There was a time when there was only one option of proctored testing centers wherein the students had to travel to far corners to the country to reach their test centers for the exams. However, as the technology advanced there came a time when online examination system developed. Students were happy as they could opt for online test proctoring that offered them the freedom to give the test at their convenience and from the place they found comfortable.

But there was bound to be comparisons between the traditional proctored testing centers and online test proctoring. The debate was to found out which is better? And while each of them has their pros and cons, it is difficult to say which is better or that proctored testing centers would no longer be needed. Simply because there would be times when proctored testing centers would be sought for exams.

So what are the factors that would determine whether you should go for online test proctoring or proctored testing centers. Some of the reasons why students/individuals choose online test proctoring include –

1.    Reduced travel time

2.    Convenient scheduling

3.    Cost effective

4.    Fairness

5.    Accessibility

6.    Keeping certifications up to date

7.    Greater authenticity

While all the reasons are viable for choosing online test proctoring, the top two reasons were the significant ones that got so much popularity and favorability from students and individuals opting for online test proctoring. Significantly reduced travel time for the exam as well as the advantage of choosing a time that would be suit the examinee was something that students/individuals were looking. Other than that, since there is no concrete structure the online test proctoring is quite cost-effective as compared to the traditional proctoring test centers.

However, there were certain factors that made online test proctoring a bad idea and those factors were as follows –

1.    Lengthy exams

2.    Certain Governmental regulations

3.    Geographical convenience

4.    Standardized computers

Since during online test proctoring, the students are not allowed any kind of movement for the security reasons, it is not considered a viable solution if it is a lengthy exam. Also, there are some examinations that require physical presence of both the student and the proctor to conduct the exam. Proctored test centers are also your best bet if there are recognized proctored test centers near your area. They should also be your first choice if IT field is not your field of study, since the proctored testing centers have standardized computers.
 
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, there are some other important factors that would help you decide that whether you should go for online test proctoring or proctored test centers. The other factors include

1.    Language of the proctor

2.    Security and authenticity of the candidate

These two again are the main factors that would help you in making the right decision. With online test proctoring the proctors are usually English speaking, but with proctored test centers you could choose a proctor who speak the local language. Identifying the candidate in an online test proctoring through various means could be tedious in an online test proctoring.