The question of how exams and assessments can be made as secure as possible – but that are still accessible to a diverse audience of candidates, is always at the forefront of the minds of those who work in assessment and awarding. But this is not an easy question to answer. For every effort that is made to increase security, an equal and opposing effort is made to undermine or counteract this by people who are looking to gain an unfair advantage.
From blunt force hacks including writing notes on your trousers, to the more sophisticated use of screen sharing apps and hidden earpieces, it is important never to underestimate the relentless nature of the phenomenon of cheating; complacency on our part only serves to open up the gaps in defences that are required for exploitation.
So how do we do it at VICTVS? In this first article in a series on exam security, we examine one aspect of our approach to exam delivery that is both unique within our industry and is extremely effective. We call this, Supervigilation!
In a world where…
In the realm of examination invigilation services, ensuring the integrity and security of assessments is paramount. With the increase in use of remote invigilation and the steadily evolving landscape of digital assessments, the need for robust quality assurance measures is a critical aspect of high-stakes exam delivery. VICTVS understands this imperative and has devised a pioneering approach that combines human oversight with advanced technical solutions to deliver a new level of exam security that sets a new industry standard. At the heart of this approach lies the role of Supervigilators, – ‘Supervisor-Invigilators,’ who play a pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of exam integrity.
Supervigilators serve as the guardians of exam integrity, entrusted with the responsibility of actively monitoring VICTVS’ main invigilation workforce. They are the protectors of the protectors and the additional shield around the force. Unlike our principal invigilators who oversee exam sessions directly, Supervigilators operate at a higher level, conducting quality assurance monitoring to ensure that our main invigilator workforce adheres to our rigorous standards, exam procedures and protocols. Their role extends beyond mere observation; they are the frontline defenders against any potential breaches or irregularities in the invigilation process.
Resisting coercion and bribery
One of the risks associated with delivery of high-stakes exams in a venue – particularly if these exams are regularly delivered and staffed by the same people, is the risk of coercion, collusion or bribery in which a candidate or group of candidates attempt to gain an advantage by co-opting invigilators and exam staff with bribes or threats. This is often cited by providers of remote proctoring services, as a reason why ‘AI’ powered remote proctoring is a superior offer – remove the human, remove the risk… However with exams and assessments tending to be complex affairs that often result in stressful experiences for the candidates, we find that human invigilation done well, provides a welcome and supportive customer service to the candidates that cannot be overlooked. Consequently, the use of Supervigilators as an additional layer of overwatch on the invigilators working in an exam environment, in addition with all of our technical tools for preventing exam malpractice, allows us to not only police the police, but also to provide helpful additional duty of care monitoring to both the invigilators on site, and to candidates all over the world.
Complementing AI
What sets Supervigilators apart is their ability to complement and enhance VICTVS’ technical exam security measures. While advanced technologies such as biometric authentication and AI-powered proctoring software play an important role in detecting and deterring cheating, they are not foolproof. Human oversight remains indispensable in identifying nuances and irregularities that may elude automated systems. After all, current generations of AI tools are only prediction machines – they do not have genuine understanding of what they are observing. Supervigilators bridge this gap by combining their expertise with technological solutions, and human intuition, creating a comprehensive security framework that leaves no room for compromise.
Continual improvement in exam delivery
Beyond their surveillance duties, Supervigilators also play a pivotal role in continuous improvement initiatives within VICTVS. By providing valuable feedback and insights based on their monitoring activities, they contribute to the refinement of invigilation processes and the implementation of preventive measures to mitigate risks. Their proactive approach to quality assurance not only strengthens the resilience of VICTVS’ exam security framework but also fosters a culture of excellence and accountability within the organization.
Having created the role of Supervigilators, we have demonstrated that by leveraging human expertise alongside advanced technological solutions, VICTVS has established a multi-layered security framework that sets the gold standard for exam integrity. Through their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication to excellence, our Supervigilators uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that every exam administered under the auspices of VICTVS is fair, transparent, and secure.
