Deep dive: Remote Proctoring

Linguaskill can be taken remotely, allowing candidates to demonstrate their English proficiency from home, their workplace or another suitable private location. But how can an online exam meet the same security standards as an assessment taken in an exam centre? The answer is remote proctoring.

Remote proctoring is a form of online exam supervision. Instead of having an invigilator physically present in the examination room, technology is used to monitor the candidate and the testing environment.

For Linguaskill, Cambridge works with Talview, a specialist in secure digital assessment. The system uses a webcam, microphone, identity verification, activity monitoring and a secure browser. Artificial intelligence helps identify possible irregularities, while flagged sessions can be reviewed by trained personnel.

This helps protect the reliability and integrity of Cambridge certification, even when candidates are not physically present at an exam centre.

Step 1, Register for your assessment. Your school, employer or exam centre arranges the Linguaskill assessment. You receive information about your scheduled test, the modules you will take and the technical requirements.

Step 2, Prepare your computer. Before test day, make sure your laptop or desktop meets Cambridge’s technical requirements: a compatible operating system, a functioning webcam, an appropriate headset and microphone, and a stable internet connection. You must also install the required Talview Secure Browser and complete the technical checks in advance.

Step 3, Prepare your examination space. Choose a quiet, private room where you will not be disturbed. Your desk must be clear of unauthorised materials, and you must be alone throughout the examination. Additional screens, phones, reference materials and other prohibited items must not be accessible.

Step 4, Verify your identity. Before the assessment starts, you will be asked to verify your identity using an accepted photographic identification document. A test-day photograph is taken using your webcam.

Step 5, Complete the room check. You will be asked to show your surroundings using your webcam or laptop camera. This 360-degree room check helps confirm that the examination environment meets Cambridge’s security requirements.

Step 6, Take your Linguaskill test. Once the checks have been completed, you can begin the assessment. The secure testing environment restricts unauthorised computer activity. Your webcam, microphone and relevant session activity are used to monitor compliance with the examination rules. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully and remain within view of the camera.

Step 7, Receive your Cambridge results. After the assessment has been completed, the results are processed and the required security checks are carried out. You receive your official Linguaskill results and certification according to the arrangements made with your exam centre or institution.

Yes. Remote Linguaskill is designed to be taken using a compatible personal computer or laptop. However, not every device is suitable: candidates must meet Cambridge’s current technical requirements and be able to install the required secure testing software.

Chromebooks, tablets and mobile phones are not supported for this purpose.

We strongly recommend completing all technical checks well before your scheduled examination.

Remote testing offers institutions a way to assess students without requiring everyone to attend the same examination venue.

For example, it may be useful for international applicants, students completing their studies abroad, distance-learning programmes or employees working across multiple locations.

talkingENGLISH can help your institution coordinate registrations, scheduling, candidate instructions and assessment arrangements.

For larger groups, on-site testing may be a more practical alternative. We will be happy to discuss which delivery method best fits your needs.

Remote proctoring makes English assessment more accessible without removing the security procedures expected of a Cambridge examination.

The technology changes where the test can be taken, not what the results represent.

Remote testing is subject to technical requirements, examination regulations and confirmation of availability through talkingENGLISH.