SmarterProctoring is an online exam proctoring platform that helps schools manage remote and in-person tests. It is a competitor in the broader education technology space. This article provides reviews, pricing, and key features of SmarterProctoring so students and parents can compare tutoring and exam platforms and decide wisely.
SmarterProctoring Reviews and Testimonials
G2 (Business software reviews): SmarterProctoring has one user review (4.5/5 stars) on G2
onlineexammaker.com
. The review calls it a “state-of-the-art exam proctoring” system with AI monitoring. It notes multiple proctoring modes (automated, live, record-review) and good security
onlineexammaker.com
Reddit (students’ forums): Students report very mixed experiences. One student said the system blocked her test because of slow internet, complaining “I love being punished for living in a rural area”. Another student angrily called the service “incompetent” and blamed it for lost grades. These comments show many test-takers find it frustrating in practice.
Reddit (instructors): An instructor said SmarterProctoring integrated easily with his school’s LMS and was “easy enough” to use
reddit.com
. He noted students once paid $5 per test (now covered by fees) and that automated sessions are recorded while live review costs extra
reddit.com
This suggests faculty find it functional but fee setups vary.
Official site testimonials: SmarterServices’ website features customer quotes. One college reported SmarterProctoring gave “a one-stop-shop for test creation, scheduling and ensuring exam information is consistent”
smarterservices.com
. They praised “top-notch” customer service and fast setup (live proctoring up in 2 weeks)
smarterservices.com
. Clients also say students appreciate the ease of scheduling and that integrity of distance programs is “more credible” after using it
smarterservices.com
.
Is SmarterProctoring legit? Yes. It is a real exam proctoring service used by many schools, with official client testimonials and a 4.5-star G2 rating. However, user reviews are mixed: many students on forums report technical glitches and service issues. In sum, it is a genuine platform, but experiences vary widely.
Overall, institution reviews tend to be positive (easy setup, multiple proctor options), while anonymous student comments often describe frustration over tech problems and fees. SmarterProctoring works as promised for colleges, but individual test-takers report significant drawbacks.
SmarterProctoring Pricing
Pricing Range
SmarterProctoring charges per exam. For example, one college reports fees of about USD 17–$25 per exam for 1–2 hour tests Longer exams (3+ hours) may cost around $30. An instructor noted some schools initially charged students $5 per exam (later covered by tuition). There are no hourly tutor rates since this is proctoring, not tutoring. (Check their pricing info for details.)
What students say about SmarterProctoring Pricing
Students on forums do not often discuss price. The per-exam fee (~$17–$25) is typical for remote proctoring and comparable to similar services. For instance, ProctorU lists about $20 for a 2-hour exam. SmarterProctoring’s fees seem in line with industry norms. No public complaints about being overcharged were found, though one user mentioned surprise at short-notice scheduling fees (see below).
Hidden costs
Some extra fees can apply. One example college charges a $25 no-show fee if a student fails to cancel an exam in time. SmarterProctoring’s official policy states no refunds for no-shows. There are no registration or enrollment fees disclosed, but expedited scheduling may cost more. For example, one university adds $5 if you schedule 1–3 days ahead or $8 if you schedule within a day. Students should check exam cancellation rules to avoid surprises.
How SmarterProctoring’s pricing works
Students usually pay upfront by credit card when scheduling a session. Some schools use vouchers: these pre-paid vouchers fund multiple exam sessions until used up. There are no subscription packages or discounts listed. Pricing is flat per exam and set by the institution, so tutoring-style coupons or student discounts do not apply. In short, each test is booked and paid for individually.
Free Trial
There is no free trial for SmarterProctoring. It is offered through institutional contracts, not as a retail service. Students cannot use it without enrolling in a course that provides it.
Refund policy
SmarterProctoring’s official refund policy allows refunds if an exam is dropped, rescheduled by the student/instructor, or cancelled due to technical failure. However, no-shows are not refunded. In practice, some students report trouble getting money back. One student said SmarterProctoring promised a refund after a system crash but never issued it until they disputed with their bank. Another reported eventually receiving a refund after a few days. These reports suggest the stated policy is not always enforced promptly, and support is needed to secure refunds.
SmarterProctoring Alternatives
Students and instructors may consider other proctoring services or even tutoring platforms if SmarterProctoring does not meet their needs. Here are some major alternatives in 2025:
ProctorU (Meazure Learning)
ProctorU is an established remote proctoring service (now Meazure Learning). It offers live remote monitoring and similar automated tools. Its pricing is comparable or slightly lower: for example, a 2-hour test costs about $19.75. ProctorU is widely used in U.S. schools and supports multiple proctoring modes. Its strength is scale and experience, but it usually requires separate login outside the LMS. Compared to SmarterProctoring, ProctorU has a similar feature set; many institutions actually switched between these systems. Users report that ProctorU is reliable, though some find it less flexible in configuration.
Honorlock
Honorlock is a popular proctoring platform with a different pricing model (typically a flat institutional fee, e.g. ~$30 per semester). It uses a Chrome extension so students often skip scheduling – it can launch exams on-demand. Honorlock uses AI and live proctors to monitor cheating. It is often rated higher by users (G2 4.4/5). Pros over SmarterProctoring: no need to schedule each test, and strong 24/7 support. Cons: it costs a fixed term fee, which might be inefficient for few exams, and it is not integrated into all LMS systems by default.
Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus offers a secure browser (LockDown Browser) and Monitor (AI webcam proctoring). Unlike SmarterProctoring, it is typically free or covered by a campus license. Schools host it themselves, so there is no per-exam charge. It only provides automated proctoring (no live proctors), which means simpler setup but fewer modes. Its strength is ease of use and cost. Compared to SmarterProctoring, Respondus is better for low-stakes or web-based tests but lacks live monitoring. Over 2,000 institutions use LockDown Browser, attesting to its reliability.
Examity
Examity is another remote proctoring service (part of Meazure Learning). It offers live and automated proctoring similar to SmarterProctoring. Pricing is generally per exam and comparable to ProctorU. Its focus is on high-stakes testing and customization; for example, it offers different security levels. Examity’s pros are flexible proctoring packages and 24/7 scheduling. Its cons are similar to SmarterProctoring (tech setup needed) and it usually also requires institutional setup. In effect, Examity and SmarterProctoring compete directly; schools often choose one or the other.
My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is not an exam proctor but an online tutoring platform specializing in advanced STEM subjects. It hires top engineering and math tutors. MEB charges by the hour (for college students starting around $30/hr). Pros: Personalized 1-on-1 help, 24/7 availability, and no hidden exam fees. Cons: It is not an exam monitoring service at all. If a student is looking for tutoring or homework help, MEB is a strong choice. But it does not help with proctoring exams like SmarterProctoring does.
Proctorio
Proctorio is a fully automated AI proctoring service. It uses facial and screen monitoring with machine learning. Its big advantage is cost: it charges only about $3–$5 per exam, far below SmarterProctoring’s rates. However, Proctorio has no live proctor option and has faced privacy criticism. It is easy to start (just a browser extension). Compared to SmarterProctoring, it is much cheaper but less comprehensive. It may suit courses where automated monitoring is sufficient.
How it Works?
For Students
Students access SmarterProctoring through their school’s learning platform (LMS). They log into their course site and click the “Proctored Exam Scheduling” link. There they find the exam, choose the proctoring mode (e.g. live or automated), and schedule a session. The scheduler shows available dates and times. After scheduling, they pay the fee (unless the school covers it) and confirm the appointment. On the test day, students go through an onboarding: they scan their ID and room, then connect to the proctor if live. Once the session starts, the exam appears on the screen and the proctor (or AI) monitors the student.
For Tutors
SmarterProctoring does not have a program for tutors or homework help. It only provides exam proctoring services. There is no “become a tutor” option on their platform. (Tutors cannot sign up; rather, proctors are staff hired by the service.)
FAQs
How does SmarterProctoring compare to My Engineering Buddy? SmarterProctoring monitors exams, while My Engineering Buddy provides 1-on-1 tutoring in advanced subjects. MEB’s tutors cover complex topics and work with students directly at set hourly rates (starting around $30/hr for college subjects). SmarterProctoring offers no instructional help, only test security. So for homework and tough problems, MEB is often a better match.
What is SmarterProctoring? It is the main platform that schools use to schedule and run online or in-person proctored exams. Instructors choose proctoring methods (automated or live), and students sign up for exam sessions through the platform.
How do I schedule an exam with SmarterProctoring? You must use the “Proctored Exam Scheduling” tab in your course LMS (Blackboard, Canvas, etc.). All proctored tests are booked through that tab. The system will guide you to select a proctor and time. (On campus, you can also schedule in-person testing centers through SmarterProctoring.)
What equipment is needed? You need a computer (Windows or Mac) with the latest Google Chrome browser, a webcam, and a microphone. Chromebooks are acceptable too. Tablets or phones are not supported. You should also have your photo ID ready for verification.
How do I start my exam? Go to your course’s scheduling tab to launch SmarterProctoring. Complete the onboarding steps and connect to the live proctor if it is a live session. After that, you’ll be redirected back to the course page where your exam will open. Then begin the test as instructed.
How far in advance must I schedule? You should schedule at least 72 hours (3 days) before a live online exam. If you schedule later, extra fees will apply ($5 if 24–72 hours before, $8 if under 24 hours). Automated exams can be scheduled on shorter notice, but early booking is recommended.
SmarterProctoring: Company Information
SmarterProctoring is developed by SmarterServices, LLC. It was founded around 2010 (exact year varies by source) with the goal of improving exam integrity. The CEO is Jason Fill (source: company blog). Its mission is to provide “flexible, secure proctoring solutions” that integrate with educational systems. The company operates globally, though it is U.S.-based (Pittsburgh, PA). It serves schools worldwide; its most active markets are the USA and Europe. SmarterServices employs both proctors and sales staff (hundreds of employees) and partners with over 2000 educational institutions. Services offered include automated proctoring (AI-based), live remote proctoring, in-person proctor scheduling, and readiness assessments. It supports major subjects used in higher education (STEM, business, social sciences) but the service itself is subject-neutral. Unique features include AI-driven face and audio monitoring, integration with LMS platforms, and customizable proctoring levels.
USP of SmarterProctoring
- Multiple proctoring modes: Offers automated, live-remote, and in-person proctoring in one platform. This flexibility allows colleges to tailor exam security as needed.
- LMS integration: Seamlessly works inside most learning management systems, so students schedule and start exams without leaving their course site. Clients call it “streamlined and easy to use” for faculty and students.
- AI-based monitoring: Uses artificial intelligence to watch the test-taker’s face, voice, and screen for cheating. The AI continually learns to reduce false alerts. It also has strict/lenient settings so instructors can control how rigorously it flags behavior.
- Quick setup and support: Institutions say it can be deployed rapidly (one college was up and running in two weeks). The company touts top-notch customer service, with dedicated staff to help schools implement it.
Drawbacks of SmarterProctoring
- Technical failures: Students often cite connectivity or hardware issues. One user complained that the system blocked her test due to slow internet. Such tech problems can prevent legitimate exam attempts.
- Hidden fees: The scheduling fees can be surprising. For instance, students face extra charges if they schedule too late. One platform review noted that instructors faced an unclear $5 exam fee policy.
- Refund difficulty: The refund policy is strict (no refunds for no-shows). Students on forums describe difficulty getting promised refunds. There is no easy money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with the proctor.
- Limited learning support: Unlike tutoring sites, it offers no academic help—only exam monitoring. Students looking for subject help will be disappointed. It is purely an administrative service, not a learning platform.
- No free trial/demo: There is no public trial for students. Potential users cannot test it without institutional access, making it hard to evaluate before use.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) excels in different areas: it provides tutoring in advanced STEM subjects (engineering, math, physics) at competitive rates. For example, MEB tutors start around $30/hr for college students, and there are no extra session fees. Students praise MEB’s expert tutors and 24/7 availability. Unlike SmarterProctoring’s one-way exam proctoring, MEB offers interactive help. In short, SmarterProctoring is focused on exam security, whereas MEB shines by helping students learn and solve complex problems.
Customer Support and Policies
SmarterProctoring support is typically via online chat and ticketing. Students report slow or limited help; one forum said it only offered chat with “no way to call”. My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, advertises 24/7 live support with ~1 minute response time. On refunds, SmarterProctoring has a set policy but uneven enforcement, while MEB handles payments through tutors and provides re-dos for dissatisfaction (per its own policies). Overall, SmarterProctoring’s policies are set by the institution (no-show fines, no refund guarantees), and support may be slower than a dedicated tutoring platform.
Global Reach and Localization
SmarterProctoring is designed for global use but currently emphasizes English-language support and Western academic norms (IDs, regulations). It integrates with common LMS used worldwide. There is no specific support for non-English languages mentioned. My Engineering Buddy also serves an international audience with English-language tutors worldwide. MEB offers help anytime globally, whereas SmarterProctoring’s platform and support seem centered on its institutional clients (mostly in the US and other English-speaking regions).
SmarterProctoring’s Future Plans
SmarterProctoring already uses advanced AI (facial/voice tracking) to monitor exams. Going forward, it will likely expand its AI features. For example, it now blocks unauthorized AI tools (like ChatGPT) during tests and may build more analytics to catch cheating patterns. The company also plans to enhance customization, as their blog discusses strict vs. lenient AI settings for exams. Other future developments could include better integration with different LMS and additional proctoring modalities (such as improved in-person center coordination). Overall, expect more AI-driven analytics and broader institution partnerships.
FAQs About SmarterProctoring
How does SmarterProctoring compare to My Engineering Buddy? SmarterProctoring only monitors exams, while My Engineering Buddy provides tutoring in advanced STEM subjects. MEB’s tutors help students solve problems and offer 24/7 support for coursework, whereas SmarterProctoring offers exam scheduling and integrity checks. In short, MEB is for learning help, SmarterProctoring is for secure testing.
What is SmarterProctoring used for? It is used to schedule and proctor tests online or at testing centers. Colleges use it to ensure exam integrity by having automated checks or live proctors watch test-takers.
How do I set up SmarterProctoring for my class? Instructors integrate it through their LMS. They create proctored exams in the course portal and choose the proctoring options. Students then see those exams under a “Proctored Exam Scheduling” tab and book sessions.
What do I do if technical issues occur? During an exam, students should use the platform’s chat support to get immediate help. For serious problems (like a crash), contacting the instructor or testing office afterward is advised. The policy covers cancellations for technical faults, but students note that prompt help may be limited.
Does SmarterProctoring work on smartphones or tablets? No. It requires a desktop or laptop (Mac/Windows) with Chrome, plus a webcam and mic. iPads, phones, and other mobile devices are not compatible.
What happens if I miss my scheduled session? If you do not show up, SmarterProctoring’s policy says no refund is given. One university also charges a “no-show” fee (e.g. $25). Students should cancel tests in advance if possible to avoid losing the fee.
Conclusion
SmarterProctoring provides a comprehensive exam proctoring suite, with features like AI monitoring and multiple proctor modes. However, its effectiveness is mixed: educational partners praise its all-in-one functionality and integration, but many students report frustrating tech problems, hidden fees, and refund issues. In comparison, My Engineering Buddy excels at hands-on tutoring and transparent pricing, with 24/7 support. For complex subjects and homework help, MEB offers personalized solutions that SmarterProctoring cannot. In short, SmarterProctoring is strong for secured exam delivery, but MEB is often the better choice for advanced tutoring needs and student support.
Sources: Company websites and documentation; user reviews from G2 and educational forums.
