. If you're using a desktop computer with a separate camera, mount it so it captures a similar view. The goal is to create a clear line of sight between you and the camera without obstruction.

During recording, the system monitors for several behaviors. These include looking away from the screen for extended periods, tilting your head significantly downward (which might suggest you're reading from hidden materials), the presence of other people in the camera view, or rapid eye movement patterns. The AI doesn't flag every instance of these behaviors—isolated eye movements or brief glances are normal. However, patterns of behavior that suggest cheating may trigger alerts.

Lighting conditions affect camera recording quality. Natural light from a window or a desk lamp positioned in front of you produces better results than backlighting. Avoid sitting with a bright window directly behind you, as this can create a silhouette effect and make your face difficult to see. Poor lighting can sometimes cause the system to have difficulty verifying your identity at the start of the exam.

Practical takeaway: On exam day, set up your camera at least 12-18 inches away from your face, ensure adequate lighting from the front, and remove any items from your desk that could obstruct the camera's view of you or your work area.

Audio Recording and What Proctors Can Hear

The microphone records all sounds in your exam environment during the test period. This includes your voice if you speak aloud, background noise from your surroundings, and any audio from your device's speakers. The audio recording serves as verification that you're working alone and not receiving verbal assistance from another person.

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Honorlock's audio detection can identify several concerning sounds during an exam. These include conversations with other people, phone calls, notifications or alerts that might contain answers, or other audio that suggests someone else is helping you. The system's artificial intelligence analyzes audio patterns in real time. However, it's designed to distinguish between normal background noise—like traffic, pets, or household sounds—and suspicious audio that indicates human interaction.

Many students worry about background noise affecting their recording. Minor background sounds generally don't raise concerns. Your pet moving around, traffic sounds from outside, a refrigerator running, or similar ambient noise is considered normal. Even if someone briefly walks through your room, provided they don't interact with you or your exam, this typically doesn't violate testing policies. The system looks for patterns of suspicious audio rather than isolated sounds.

Your testing environment matters for audio quality. Test in a relatively quiet space if possible. If you live in a noisy area or share your space with others, inform your proctor at the start of the exam about expected background sounds. Some institutions allow students to note potential disruptions before testing begins. This transparency can prevent misunderstandings if background noise occurs during your exam.

Practical takeaway: Choose a testing location away from televisions, radios, or other speakers. If you live with others, let them know your exam time so they can minimize noise. Check your microphone levels before the exam to ensure it's not too sensitive or too quiet.

Screen Recording and Browser Monitoring

Honorlock records your computer screen throughout the exam period. This allows proctors to see exactly what you're viewing, what you're typing, and what resources you're using. Screen recording is perhaps the most important component of the monitoring system because it provides direct evidence of how you're answering questions and whether you're accessing materials you shouldn't be using.

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The screen recording captures everything displayed on your monitor, including the testing platform, your answers, the exam questions, and any other windows or tabs you open. If you open a web browser tab to access unauthorized materials, this action is recorded. If you minimize the exam window, switch to another application, or view external websites, all of this activity appears in the screen recording. This is why instructors can determine not just that suspicious activity occurred, but exactly what you were doing.

Honorlock's system includes browser monitoring that detects when you navigate away from the exam site. Some institutions configure the system to allow multiple windows or tabs, while others restrict you to a single browser tab showing only the exam. Your school's policies determine what's permitted. Understanding these restrictions before your exam helps you avoid accidental violations. For example, if you're allowed to use a calculator but not allowed to browse the internet, you'll know to use only your device's built-in calculator or a permitted tool.

During screen recording, the system can detect copy-paste actions, searches for answer keys, visits to social media or messaging platforms, and attempts to access cloud documents or notes. Because everything is recorded, these actions are typically discovered during post-exam review even if a live proctor doesn't notice them during the test. This means that even if you think a violation went unnoticed in the moment, the recording likely captured it.

Practical takeaway: Before your exam begins, close all applications and browser tabs except those permitted for the test. Silence notifications from email, messaging apps, and social media. Familiarize yourself with which resources you're allowed to use by reviewing your instructor's exam policies in advance.

How Recording Data Is Stored and Who Can Access It

Once your exam recording is complete, the video and audio files are transmitted to Honorlock's secure servers. These recordings are encrypted and stored in data centers designed with security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Understanding how your recording data is handled can help you understand privacy considerations related to proctored exams.

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Your institution determines how long Honorlock retains your recordings. Most colleges and universities have policies requiring storage for a minimum period—commonly 30 days to one year—after which recordings may be deleted. Some schools retain recordings longer if an academic integrity investigation is ongoing. Your school's student handbook or testing policies typically specify retention periods, though many students don't review this information.

Access to your recording is generally limited to specific individuals. These typically include your course instructor, teaching assistants, academic integrity officers, and authorized Honorlock staff who provide technical support or conduct post-exam reviews if needed. Your recording is not shared with other students, made public, or used for purposes unrelated to exam proctoring. However, if your school initiates an academic integrity investigation, additional administrators may review the recording as part of that process.

Some institutions allow students to request their own exam recordings.