Moodle Proctoring Plugin vs a Dedicated Proctoring Tool
Looking for a Moodle proctoring plugin? Compare exams in the Moodle™ software (Quiz, Safe Exam Browser, live supervision) vs a dedicated proctoring tool. Request a demo.
Short answer
- Exams in the Moodle™ software (Quiz + Safe Exam Browser + a live supervision room) are best for schools, academies and training teams that want controlled exams inside the platform they already use, with data on their own server.
- A dedicated proctoring tool is best for high-stakes certification at scale, where you need automated identity checks and flagging run by a specialist provider.
Feature comparison
| Moodle Quiz + Safe Exam Browser + live supervision | A dedicated proctoring tool | |
|---|---|---|
| Timed exams, windows, passwords, random questions | Core Quiz [1] | Depends on the vendor |
| Extra time per student or group | Group and user overrides [1] | Depends on the vendor |
| Locked-down browser | Safe Exam Browser, integrated in Quiz settings; installed on the candidate's computer [1][2] | Depends on the vendor |
| Restrict by network address | Yes (for exams in a room) [1] | Depends on the vendor |
| Live supervision by people | plugNmeet or BigBlueButton room, cameras on, run by your own supervisors | Depends on the vendor |
| Automated proctoring (recording, identity checks, flags) | Available on request; your partner explains the options and privacy impact | Depends on the vendor |
| Where data is stored | Your server, in the country you choose | Depends on the vendor; ask where |
Privacy and data location
Exam proctoring handles sensitive personal data, such as video of candidates and their homes. With the Moodle™ software, the Quiz, Safe Exam Browser settings and supervision room run on servers you or your partner choose. Before you pick any proctoring tool, ask where recordings are stored, how long they're kept, whether biometric data is processed and who can see it, and check this with your data protection officer.
Cost model (no prices)
- The Moodle™ software route: open-source software (Quiz and Safe Exam Browser are free). You pay hosting, set-up, support, and the supervisors' time if you use live supervision. Automated proctoring is quoted on request.
- Dedicated tool: usually a commercial service charged per exam, per candidate or by subscription; ask each vendor.
When to choose the other option
Choose one if you run high-stakes certification for many candidates at once, need automated identity verification with an audit trail, and have checked the privacy impact. For most course exams, quizzes and internal assessments, the Moodle™ software's own tools plus live supervision are enough.
FAQ
- Do I need a separate proctoring tool for secure online exams?
- For most course exams, the Moodle™ software's own Quiz plus Safe Exam Browser and a live supervision room are enough. Automated proctoring is available on request if you need it.
- Can the Moodle™ software run secure exams on its own?
- Yes, for most needs: time limits, exam windows, random questions, passwords, network restrictions and Safe Exam Browser are all in the Quiz [1].
- What is Safe Exam Browser?
- A free exam browser that locks the computer to the exam. Candidates install it; it works on Windows, macOS and iPad [2].
- Do you offer proctoring?
- Automated proctoring is available on request. Your partner explains the options and what they involve for privacy.
- Can a person supervise the exam live?
- Yes. Candidates join a plugNmeet or BigBlueButton room with cameras on while they take the exam.
Sources
- Moodle docs, Quiz settings (timing, overrides, Safe Exam Browser, network address): https://docs.moodle.org/405/en/Quiz_settings
- Safe Exam Browser overview and platforms: https://safeexambrowser.org/about_overview_en.html · Moodle docs: https://docs.moodle.org/en/Safe_Exam_Browser
Last checked: 15 Oct 2026
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