How do you migrate from Proctorio or Honorlock to a different proctoring vendor mid-semester?
TL;DR: Mid-semester migration works best as a phased pilot, not a hard cutover: run the new vendor in parallel with the old one on a single low-stakes quiz first, confirm LMS/LTI integration and evidence-report format, then cut over between exams rather than mid-exam-cycle. Give students at least two weeks' notice before their first exam on the new system.
Why timing matters
Students and faculty are already used to one tool's quirks (camera checks, lockdown warnings). A sudden switch during an active exam period creates support tickets and confusion that can look like a technical failure rather than a deliberate improvement — plan the cutover for a natural break if possible.
Migration checklist
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Audit current vendor usage and exam calendar | Avoid switching mid-exam-cycle |
| Pilot on one low-stakes quiz | Surface integration issues before high-stakes use |
| Confirm LMS/LTI integration | Ensure grades and exam links still work |
| Export historical data if needed | Preserve prior evidence records for open cases |
| Communicate to students 2+ weeks ahead | Reduce day-of confusion and support load |
| Post-launch review after first real exam | Catch issues before the next exam cycle |
Step-by-step
- Map every exam currently using the old vendor and its exam window.
- Run a parallel pilot: same quiz, old vendor for one section, new vendor for another.
- Compare flag rates and false-positive patterns between the two.
- Confirm the new vendor's evidence report meets your appeals/audit needs.
- Communicate the change, new instructions, and support contact to students well ahead of time.
- Cut over at a natural break (start of a new unit or term) rather than mid-exam-cycle.
FAQ
Can I run two proctoring vendors at once? Yes, temporarily, for a pilot — most institutions run both in parallel for one exam cycle before fully retiring the old vendor.
What happens to old exam recordings if I switch vendors? Check your outgoing vendor's data export and retention terms before cutting off access; export anything tied to open misconduct cases first.
Is mid-semester migration risky? It's manageable with a phased pilot and clear student communication, but a full switch is lower-risk between terms when possible.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-26