Invigilator vs. Proctor — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
An invigilator oversees exams in British contexts, ensuring rules are followed, while a proctor serves a similar role in American education, also handling academic integrity issues.
Difference Between Invigilator and Proctor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Invigilators are primarily found in British and Commonwealth educational systems, focusing on the administration of exams and adherence to rules. Proctors, prevalent in the American educational context, not only monitor exams but may also deal with broader aspects of academic integrity.
While both invigilators and proctors are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the examination process, invigilators are more focused on the logistical aspects of exam administration. Proctors, on the other hand, may have additional responsibilities, such as identifying and addressing academic misconduct.
The term "invigilator" is specifically used to describe someone who supervises exams, ensuring that students follow the rules and procedures. Proctors can have a wider range of duties, including facilitating the exam process and ensuring the security and fairness of exams.
In terms of authority, invigilators are tasked with overseeing the conduct of exams within a specific setting, often without the authority to address misconduct beyond reporting it. Proctors might be given broader powers to take immediate action in cases of suspected academic dishonesty.
Comparison Chart
Regional Usage
Predominantly in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
Mainly in the United States.
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Responsibilities
Overseeing exams, ensuring adherence to rules.
Supervising exams, handling academic integrity issues.
Authority
Limited to monitoring; reports misconduct.
May have authority to address misconduct directly.
Focus
Logistical aspects of exam administration.
Broad academic integrity, including exam security.
Additional Duties
May assist with exam setup and collection of materials.
Often involved in setting up technology for exams.
Compare with Definitions
Invigilator
An official who ensures the proper conduct of examinations.
The invigilator distributed the exam papers promptly at the start time.
Proctor
A role that involves ensuring the security of the examination process.
The proctor sealed the exam envelopes to prevent tampering.
Invigilator
A person appointed to supervise students during exams.
The invigilator walked around the room to ensure no one was cheating.
Proctor
A person who monitors students during exams, particularly in the U.S.
The proctor used a software to monitor online exams for any irregularities.
Invigilator
Someone responsible for maintaining a fair testing environment.
The invigilator was vigilant in checking student IDs before the exam.
Proctor
Someone who administers and oversees the fairness of exams.
The proctor provided accommodations for students with disabilities.
Invigilator
An exam supervisor ensuring compliance with rules.
The invigilator ensured all electronic devices were turned off.
Proctor
An official in charge of enforcing academic honesty during tests.
The proctor caught a student attempting to plagiarize answers.
Invigilator
A figure in educational settings responsible for exam oversight.
The invigilator answered students' questions about exam procedures.
Proctor
A supervisor with responsibilities for maintaining exam integrity.
The proctor reported an incident of suspected cheating to the academic committee.
Invigilator
To watch over, especially to monitor (students) who are taking a written test.
Proctor
Proctor (a variant of procurator) is a person who takes charge of, or acts for, another.The title is used in England and some other English-speaking countries in three principal contexts: In law, a proctor is a historical class of lawyers, and the King's (or Queen's) Proctor is a senior government lawyer. In religion, a proctor represents the clergy in Church of England dioceses.
Invigilator
A person who supervises students during an examination; a proctor
Proctor
A supervisor especially of an examination or dormitory in a school.
Invigilator
A person who supervises a gallery at a museum.
Proctor
To supervise (an examination).
Invigilator
Someone who watches examination candidates to prevent cheating.
Proctor
(US) A person who supervises students as they take an examination, in the United States at the college/university level; often the department secretary, or a fellow/graduate student; an invigilator.
Invigilator
Someone who watches examination candidates to prevent cheating
Proctor
(UK) An official at any of several older universities.
Proctor
A legal practitioner in ecclesiastical and some other courts.
Proctor
(obsolete) One appointed to collect alms for those who could not go out to beg for themselves, such as lepers and the bedridden.
Proctor
A procurator or manager for another.
Proctor
A representative of the clergy in convocation.
Proctor
(US) to function as a proctor
Proctor
(transitive) to manage as an attorney or agent
Proctor
One who is employed to manage to affairs of another.
Proctor
To act as a proctor toward; to manage as an attorney or agent.
Proctor
Someone who supervises (an examination)
Proctor
As of students taking an exam, to prevent cheating
Common Curiosities
What is an invigilator?
An invigilator is a person appointed to supervise students during exams, mainly in the UK and Commonwealth countries, ensuring adherence to exam rules.
Are invigilators and proctors the same?
While their core role of supervising exams is similar, invigilators and proctors can differ in their specific duties and the extent of their authority.
What additional responsibilities do proctors have?
Proctors may have broader responsibilities, including managing academic misconduct directly and ensuring the technological setup for exams.
Can invigilators handle cheating?
Invigilators can detect and report cheating, but they may not have the authority to take immediate disciplinary action.
Do invigilators interact with students during exams?
Yes, invigilators may answer procedural questions and ensure students comply with exam rules.
Is the role of an invigilator limited to exam time?
Yes, an invigilator's role is primarily during exam time, though they may also assist with exam setup and materials collection.
How do invigilators and proctors contribute to education?
They ensure that exams are conducted fairly and securely, upholding academic standards and integrity.
What happens if a proctor suspects cheating?
Proctors can take immediate action, such as removing the student from the exam room and reporting the incident for further investigation.
What does a proctor do?
A proctor supervises exams, primarily in the U.S., with responsibilities including monitoring for academic integrity and ensuring the exam process is fair and secure.
Do proctors need special training?
Proctors often require training, especially in understanding academic integrity policies and managing exam technologies.
Can anyone be an invigilator or proctor?
Typically, invigilators and proctors are chosen based on their understanding of exam procedures and integrity policies, and they may undergo specific training.
Can the role of proctors vary between institutions?
Yes, the specific duties and authority of proctors can vary depending on the institution's policies and the exam format.
Are there digital invigilators?
Yes, in online exam settings, digital invigilation tools and software are used to monitor exams remotely.
How do invigilators and proctors ensure exam security?
Through vigilant monitoring, adherence to procedures, and using technology, they prevent cheating and ensure the exam's integrity.
What technologies do proctors use?
Proctors, especially for online exams, may use software for surveillance, identity verification, and detecting irregularities.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
