Honorlock records your screen, webcam, and audio during the exam

Honorlock is proctoring software that colleges use to monitor students taking tests online. During an exam, it records everything you see on your screen, your face and upper body through your webcam, and the sound in your room. The recording starts when you begin the exam and stops when you finish or submit your answers.

The software also captures your keystrokes and mouse movements, though these are typically used to flag unusual patterns rather than reviewed in detail. If you look away from the screen, move your head out of frame, or open a new browser tab, Honorlock logs these events. An instructor can later review the recording and the activity log to check whether you followed exam rules.

You should know that Honorlock does not record anything before you start the exam or after you finish. It also does not record your microphone unless your instructor specifically enables audio recording — some schools use Honorlock with video and screen capture only.

Key Takeaways

  • Honorlock records your screen, webcam feed, and (if enabled) audio from the moment you start the exam until you submit your answers.
  • The software logs when you look away, move out of frame, switch browser tabs, or use keyboard shortcuts, creating a timeline of your activity.
  • An instructor can watch the full recording and activity log after the exam to review whether you followed the rules.
  • Honorlock does not record anything before you begin the exam or after you finish, and audio recording is optional depending on your school's settings.
  • The recording is stored on Honorlock's servers and is typically kept for a set period before being deleted, though your school controls access to it.

What the activity log shows your instructor

Beyond the video and audio recording, Honorlock creates a detailed log of what you do during the exam. This log includes timestamps for when you switch away from the exam window, when you minimize the browser, when you use the print screen key, and when you move your head significantly out of the webcam's view. It also records if you open a second monitor or if the software detects multiple faces in the frame.

Your instructor sees this log as a list of flagged events, not as a continuous stream. They can then decide whether to watch the video at those specific moments or to review the entire recording. A single flagged event — like glancing at your phone — does not automatically mean you cheated; your instructor has to interpret what they see in context.

How Honorlock detects suspicious behavior

Honorlock uses artificial intelligence to identify patterns that might suggest cheating. The software watches for faces other than yours in the webcam frame, detects when you look away from the screen for extended periods, and flags if you try to take a screenshot or open a second browser window. It also listens for voices other than yours if audio recording is enabled.

The system is not perfect. It can flag you for legitimate reasons — looking at notes on your desk, someone walking past your room, or a pet entering the frame. It can also miss actual cheating if it happens off-camera. The AI flags suspicious moments, but a human instructor still has to review the recording and decide whether a violation actually occurred.

What happens to your recording after the exam

Honorlock stores your recording on its servers, and your school has access to it through a dashboard. How long the recording is kept depends on your school's contract with Honorlock and their own data retention policies. Some schools keep recordings for one semester, others for a full year. After that period, the recording is typically deleted automatically.

Your instructor can read the recording or share it with academic integrity staff if they suspect cheating. The recording is not public — only people at your school with permission can access it. If you want to know how long your school keeps Honorlock recordings, ask your testing center or registrar's office, since this varies by institution.

What Honorlock does not record

Honorlock does not record your keyboard input as text — it only logs that you pressed keys, not what you typed. It does not access your files, email, or anything outside the exam window. It does not record your room before you start the exam or after you finish, and it does not monitor you between exams.

The software also cannot see what is on a piece of paper on your desk or what is written on a whiteboard behind you, though your instructor might notice these things if they watch the video. Honorlock does not have access to your personal devices like phones or tablets unless you use them to take the exam itself.

Why schools use Honorlock and what it costs you

Colleges adopted Honorlock and similar proctoring software during the shift to online learning to prevent cheating on remote exams. The software is meant to create the same controlled environment as a physical testing center — one person, one screen, no outside help. Schools pay Honorlock per exam or per student, and the cost is sometimes passed to students as a proctoring fee.

The trade-off is that you give up privacy during the exam. Your school and Honorlock can see and hear you, and the recording is stored. Some students object to this level of monitoring, and some schools have moved away from Honorlock in favor of other methods like open-book exams or take-home assignments. If your school requires Honorlock, you can ask your instructor or testing center whether alternatives are available.

How to prepare for an Honorlock exam

Before your exam, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection using Honorlock's system check tool. Make sure your room is quiet and well-lit so the software can see you clearly. Close all other browser tabs and applications, including email, messaging apps, and note-taking software. Some instructors allow one browser tab for the exam; others require only the exam window.

Have your student ID or another form of identification ready — Honorlock will ask you to show it to the camera at the start. Sit in a chair facing the camera, keep your face in frame, and avoid looking at papers or other screens during the exam. If you need to leave the room or take a break, tell Honorlock before you do; leaving without pausing the exam will be flagged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Honorlock see my phone or other devices?

Honorlock can only see what is in front of your webcam. If you use your phone out of frame, the software will not detect it directly. However, if you look down at your phone for an extended period, the activity log will show that you looked away from the screen, and your instructor can watch the video to see what you were doing.

Does Honorlock work on a laptop with a built-in camera?

Yes. Honorlock works with any webcam, including the built-in camera on a laptop. You do need a stable internet connection and a second monitor or a way to see the exam questions while the camera sees your face — many students prop up a phone or tablet to read exam questions while the laptop camera records them.

What if I look away during the exam?

Looking away is flagged in the activity log, but it is not automatically a violation. If you glance at the wall or look down briefly, your instructor will likely not care. If you stare at something off-screen for several minutes, it will be noted and your instructor may review that section of the video to see what you were looking at.

Can I retake an exam if Honorlock flags me?

That depends on your school's academic integrity policy. A flag does not mean you cheated — it means the software detected something unusual. Your instructor will review the recording and decide whether a violation occurred. If they find no evidence of cheating, you keep your grade. If they suspect cheating, your school's process for handling that allegation will explore.

Does Honorlock delete the recording if I pass the exam?

No. Honorlock keeps the recording regardless of your grade or whether you passed. The recording is kept according to your school's retention policy, which is typically one semester to one year. Your school, not the exam result, decides when the recording is deleted.