What to do if I receive a warning during a proctored test?

Receiving a warning during your proctored test can be stressful, but understanding why warnings appear and how to respond appropriately will help you complete your assessment successfully. Warnings are automated alerts triggered by the proctoring system when it detects behavior that may violate test rules. This article explains common warning scenarios and provides clear steps to address them.

Understanding Proctoring Warnings

Talview’s AI-powered proctoring monitors your test session to ensure a fair testing environment. The system may issue warnings for actions such as:

Looking away from the screen
Presence of other people in the test environment
Moving away from camera view
Attempting to switch tabs or applications
Covering or blocking your webcam
Background noise or voices
Using unauthorized materials or devices

Most warnings are precautionary and give you a chance to correct your behavior before any serious action is taken. If you think the warning is falsely shown, let the proctor know in the chat and continue with your exam.

🔎 Warning shown? Here’s what to check for:

What Might Be Wrong	How to Fix It
Face not detected	Adjust your seating position so your face is clearly visible and centered in the camera frame. Ensure adequate lighting falls on your face from the front, not from behind. Avoid wearing accessories that obscure your face.
Multiple faces detected	Ensure you are alone in the room during the test. Ask others to leave the testing area. If someone inadvertently enters, acknowledge the warning and immediately ensure they leave the frame.
Looking away from screen	Keep your eyes focused on the test screen. Avoid looking around the room, at notes unless allowed in the exam rules.
Tab switching or application access	Do not switch browser tabs, open new applications, or access other programs during the test. Close all unnecessary applications before starting. Use only the test interface provided.
Audio anomaly detected	Silence your phone/secondary camera and other devices. Ensure you are in a quiet environment.
Webcam blocked or covered	Check that nothing is obstructing your webcam. Remove any stickers, tape, or objects covering the camera. Ensure your camera lens is clean and unobstructed.
Prohibited object detected	Remove all unauthorized materials from your testing area, including phones, tablets, notes, books, or additional monitors.
Person left the frame	Remain seated at your workstation throughout the test. If you must briefly adjust your position, do so quickly and return to a clearly visible position in the camera frame.

Best PracticesFollowing these guidelines will help you maintain a warning-free test session:

Set up your testing environment according to the pre-test requirements checklist
Position yourself centrally in the camera frame with good front-facing lighting
Clear your desk of all materials except those explicitly permitted by the test administrator
Silence all devices and close unnecessary applications before beginning
Remain focused on the test screen throughout your session
Keep your hands visible and avoid excessive movement
Stay in your seat for the duration of the test

If you receive multiple warnings, the session may be flagged for review or end. Take each warning seriously and correct the behavior immediately. You won’t be able to view your session’s flags or event log. If you believe a warning or flag was raised in error, contact your exam administrator after your exam to request a review.

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What to do if I receive a warning during a proctored test?

Understanding Proctoring Warnings

🔎 Warning shown? Here’s what to check for:

​Understanding Proctoring Warnings

​🔎 Warning shown? Here’s what to check for:

Understanding Proctoring Warnings

🔎 Warning shown? Here’s what to check for: