Testing Information

NOVA Online Proctoring

At NOVA Online, your assessments are proctored virtually, just like in campus-based courses. Faculty will schedule specific days and times for your tests, and you'll use tools like Respondus Monitor and Respondus Lockdown Browser to ensure a secure testing environment. These tools help maintain academic integrity while providing flexibility for online students.

What technology is required for NOVA Online proctoring?

The proctoring solution for your course determines which software you will use for your assessments. All software required for NOVA Online assessments is free and accessible through the college.

In addition to your computer, you will need a functioning webcam.

Zoom Live Proctoring is conducted via the Zoom web client or application. Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are integrated with Canvas and accessed directly during the exam. Respondus Lockdown Browser is a specialized browser used for Canvas quizzes that prevents printing, copying, and accessing other websites or applications during the assessment. If a quiz requires Lockdown Browser, you won’t be able to use a standard browser. Respondus Monitor is an add-on that records your testing session and shares the video with your instructor.

Proctor Request

If you need to secure an exam proctor you must submit a NOVA Online Proctor Request form.

Frequently Asked Questions

The link to download the VCCS Respondus Lockdown Browser and directions are located within each course.

Respondus Lockdown Browser is not compatible with Assistive Technology. Students using Assistive Technology will be provided access to a copy of the assessment, which does not use Lockdown browser. Generally speaking in these situations, a reader/scribe would be assigned to support the student in taking the test. To request a reader/scribe, contact disabilityservices@nvcc.edu.

Complete the NOVA Online Proctor Request Form and submit it with your proctor's statement on letterhead to NOVA Online (see the Proctor Request Form for details). Please note on the form if you are requesting to take the English or Math Placement Assessment.

  • Proctor requests may take up to 5 business days to process.

All students will receive an email confirmation when the assessments have been sent to the proctor.

All proctor requests must be verified. Delays in submitting your request and delays in response to the verification process with your proctor may result in missed assessments and grade penalties. DO NOT wait until the last minute to submit proctor requests.

Qualified Proctors include testing centers at an accredited college or university. Active duty and deployed military personnel may submit a proctor request for an approved military educational or test control officer. Students needing an accommodation based on a disability should contact NOVA Online for help in identifying an appropriate proctor.

In documented mitigating circumstances, a full-time faculty member at an accredited college or university may be eligible, provided we can verify their employment status and the assessments are taken at a college or university office with a computer provided by the test proctor.

Proctors cannot be a family member, employer, friend, co-worker, or someone with whom the student has any personal relationship. Proctors also cannot be an adjunct faculty member, teaching assistant, athletic coach, or student worker.

**Students requesting a testing accommodation must have a memorandum on file with NOVA’s Office of Disability Services, prior to taking assessments. Accommodations are not retroactive and will not be granted without following the process as outlined by NOVA’s Office of Disability Services. Accommodations must relate to online courses.

Please visit Placement Testing for up to date information on how to safely place into your appropriate math or English course.