Digital Learning Resources

Honorlock Student FAQ

The University of South Florida is committed to academic integrity of fully online and hybrid based courses. Canvas based exams and quizzes may require online proctoring through Honorlock. The following are commonly asked online proctoring questions.

Why is USF offering online proctoring?

USF cares about student learning and accountability is part of the student learning experience. Our commitment to student success demands that we provide the right tools to ensure honesty, fairness, and equity. Lastly, we all value what it means to have a degree from USF, and we maintain our high standards so that we might guarantee excellence beyond college.

What information does Honorlock collect from students?

Depending on the exam settings as determined by the instructor, Honorlock may require an identity confirmation and/or monitoring of a student’s exam attempt. Honorlock does not scan other computers on your network or your phone or tablet and has no access to them. Honorlock is FERPA compliant and a multitude of privacy provisions have been established to ensure student privacy. For more information please visit the Honorlock student privacy statement page and the Honorlock privacy and security FAQ.

Is online proctoring required for all online exam?

No. Online proctoring for exams is an option that your instructor may or may not require for course exams. If the instructor has enabled online proctoring for an exam, then it is required of all students in that class.  

How do I know if my online exam will require proctoring?

If you have an online exam that requires proctoring via Honorlock, a notification will be provided within your syllabus and you will see an Honorlock section in your course menu. Prior to the exam you should have access an Honorlock student prep module and practice test. If this is not available, please contact your instructor. 

If my online exam requires proctoring, what will I need?

Students will need a computer (Mac or PC) that meets the minimum requirements, a (reliable) high-speed internet connection, and the Chrome browser with the Honorlock extension. The extension can be removed after you have finished your exam. Honorlock is not mobile compliant and phones or iPads are not supported. Students should take exams from private, quiet location with good lighting. Depending upon the exam requirements, students may also need a webcam with microphone (internal or USB) and an ID. It is the student's responsibility to ensure these requirements are met. You will find in your course an Honorlock student prep module providing you with the steps for setup and a practice test. If you do not see this please contact your instructor. 

What if I have a technical problem?

Honorlock has its own 24/7 support line via email, phone, or chat on the Honorlock support page. Additionally, chat and a student guide is available within the Honorlock section of your course. You can also contact the USF help desk at 813-974-HELP or help@usf.edu.

Prior to contacting support, check for the following: 

  1. Verify that you are using the latest version of the Chrome browser and latest version of the Honorlock extension.
  2. If you see an “Access Code” refresh your browser and/or reinstall the Honorlock extension. 
  3. If you are having issues capturing your ID during the exam pre-checks make sure you are in a room with sufficient lighting and holding your ID steady. 

What does Honorlock do to ensure accessibility?

Honorlock is VPAT certified, 508 compliant, and fully accessible by screen readers. Students with questions or concerns about how a disability may impact the use of should contact Students with Disabilities Services or call 813-974-4309.

Who ultimately determines if cheating has occured?

Just like a traditional class exam, this is determined by the instructor. 

Does USF require the live capture of a student’s work area during the exam?

The USF instance of Honorlock does not include this.