Understand expectations for using honorlock

 

Review the guidelines below to understand what is and is not allowed during virtually proctored exams. To maintain academic integrity, students using Honorlock for exam proctoring have very specific requirements. When taking a virtually proctored exam with Honorlock, behave as you would in a test center or classroom and follow the additional guidelines below. 

Failure to meet these expectations will trigger an alert of suspicious activity, which could lead to a report of academic misconduct and/or punitive action. 

New guidelines for using Honorlock beginning summer 2026

Beginning summer 2026, students must download the Honorlock desktop application and the Honorlock mobile application to complete University of Iowa exams using Honorlock. 

Workspace scans are required

You must perform a workspace scan prior to the exam and provide a side view of your actions while testing to show compliance.

Authorized materials only

Only materials specifically approved by your instructor may be present at your work station during the exam.

No collaboration allowed

Any communication with others is prohibited during the exam. Test in a private/quiet location with no electronic devices.

Workspace scans and audio/video monitoring are required

You must perform a workspace scan prior to the exam and provide a side view of your actions while testing to show continued compliance with exam guidelines.  Failure to complete these requirements can result in suspicion of academic misconduct and/or a lower grade.

Authorized materials only

Only items pre-approved by your instructor are allowed at your work station during the exam. 
  • No access to print or electronic resources during the exam unless specifically approved by your instructor. If other materials are allowed (scratch paper, personal calculators, notes, external websites, etc.), those materials will be listed in the Proctored Exams Portal in ICON and in the exam instructions in ICON.
  • Honorlock has a basic or scientific online-calculator which can be enabled by instructor request.
  • Hats can be worn with any brim facing backward or removed. No other head coverings are allowed during exams, including hoods, unless the head covering is religious in nature.
  • Jackets and/or coats can be worn or removed. If a jacket or coat is worn, the hood must not be pulled over your head.

No collaboration allowed

Communication with others is prohibited during the exam. Test in a private/quiet location with no electronic devices.
  • No electronic communication devices or wearables (phones, other computers, tablets, watches, AI glasses, EMG wristbands, etc.,) during the exam other than the mobile device used for the workspace scan and side view while testing.
    • AI glasses are prohibited while testing regardless of whether they have corrective lenses. Only non-electronic glasses may be worn during an exam.
    • No headphones, earbuds, or any other listening devices may be used or worn during the test.
    • No music, television shows, movies, or podcasts should be playing in the background.
  • No talking during the exam. Any communication, for example verbal, whispering, or gestures, is prohibited during the exam.
  • No persons other than the test taker should be in the testing environment. The presence of others will be detected by Honorlock and will generate an alert of suspicious activity.
  • Face and eyes of the test taker must be visible and focused forward for the duration of the exam.
  • Do not select text on the screen with your cursor to highlight it unless you are editing the response your wrote in a text box (e.g. response to an essay question).
  • No leaving the exam or the room for any reason until the exam is completed and submitted.

Get immediate support for technical issues

Honorlock support is available 24/7 and is found within the exam. The chat feature is particularly helpful as the representative can see the test taker's screen to better assist with any problems. 

Please note that technical problems which prevent successful proctoring can affect the score. Notify the course instructor of any issue you experience. 

Explain any incident to the instructor

Any incident should be explained to the course instructor in writing as soon as possible. 

  • If the test taker's explanation and the instructor's review reveal a reasonably innocent explanation, the instructor may choose to allow the test taker to modify the behavior and comply with the guidelines to prevent future punitive action. 
  • If the test taker's explanation is unsatisfactory, the instructor may choose to impose a punitive action. 
  • If the test taker does not report a deviation and the instructor suspects a violation of these guidelines, the instructor will contact the test taker and punitive action may be taken. 

Still have questions or concerns about using Honorlock?