This guide explains how to prepare for exams in Canvas, what to expect when using Honorlock, and how to get help before or during an exam.
Students should review the Canvas pages found in the exam module before testing. Each exam module includes important exam expectations, setup steps, permitted resources, and testing rules. The Honorlock start page is located on the last page of the exam module in Canvas, after the pages that explain the exam guidelines, expectations, and setup steps.
Important: If you experience technical issues with Honorlock, are disconnected from an exam, or are unable to continue, please contact the TEL Support team at support@tel-education.org as soon as possible. Canvas instructors do not oversee device setup or the Honorlock virtual proctoring process.
All course exams must be completed using one of the approved proctoring methods below.
If in-person proctoring is not available, students must use TEL’s third-party virtual proctoring service, Honorlock. Honorlock requires students to use Google Chrome, install and enable the Honorlock Chrome extension, complete identity verification, and follow all expectations and setup steps in their exam module.
Honorlock virtual proctoring is available 24/7 within the exam availability window set in Canvas, and no separate scheduling appointment is required. Students must provide a clear live scan of an accepted photo ID so Honorlock can verify that the student’s identity matches the on-screen exam identity. If a student cannot obtain a student ID from their school or does not have an institution-issued, state-issued, government-issued photo ID, or passport to present to the camera, they must contact support@tel-education.org before the exam to request approval for an alternative option, such as using a parent or guardian’s ID for the Honorlock ID scan.
Some schools may allow students to test in person with an approved school-authorized proctor, such as a teacher, counselor, administrator, or dual-credit advisor. In-person proctoring must be arranged and approved in advance, well before the scheduled due dates.
For in-person testing, the approved proctor must request the Honorlock Bypass PIN from TEL Support before the scheduled exam session. The PIN is entered by the approved proctor only and must not be shared with the student or any unauthorized individual.
If a student is testing in person with an approved proctor, the student should not continue through Honorlock’s standard virtual proctoring process. The approved proctor will follow the in-person proctoring instructions provided by TEL.
Browser Extension Reminder: The Honorlock Chrome extension is required for both virtual and approved in-person proctoring, as the exam start page must be activated through Honorlock before the exam can begin.
Use the drop-down questions below for general exam preparation, regardless of which approved proctoring method is used.
The drop-down questions below apply to students using Honorlock virtual proctoring.
The drop-down questions below apply only when in-person proctoring is available through the student’s school and has been arranged in advance with an approved school-authorized proctor.
Once Honorlock is installed and active, navigate to the final page of the exam module in Canvas. You will be prompted to begin the Honorlock setup process before you can access the exam.
For virtual proctoring with Honorlock, students must use Google Chrome on a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook. Mobile devices and tablets are not compatible with TEL’s Honorlock exam requirements.
Important Support Note: If you see a screen asking for an “access code” during virtual proctoring, this usually means Honorlock is not installed, enabled, or active in Chrome. Students using virtual proctoring do not need an access code to begin their exam.
Before launching your exam, make sure the Honorlock extension is installed and enabled in Chrome.
Honorlock virtual proctoring requires students to verify their identity before beginning an exam. Most government-issued or school-issued photo IDs may be accepted, including a driver’s license, passport, high school student ID, or college/university student ID.
After accepting the Honorlock terms, students will be prompted to scan a valid photo ID to verify their identity. If there is an issue with the ID scan, a live Honorlock agent may appear to assist with verification. If no agent appears after waiting a few moments, select the Chat with Support button built into the Honorlock exam toolbar for help verifying your ID.
Students may test ID verification before the exam here: ID Verification Check Demo
Additional TEL guidance is available here: Valid ID Requirements
Note: A photo ID scan is required for Honorlock virtual proctoring. A photo ID scan is not required for approved in-person proctoring when a school-authorized proctor verifies the student’s identity in person. Please contact support@tel-education.org for more information.
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Device | Laptop, desktop, or Chromebook; no mobile phones or tablets |
| Operating System | Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Chrome OS |
| Browser | Google Chrome 120+ |
| Internet | Reliable internet connection; minimum 1.5 Mbps download / 750 Kbps upload |
| Required Tools | Camera, microphone, and Honorlock Chrome extension |
Test your device before exam day: Run the Honorlock System Check
Review the course technology requirements here: Technology Requirements
Students should review all instructions in the exam module before beginning. Exams are timed and should be completed in one testing session. Once the exam begins, the timer continues and does not pause if you exit the exam or lose connection. We recommend bookmarking your Canvas course before testing so you can quickly return to the exam page if you accidentally exit or need to refresh.
Some exams allow students to use approved course content in Canvas while testing. Students should use one Chrome browser window with two tabs open unless specifically stated in the exam instructions:
Students should open the two allowed tabs before beginning the exam and connecting to Honorlock. Do not use split-screen, minimize the exam window, open outside resources, use secondary screens, or open unnecessary duplicate tabs.
Course-Specific Exception: For the English Composition I Final Exam, certain blue resource links may open in a new tab when clicked. These approved resources may also be available through the Honorlock toolbar under the allowed resources list.
For more information, review the Open-Course Exam Overview: https://teleducation.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/articles/open
Back Button Warning: Clicking the browser Back button on the exam page may cause connection loss. If this happens, immediately refresh your browser, confirm Honorlock is active again, and click Resume to continue. The exam timer will continue to run.
If an exam session is flagged for possible academic integrity concerns related to proctoring guidelines, students may be officially notified by email from Instructionalservices@tel-education.org. Otherwise, completed exam scores will appear in the Grades section of the Canvas course when available.
If your connection drops, your exam freezes, or you accidentally close the exam window, navigate back to the last page of the exam module and reconnect as quickly as possible. This may happen due to Wi-Fi or browser issues, or to accidentally exiting the exam page. If you see this screen asking for an “access code,” it indicates Honorlock is NOT downloaded or enabled on the testing device:
Important: Honorlock must be active before you can re-enter or continue a proctored exam. The exam timer continues and does not pause after the exam begins. Please note that No "Access Code is required to click Resume.
If you are unable to begin or continue your exam after trying the steps above, contact TEL Support as soon as possible.
When contacting support, include a brief explanation of the issue and any helpful screenshots. This allows TEL Support to review the situation and provide more specific troubleshooting guidance.