> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic.md).

# Proctoring with Synoptic

{% hint style="info" %}
Information on this page does not relate to Synoptic Legacy. 
{% endhint %}

## Introduction 

Unlike many proctoring solutions that offer a fixed set of monitoring and security options, Synoptic is designed to be highly configurable. This allows organisations to balance security requirements, candidate experience, technical requirements and budget, creating a proctoring setup that meets their specific needs.

Synoptic supports a wide range of use cases, from low-friction remote assessments with minimal technical requirements through to high-stakes examinations requiring lockdown functionality, continuous recording and live monitoring.

Additional capabilities such as **Live Proctoring** can be enabled where required, allowing authorised users to monitor candidates in real time during an assessment. Live Proctoring requires at least one video recording source (screen recording and/or webcam recording) to be enabled.

At the heart of Synoptic are two key configuration choices: 

1. **Install Leve**l
2. **Monitoring Level**

| **Install Level**    | <p>Determines how candidates access the assessment and the security controls available during the exam. Options are: <br><br><strong>- No install</strong> <br><strong>- Browser Extension</strong><br><strong>- Desktop App</strong> </p>                                                                                       |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Monitoring Level** | <p>The Monitoring Level determines the type of evidence collected during the assessment and how the session is reviewed afterwards.<br>Options include:<br><br><strong>- No Recording</strong><br><strong>- Recreation & Snapshots</strong><br><strong>- Video & Audio Recording (required for Live proctoring)</strong><br></p> |

Install and Monitoring Levels can be combined in any way, allowing organisations to create a proctoring experience tailored to their exact requirements.

{% hint style="info" %}
🧠 Don't forget you can implement a range of anti-cheat features on Synap that have no or very low additional set up for your candidates!

[More on anti cheat<br>](#anti-cheat-methods)
{% endhint %}

## Install Levels&#x20;

Install Levels determine how candidates access an assessment and what security controls are available during the exam. There are three Install Levels available within Synoptic, all of which are compatible with any Monitoring Level:

1. No Install
2. Browser Extension
3. Desktop App

<table><thead><tr><th width="182.72833251953125">Install Level</th><th>Features</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>No Install</strong></td><td><ul><li>Lowest setup requirements for candidates.</li><li>No software installation required.</li><li>Works with any modern browser (Chrome recommended).</li><li>Cannot detect or record additional monitors.</li><li>Cannot detect additional browser tabs.<br><br><em>If screen video recording is enabled, reviewers may still see candidates navigating to other tabs because their screen is being recorded.</em></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Browser Extension</strong></td><td><ul><li>Requires the Synoptic Chrome Extension <em>(different to the Synoptic Legacy extension</em>)</li><li>Only works with Google Chrome.</li><li>Provides additional security controls compared to No Install.</li><li>Can detect additional tabs</li><li>Can have enforced fullscreen mode</li><li>Can detect additional monitors (but does not record their contents).<br></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Desktop App</strong></td><td><p><strong>Highest security option available:</strong></p><ul><li>Lockdown functionality.</li><li>Works with any modern browser</li><li>Prevents access to unauthorised applications, websites and device functionality.</li><li>Can detect additional monitors (but does not record their contents).</li><li>For high-stakes assessments, we recommend treating additional monitors as a breach condition.</li><li>Can be configured to prevent screenshots<br>Event logs are still available for review.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

Learn more below about the different Install Levels on Synoptic

{% content-ref url="/pages/YJ0niynrCMvBvsZM8gIX" %}
[Install Levels](/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/install-levels.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Monitoring Levels

Monitoring Levels determine the evidence collected during an assessment and available for review afterwards. There are three Monitoring Levels available within Synoptic: No Recording, Recreation & Snapshots and Video & Audio Recording.

Higher monitoring levels provide more comprehensive evidence for review but require additional device permissions, internet bandwidth and system resources.

<table><thead><tr><th width="217.65887451171875">Monitoring Level</th><th>Features</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>No Recording</strong></td><td><ul><li>No screenshots, webcam images or recordings are collected during the exam.</li><li>Event logs are still available for review.</li><li>Suitable for organisations that require security controls without post-exam review</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Recreation &#x26; Snapshots</strong></td><td><ul><li>Screen screenshots and webcam snapshots are captured approximately every 5-8 seconds.</li><li><p>Includes the Synap recreation replay.</p><ul><li>Recreation = a reconstruction of the candidate's activity within Synap based on captured events and site activity. <strong>It does not show other sites or tabs.</strong></li></ul></li><li>Provides a complete audit trail without storing continuous video recordings.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Video &#x26; Audio Recording</strong></td><td><p></p><ul><li>Provides continuous recording throughout the assessment.</li><li>Screen and webcam monitoring can be configured independently.</li><li>Webcam recording always includes audio recording.</li><li>Supports screen-only, webcam-only or combined recording.</li><li>Supports Live Proctoring when at least one video recording source is enabled.</li></ul><p></p><p><mark style="background-color:yellow;"><strong>At least one type of video recording required for Live proctoring</strong></mark> </p></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/NWCD2YeXhEA?si=88sy5mJVIcTtmwME>" %}
Video & Audio recording review demo
{% endembed %}

## Choosing the right Install & Monitoring Levels

Choosing the right Synoptic configuration is about balancing security, candidate experience and technical requirements.

* **Install Levels** determine how candidates access the assessment and what security controls are available. No Install provides the easiest candidate experience and works in any modern browser, while Desktop App provides the highest level of security through lockdown functionality that actively prevents access to other applications, websites and device features. Browser Extension sits between the two, providing additional security controls and automated breach detection while maintaining a relatively simple setup process.
* **Monitoring Levels** determine the evidence collected during the assessment. No Recording has the lowest technical requirements, Recreation & Snapshots provides screenshots, webcam snapshots and a replay of activity within Synap, while Video & Audio Recording provides continuous recording of the candidate's screen, webcam and audio for the most comprehensive review experience.

When selecting a configuration, consider both the technical environment and the level of security required. Candidates using work or school-managed devices may not be able to install browser extensions or desktop applications without IT assistance, while higher monitoring levels require screen sharing permissions, webcam access and a stable internet connection.

There is no single "best" configuration. The most appropriate setup will depend on your assessment requirements, candidate cohort and risk profile. Get in touch with support via the chat on platform if you'd like to discuss your exam requirements in detail.&#x20;

{% hint style="danger" %}
Whenever a candidate needs to **install anything on a device they must have admin access to their computer.** Keep this in mind when scheduling proctored exams as additional time may be needed to contact IT departments
{% endhint %}

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="123.0120849609375"></th><th width="163.8897705078125">No Recording</th><th width="210.2464599609375">Recreation &#x26; Snapshots</th><th width="221.4140625">Video &#x26; Audio Recording</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>No Recording</strong></td><td><strong>Recreation &#x26; Snapshots</strong></td><td><strong>Video &#x26; Audio Recording</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>No Install</strong></td><td>Lowest candidate requirements. No software installation required. Event logs only.</td><td>Low technical requirements. Screen recreation, screenshots and webcam snapshots provide evidence for review.</td><td><p>Simplest way to achieve full monitoring.</p><p>Continuous screen and/or webcam recording available, but no automated detection of tabs, fullscreen or additional monitors.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Browser Extension</strong></td><td>Additional security controls without collecting monitoring evidence. Automated breach detection available.</td><td>Combines automated breach detection with low-bandwidth monitoring and replay capabilities. Good balance of security and candidate experience.</td><td>Continuous recording combined with automated breach detection. Suitable where both recording evidence and system-enforced rules are required. Requires Google Chrome.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Desktop App</strong></td><td>Lockdown-only configuration. Prevents access to unauthorised applications, websites and device functionality without collecting monitoring evidence.</td><td>Combines lockdown security with screenshots, snapshots and replay evidence. Lower technical requirements than continuous recording.</td><td>Highest security configuration. Combines lockdown functionality with continuous video and audio recording of the candidate via webcam, and screen recording.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Combine the Install and Monitoring Levels depending on your security and candidate requirements. There are examples below about some of the possible combinations and their typical use

* **No Install + Recreation & Snapshots** = Large remote cohorts, variable internet quality
* **No Install + Video & Audio Recording** = Full monitoring with minimal set up required
* **Browser Extension + Recreation & Snapshots** = Secure monitored exams with restrictions, system automated breach detection, candidate monitoring to review
* **Desktop App + No recording** = Lockdown only exams, no review review required
* **Desktop App + Video & Audio Recording** = High-stakes examinations requiring maximum security and evidence

### Billing

The Install Level selected does not impact cost. Instead, Synoptic is billed according to the Monitoring Level enabled for each assessment attempt. Charges are applied per started attempt of up to 4 hours, with each additional 4-hour period counted as an additional session.

{% hint style="info" %}
Synoptic billing is determined by the selected **Monitoring Level**, not the **Install Level**. Additional charges apply to all plans. Attempts that are generated but not started will not be charged for.
{% endhint %}

Screen and webcam monitoring can be configured independently, however assessments are classified and billed according to the highest monitoring level enabled across either monitoring:&#x20;

* **Screen Video + Webcam None** = Video & Audio Recording
* **Screen Video + Webcam Snapshots** = Video & Audio Recording
* **Screen Recreation & Screenshots + Webcam Snapshots** = Recreation & Snapshots
* **No Screen Monitoring + No Webcam Monitoring** = No Recording

| Monitoring Level        | MAU plans per 4 hour started attempt | Credit plans per 4 hour started attempt |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| No Recording            | £1.00                                | 2                                       |
| Recreation & Snapshots  | £3.00                                | 5                                       |
| Video & Audio Recording | £8.00                                | 10                                      |

* *MAU plans = Pay per active user*&#x20;
* *PAYG plans = Pay per assessment / credit plans*

## Live proctoring

Live proctoring allows for the real time monitoring of candidates in an exam.&#x20;

Depending on the monitoring configuration selected, proctors can view the candidate's screen recording, webcam recording, or both, providing immediate visibility into candidate activity during the assessment. Live Proctoring can be used to support high-stakes examinations, provide additional oversight for remote assessments, or assist with investigations while an assessment is taking place.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/x3z79PJ_4J4?si=7kqpvBj7xkYQ4Fms>" %}

Proctors can record observations and create flags against candidate activity for later review by their team. They can also send one-way warning messages to candidates during the assessment, helping address potential issues or remind candidates of assessment rules without disrupting the session.

{% hint style="info" %}
Live proctoring requires at least one video monitoring level type to be enabled (either Webcam or Screen). Live proctoring is an optional configuration, and there are no additional costs to use when enabled.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/0psgKfG373m9EBnsct6S" %}
[Live proctoring with Synoptic](/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/live-proctoring-with-synoptic.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Try Synoptic&#x20;

head over to our demo platform at [https://universe.synap.ac](https://universe.synap.ac/) where we've set up some of the most popular install and monitoring combinations for Synoptic Proctored exams for you and your team to demo for free.&#x20;

When you set up your account you'll find all the below exams available from the exams page all are named Synoptic: `Install Method`, `Monitoring Level` , `(Additional features)` <br>

* Synoptic: No Install, Video & Recreation & Snapshots
* Synoptic: No Install, Video & Audio Recording&#x20;
* Synoptic: Browser Extension, Video & Audio Recording (+Breach Detection)
* Synoptic: Browser Extension, Recreation & Snapshots (+Breach Detection)
* Synoptic: Desktop App, No Recording (Lockdown only)&#x20;
* Synoptic: Desktop App, Video & Audio Recording&#x20;

There are more possible combinations to configure, you can enable Video or Snapshots of just the screen or just the webcam.&#x20;


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://academy.synap.ac/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.