What Do Proctors Look For?

If you’re wondering “what do proctors look for?”, they are trained to spot any behavior or item that could give unfair advantage, whether you’re at a test center or taking the GRE at-home. ETS and ProctorU employ live proctors + AI monitoring to enforce zero-tolerance cheating rules, with 1 in 400 tests flagged yearly. Common red flags include talking, looking away from screen, visible notes, unauthorized devices, or even excessive scratching. Getting flagged can void your scores instantly and ban you for years. For international students (especially Indians taking at-home), strict enforcement has increased since 2023. This guide reveals exactly what proctors monitor, center vs. home differences, and 2025 tips to stay 100% compliant.

What Do Proctors Look For: Top 10 Things

  1. ID Verification – Name, photo, signature must match registration exactly; passport only in India.
  2. Eye Movement – Looking off-screen >5 seconds triggers warnings; AI tracks gaze.
  3. Mouth/Hand Movements -Talking, mouthing words, or reading aloud = instant termination.
  4. Notes & Paper – Only ETS-approved scratch paper (blank or transparent sheet + marker at home). No pre-written notes, even formulas.
  5. Unauthorized Devices – Phones, smartwatches, earbuds, calculators (except on-screen), or dual monitors.
  6. Room Environment – At-home: 360° room scan required; no one enters, no posters/notes on walls.
  7. Break Violations – 10-minute break only; leaving camera view or accessing phone = flag.
  8. Body Language – Covering mouth, excessive head turns, or wearing hats/sunglasses.
  9. Background Noise – Coughing okay; any voice or music = warning.
  10. Screen Sharing/Recording Software – Running in background = automatic cancellation.

What Do Proctors Look For: Test Center vs. GRE At-Home

Test Centers – Multiple cameras + in-person proctors walk around; they check under desks, sleeves, and ears. Water in clear bottle only; no food.

GRE At-Home – ProctorU live proctor + AI (facial recognition, keystroke analysis). Must show desk underside, sleeves, and ears via webcam. More flags for home takers (30% higher cancellation rate) because of hidden corners.

Banned Items Proctors Instantly Flag

  • Any paper except official scratch paper
  • Mechanical pencils (only soft-lead allowed at centers)
  • Hoodies, jackets (must remove or show empty pockets)
  • Jewelry that makes noise
  • Books, highlighters, tissues with writing

Real Consequences: What Happens If Proctors Flag You

  • Warning → Second violation → Test terminated, scores voided
  • ETS review can impose 1–5 year ban
  • No refund of $220+ fee 2024 saw 8,000+ cancellations globally, mostly at-home for “suspicious eye movement.”

2025 Tips to Avoid Proctor Flags on GRE Day

  1. Do full system check 24 hrs early (at-home).
  2. Use a completely empty desk + white walls.
  3. Keep passport open beside keyboard for quick ID show.
  4. Practice with ETS PowerPrep in exact setup.
  5. Speak only when proctor asks; stay in camera frame.
  6. Use transparent sheet + non-permanent marker (at-home approved).
  7. Take mock proctored tests (GregMat or Manhattan) to build habits.

In short, proctors look for anything that isn’t 100% transparent. Your ID, eyes, hands, room, and silence. Follow rules exactly and your 320+ GRE score reports safely in 10 days. Test day peace of mind starts with a clean setup.

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