A proctored exam is a supervised test where an individual monitors you to prevent cheating. This ensures fairness and verifies identity during assessments.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is a proctored exam?
A proctored exam means someone watches over you while you take a test. This person—called a proctor—makes sure you don't cheat by checking your identity and keeping an eye on your testing area. Proctored exams are important for homeschoolers mainly for college entrance tests (like SAT, ACT, CLT), earning college credit through programs like CLEP, and meeting state assessment rules in many U.S. states.
State compliance requirements
Nine states require homeschoolers to take assessments: Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. The rules for proctoring differ a lot. For example, North Dakota needs a certified teacher to administer tests, while most states let parents proctor standardized tests themselves. States like Massachusetts and Minnesota require parents to agree with school officials on testing methods. Always check your state's specific rules on HSLDA's state law pages before testing.
College entrance testing options
The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is made for homeschoolers. Unlike the SAT and ACT that require trips to testing centers, the CLT can be taken online from home with remote proctoring. For younger students, the CLT3-8 and CLT10 can be proctored by parents without needing certification. If you're in a state that requires testing, the CLT meets many of those needs while offering more flexibility than traditional tests.
Finding proctoring services
For in-person proctoring, check local community colleges. Many have testing centers that welcome outside students for a fee (usually $50+). University centers offer similar services. Pearson VUE has testing sites across the country for various exams. For online proctoring, CLEP provides remote options through Proctortrack, and services like ProctorU offer online supervision for a fee. Tests like TerraNova/CAT don’t need official proctoring, making them easy for any family.
The bottom line
Proctored exams are part of today's education system, whether for college admissions, earning credits, or meeting state rules. The good news for homeschoolers is that there are more options now. Parent-proctored tests like CLT3-8 and CAT fulfill many state requirements without the stress and costs of testing centers. For college-bound students, the CLT is a great alternative to the SAT/ACT. Just know your state's rules, plan for test dates, and remember, these tests measure just one part of your child's education.
