Why Professional Invigilation Matters to Your Candidates 

Invigilators are not just there to hand out papers and keep an eye on the clock.  A well-trained invigilator ensures that exams are conducted fairly, securely, and professionally—something that is more important than ever in today’s high-stakes educational environment, where candidates are constantly finding new and inventive ways to cheat.

We treat invigilation with the seriousness it deserves at VICTVS.  Our global network of professional invigilators undergoes rigorous training to uphold the highest standards of exam security and academic integrity.  Whether it is a high-profile certification exam or a niche industry assessment, our invigilators are equipped to handle complex exam conditions, ensuring compliance with both institutional regulations and awarding body requirements.

Invigilation deserves greater professional recognition from educational institutions, policymakers and the media.  To understand how undervaluing the profession impacts academic integrity, check out our blog.  For more information on how VICTVS can support your invigilation needs, click here.

The Ethical Implications of Exam Hacking

It is safe to say that cheating in exams is not what it used to be.  Gone are the days of scribbling answers on your hand or sneaking in a cheat sheet.  The rise of digital exams has opened up a whole new world of high-tech hacks to help candidates cheat in, or even totally shut down, an exam.

But while candidates might see cheating as a risk worth taking, the ethical consequences are significant.  Cheating in an exam, whether it be through technical or analogue means, undermines the integrity of academic assessments and creates unfair advantages, devaluing the accomplishments of honest students.  It also normalises unethical behaviour and sets a precedent for future misconduct in professional settings.

We look in greater depth at the ethical and legal consequences of exam hacking – as well as ways to prevent it – in our latest blog piece.

The VICTVS Podcast, ‘When Exam’s Go Wrong – Cheating Your Way to the Nuclear Launch Codes’

This year, we have an exciting lineup of podcast episodes planned covering topics like contract cheating, exam hacking and more, all featuring fantastic guest speakers.

In the meantime, you can checkout a past episode on cheating in exams with special guest Derek Newton of The Cheat Sheet.  We examine some of the most extreme cases of academic dishonesty, including the shocking incident where U.S. Air Force nuclear missile commanders were caught cheating on their monthly proficiency tests.

To make sure you never miss an episode of The VICTVS Podcast, subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Other News 

• Ofqual to Fine Pearson Exam Board £250,000:  Ofqual intends to fine Pearson £250,000 for failing to identify conflicts of interest among 195 of its GCSE, A-level, and BTEC examiners, as well as failing to follow its own policies on exam paper confidentiality.  This is a shocking case that shines a light on malpractice in the industry.  Tes has the full story.
• Poorer Pupils Less Likely to Get Extra Time in Exams:  Last week, The Times reported that in Scotland, school students living in deprived areas are less likely to receive extra time in exams.  According to some parents, extra help for those who need it is often granted purely based on “luck.”
• Education Secretary Outlines Plans to Modernise Education Sector:  The UK’s Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has announced plans for a “digital revolution” in schools, aiming to modernise the education sector and improve access to learning tools.  Phillipson claims that barriers to opportunity will be broken down in classrooms, with every student and teacher able to access the tools they need.  More on this here.
• Tackling Academic Dishonesty: Contract Cheating in 2025:   In case you missed it, we recently explored the growing issue of contract cheating on our blog, looking at how these companies are using AI to enhance their services and what this means for academic integrity.  Read the full piece here.

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Katherine Barnett