What Examplify actually captures
Examplify records your screen, webcam, and audio during a proctored exam. The software captures everything you see on your monitor, video of your face and upper body from your webcam, and sound from your microphone. It does not record your keystrokes, your browsing history outside the exam window, or anything on your hard drive — only what happens within the exam process itself and in front of your camera.
The recording starts when you launch the exam and stops when you submit it. Your school or testing organization controls where the recording goes and who can watch it. Most institutions store recordings on their own servers or send them to a proctoring service, not to Examplify itself.
You should assume the recording will be reviewed by a human if the exam flags unusual activity — rapid mouse movements, looking away from the screen repeatedly, or someone else appearing in the camera view. Some schools review all recordings; others only spot-check them or watch flagged ones.
Key Takeaways
- Examplify records your screen, face, and audio during the entire exam, starting when you open the test and ending when you submit it.
- Your school or testing organization decides who can see the recording and how long it is kept, not Examplify.
- The software flags suspicious behavior — like looking away from the screen, covering your camera, or someone else in the room — and those flagged recordings are more likely to be reviewed.
- Examplify does not record your keystrokes, files on your computer, or anything outside the exam window.
Why schools use recording during exams
Recording serves two purposes: it deters cheating and it creates a record if someone disputes their score. If you claim the exam crashed or that you were interrupted, the recording can show what actually happened. If the school suspects cheating, they can review the video to see whether you had notes visible, were communicating with someone off-screen, or were using another device.
The recording is also a protection for you. If a proctor makes a mistake — stops the exam too early, accuses you of something you did not do, or misreports what happened — the video is evidence of what really occurred. You can request to see your own recording if you believe something went wrong.
What the camera and microphone actually see
Your webcam captures your face, shoulders, and the area directly behind you. It does not have a wide enough angle to see your keyboard, your lap, or the sides of your desk unless you position yourself very close to the camera. The microphone picks up sounds in your when ready area — your voice, someone else speaking, papers rustling, keyboard clicks — but not conversations in other rooms or outside your window.
If you wear glasses, the camera may catch reflections of your screen or the room. If you have a second monitor, the camera will not see what is on it unless it is positioned where the camera can see the screen itself. The software does flag if you minimize the exam window or switch to another process, so the recording will show that you left the exam, even if the camera does not capture what you were doing.
How to know what your school records and keeps
Your school's testing or academic integrity office controls the recording policy, not Examplify. Before you take an exam, look for a document called a test agreement, proctoring policy, or exam rules — usually provided by email or in the course management system. This document should tell you whether recording happens, who can view it, and how long it is stored.
If you cannot find this information, email your instructor or your school's testing center and ask: "Will my exam be recorded? Who can watch the recording? How long is it kept?" They are required to tell you before the exam starts. Some schools keep recordings for 30 days; others keep them for a year or longer. Some delete them after grades are finalized; others archive them indefinitely.
You also have the right to request your own recording after the exam is over. If you believe something went wrong or you want to see what was flagged, ask your testing center or proctor how to request it. Response times vary — some schools provide it within a few days, others take weeks.
What happens if the software flags your behavior
Examplify flags behavior that looks like cheating or test tampering: looking away from the screen for more than a few seconds, covering the camera, minimizing the exam window, detecting another person in the room, hearing voices in the background, or rapid mouse movements that suggest automated clicking. The flag appears in a report that goes to your school, not to Examplify.
A flag does not mean you will be accused of cheating. It means your recording is marked for review. Your school then decides whether to watch it, and if they do, whether the behavior actually violates their rules. Looking away briefly to stretch your neck is not cheating. Having a roommate walk past your door is not cheating. The human reviewer makes that judgment call.
If your school does investigate, you have the right to see the evidence against you and to respond. Most schools have an academic integrity process that includes a hearing or written response opportunity. You can request to see your recording as part of that process.
Technical details about what is and is not recorded
Examplify records the exam window and your camera feed as separate streams. The exam window shows only what is inside the Examplify process — the test questions, your answers, the timer. It does not show your desktop, your taskbar, other open windows, or your second monitor if you have one. The camera feed is a continuous video of your face and upper body.
The software does not record your system audio separately from your microphone audio. It does not capture your clipboard, your file system, or your browser history. It does not log which keys you press or how fast you type. It does not take screenshots of your screen outside the exam window. If you have a second device — a phone, tablet, or laptop — the camera may see it if it is in frame, but Examplify itself does not access it.
The recording is compressed and uploaded to your school's server or to a third-party proctoring service, depending on your school's setup. Examplify does not store the recordings on its own servers by default. Your school controls the storage, encryption, and access.
Your privacy during a recorded exam
Being recorded during an exam is intrusive, and it is reasonable to feel uncomfortable about it. You cannot opt out of recording if your school requires it — that is part of the exam conditions. But you can take steps to minimize what the camera sees: position your camera to show only your face and shoulders, keep your desk clear of personal items, and make sure the area behind you is neutral.
You also have rights. You can ask your school what their data retention policy is, whether the recording is encrypted, who has access to it, and whether you can request deletion after a certain period. Some schools will delete recordings after grades are final; others will not. Knowing your school's policy before the exam helps you decide what level of privacy you are comfortable with.
If you have concerns about recording — for example, if you have a disability that affects how you appear on camera, or if you live in a space where privacy is limited — talk to your school's disability services or testing center before the exam. Some schools can make accommodations, like allowing you to take the exam in a private testing center instead of at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Examplify see my other monitors or my phone?
Examplify records only the monitor where the exam window is open. Your webcam may see a second monitor if it is positioned in frame, but the software itself does not access it. Your phone is not visible to Examplify unless you hold it up in front of the camera. However, if the camera sees you using another device, that will be flagged and reviewed.
Does Examplify record after I submit the exam?
No. Recording stops when you submit your exam and close the process. Anything you do after that point is not captured. If you need to contact your instructor or testing center after the exam, that conversation is not part of the recording.
Can I request that my recording be deleted?
That depends on your school's policy. Some schools delete recordings after a set period or after grades are finalized. Others keep them indefinitely. Contact your testing center or registrar to ask about their retention and deletion policy. If you have a specific reason for requesting deletion — for example, if the recording contains sensitive personal information — you can submit a formal request, though your school is not required to grant it.
What if someone else is in my room during the exam?
Examplify will flag if another person appears in the camera view. Whether that results in an investigation depends on your school's rules. Some schools allow family members or roommates to be present as long as they do not interact with you; others require you to be alone. Check your exam rules before you start. If someone unexpectedly enters the room, tell your proctor or instructor when ready.
Can I see my own recording?
Yes, you can request to see your recording from your testing center or proctor. How quickly they provide it varies — some schools send it within days, others take weeks. You may need to submit a formal request or provide a reason. If you believe something went wrong during the exam, asking to see the recording is a reasonable first step.