A proctored exam is a test administered under formal supervision to verify the test-taker's identity and ensure academic integrity. Homeschoolers encounter proctored exams for college admissions testing, earning college credit, and meeting state compliance requirements.
What is a Proctored Exam?
A proctored exam places a supervisor—the proctor—between you and the temptation to peek at notes or consult Google. This person verifies your identity, monitors the testing environment, enforces time limits, and ensures you complete the assessment fairly. For homeschoolers, proctored exams become relevant in three main contexts: college entrance testing (SAT, ACT, CLT), earning college credit through programs like CLEP or dual enrollment, and meeting state assessment requirements in approximately half of U.S. states.
Key Takeaways
- Required for major college entrance exams (SAT, ACT, CLT) and college credit programs
- Available in-person at testing centers or remotely via webcam monitoring
- About half of U.S. states require some form of standardized testing for homeschoolers
- Several homeschool-friendly tests (CLT3-8, CAT, Iowa) allow parent proctoring
- Costs range from free (parent-proctored) to $50+ for testing center services
Types of Proctoring
State Compliance Requirements
Nine states require all homeschoolers to complete assessments: Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. However, proctoring requirements vary significantly. North Dakota requires a certified teacher to administer tests. Most states allow parents to proctor standardized assessments themselves. A few states like Massachusetts and Minnesota require mutual agreement between parents and school officials on testing methods. Before testing season, check your state's specific requirements at HSLDA's state law pages.
College Entrance Testing Options
The Classic Learning Test (CLT) was designed with homeschoolers in mind. While SAT and ACT require traveling to testing centers, CLT administers its college-entrance exam online from home with remote proctoring. For younger students, CLT3-8 and CLT10 can be parent-proctored with no certification required. If your state requires testing for compliance, CLT satisfies most state requirements while giving you flexibility unavailable with traditional options.
Finding Proctoring Services
For in-person proctoring, start with local community colleges—many operate testing centers open to outside students for a fee (typically $50+). University testing centers offer similar services. Pearson VUE operates testing locations nationwide for various professional and academic exams. For online options, CLEP offers remote proctoring through Proctortrack, and services like ProctorU provide fee-based remote supervision. For homeschool-friendly tests like TerraNova/CAT, no official proctoring requirements exist, making them accessible for any family.
The Bottom Line
Proctored exams are a reality of modern education, whether for college admissions, earning credit, or state compliance. The good news for homeschoolers: options have expanded significantly. Parent-proctored assessments like CLT3-8 and CAT satisfy many state requirements without the stress and expense of testing centers. For college-bound students, the CLT offers a homeschool-friendly alternative to SAT/ACT. Know your state's requirements, plan ahead for test dates, and remember that these assessments measure just one dimension of your student's education.
