Saylor Proctor U, how does it work?

[assaultdog0351]

I am going to be taking an exam at Saylor here in the near future, how does the Proctor U work? 

Do they watch me the whole time on webcam or do they just check me into the exam with ID via webcam? Do I need a physical proctor and also the webcam?

BTW this POLSU201 is a kick in the balls, so much reading then they pull random questions out of it, some of which are iffy.

[davewill]

No the proctor monitors you remotely.

[Ideas]

You have to show your desk, under your desk, and to the sides. The webcam with audio is monitored the whole time, and your computer desktop.

I hate when exams have questions that are too specific.

[rvm]

I realize you didn't ask this but I rarely see it mentioned here and think it could be helpful.  Saylor does not require you to use Proctor U.  You can also be proctored by "certified librarians, military education services officers, embassy representatives, and school officials (such as principals, deans, or guidance counselors".    Frequently, at least in my area, school officials and librarians do not charge fees to proctor.  If you can locate a Saylor approved proctor who doesn't charge, you can potentially collect 91 credits for FREE!

I would include a link to the Saylor site to support this.  However, the new software doesn't seem to be friendly when I include external URLs.  To find the info go to the Saylor site, then go to the Help Center & FAQ, then to College Credit, Proctoring & Transcripts, then to In-person Proctoring Protocols OR... just search their site for the terms: certified librarian.

[bjcheung77]

I realize you didn't ask this but I rarely see it mentioned here and think it could be helpful.  Saylor does not require you to use Proctor U.  You can also be proctored by "certified librarians, military education services officers, embassy representatives, and school officials (such as principals, deans, or guidance counselors".    Frequently, at least in my area, school officials and librarians do not charge fees to proctor.  If you can locate a Saylor approved proctor who doesn't charge, you can potentially collect 91 credits for FREE!

I would include a link to the Saylor site to support this.  However, the new software doesn't seem to be friendly when I include external URLs.  To find the info go to the Saylor site, then go to the Help Center & FAQ, then to College Credit, Proctoring & Transcripts, then to In-person Proctoring Protocols OR... just search their site for the terms: certified librarian.

Side note: From what I recall - This is only available for their NCCRS courses, the ACE courses require ProctorU.

[rvm]

I realize you didn't ask this but I rarely see it mentioned here and think it could be helpful.  Saylor does not require you to use Proctor U.  You can also be proctored by "certified librarians, military education services officers, embassy representatives, and school officials (such as principals, deans, or guidance counselors".    Frequently, at least in my area, school officials and librarians do not charge fees to proctor.  If you can locate a Saylor approved proctor who doesn't charge, you can potentially collect 91 credits for FREE!

I would include a link to the Saylor site to support this.  However, the new software doesn't seem to be friendly when I include external URLs.  To find the info go to the Saylor site, then go to the Help Center & FAQ, then to College Credit, Proctoring & Transcripts, then to In-person Proctoring Protocols OR... just search their site for the terms: certified librarian.

Side note: From what I recall - This is only available for their NCCRS courses, the ACE courses require ProctorU.

Thanks for bringing that point to the table.  I re-read Saylor's In-person proctor page.  I did not see anything about NCCRS or ACE course requiring ProctorU.  I'm not disputing you.  It definitely warrants further investigation.  I'll contact Saylor tomorrow, time-permitting.  

I don't know how ACE could require the use of a particular proctoring business as that is a monopoly.  However, it seems when government agencies make policies, they can basically do whatever they want.

[davewill]

...
I don't know how ACE could require the use of a particular proctoring business as that is a monopoly.  However, it seems when government agencies make policies, they can basically do whatever they want.

ACE is not a "government agency," it's a private organization... Which, of course, is also free to do as they please, within limits of law.

[rvm]

...
I don't know how ACE could require the use of a particular proctoring business as that is a monopoly.  However, it seems when government agencies make policies, they can basically do whatever they want.

ACE is not a "government agency," it's a private organization... Which, of course, is also free to do as they please, within limits of law.

Thank you for correcting me Dave.  If ACE forces us to use ProctorU, isn't that a monopoly?  Might it be illegal or at best unethical?  

For millions of Americans who have don't live in urban or suburban locations, forcing us to use ProctorU could be discrimination, in a sense.  I live in an area where Internet bandwidth is antiquated.  Most residents in my county are forced to live with 3mbps or less b/c companies like CenturyLink have monopolies on telecom services & refuse to upgrade our utilities.  My bandwidth doesn't allow me Skype or use other face-to-face video so I cannot have ProctorU running while testing.  I'm ranting but these are things edu services don't consider when they force us to use ProctorU.

[davewill]

Thank you for correcting me Dave.  If ACE forces us to use ProctorU, isn't that a monopoly?  Might it be illegal or at best unethical?  

For millions of Americans who have don't live in urban or suburban locations, forcing us to use ProctorU could be discrimination, in a sense.  I live in an area where Internet bandwidth is antiquated.  Most residents in my county are forced to live with 3mbps or less b/c companies like CenturyLink have monopolies on telecom services & refuse to upgrade our utilities.  My bandwidth doesn't allow me Skype or use other face-to-face video so I cannot have ProctorU running while testing.  I'm ranting but these are things edu services don't consider when they force us to use ProctorU.

I'm quite sure that ACE doesn't care which proctoring service is used as different ACE credit providers use different methods and companies. All of the online proctoring uses a webcam. You will either have to stick to CLEP and other choices that use testing centers, or find a way to use a library or school that has good broadband for your testing.

[rvm]

Dave, I agree - using a proctor which both the tester and Saylor approve was exactly what I was referring to above, save an online proctoring service.  Saylor states they permit In-person proctoring if they approve the proctor.  Saylor doesn't state they permit In-person proctoring only for NCCRS-approved courses.  As you said, why would ACE care which proctoring service is used?  BJCheung does seem to remember this situation so it must have some merit.

---

As soon as I posted the above reply, I received an email reply from Saylor concerning whether ACE requires testers seeking credit to use ProctorU exclusively. Here it is:

Hi Robin,

That used to be the case, but we've since changed that rule -- you can use an approved in-person proctor to cover either/both NCCRS and ACE recommended exams.

Thanks for seeking clarification -- let me know other questions that come up!
Best,
Xyz

Xyz Abc
<job title>
Saylor Academy

Of course, since I did not ask permission to post this email, I removed the job title and the name of the Saylor employee who responded to my inquiry.