Virtual exam with remote proctoring: psychology residency candidates’ perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the need to adapt strategies for residency admission exams to virtual modalities. This modality is associated with additional challenges and requires appropriate supervision mechanisms. Remote proctoring is a method for monitoring students while they take an exam at a remote location, using technology to assure the quality of the evaluation, and different studies abroad have shown that it is a viable solution to prevent fraud.

Objective: To describe the experience of a virtual residency admission exam, with remote proctoring, focusing on participants’ perspectives

Method: Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. In 2020, our cenrtre held the first virtual admission exam for the psychology residency, with remote proctoring. An electronic, anonymous questionnaire was sent to candidates, to evaluate their perspectives. We also describe the main characteristics of this exam modality.

Results: 64 responses were obtained (response rate 86%). 92% of participants were female, their mean age was 27,9 ± 3,8 years. According to 92% of candidates, this exam modality allowed for assessment of their knowledge. 78% did not consider that their intimacy was affected. All participants would repeat the experience. Among positive aspects, fast assistance and availability of results, less distractions and no need to travel were identified by participants. Negative aspects included the risk of technology failure and the risk of fraud.

Conclusions: Participants were satisfied with the virtual exam with remote proctoring, and would repeat this experience.