Alternative Proctored Testing Information & Requirements
Online classes may require that students take exams in a secure, proctored environment via an online proctoring software.
If you do not have the ability to adhere to the technical specifications of an online proctoring platform, you must get approval of the faculty member to utilize the Bucks County Community College Testing Center in Newtown, PA or an alternative proctoring center.
Alternative Proctored Testing
Alternative testing locations may be approved for those unable to travel to the Testing Center, but all in-person testing must occur within the United States. Please review the Alternative Proctored Testing information.
- Most alternative proctoring sites charge for this service and fees vary.
- All in-person proctored testing must occur in the United States within the testing dates specified by the instructor. At this time, there is no alternative in-person proctoring in Puerto Rico.
- Be sure to review the testing requirements section in the course faculty syllabus. If you enroll in a course and do not comply with the mandatory proctored testing requirements, you risk failing the course.
Student Responsibilities
The student must:
- Discuss the possibility of using an alternative proctoring site with your instructor(s) before making any alternative proctoring arrangements;
- Locate an acceptable proctor (see the Acceptable Proctoring Sites section);
- Submit an online Alternative Proctor Proposal Form by the stated deadline. The form submission deadline date will always coincide with the last day of the 50% refund period. This date is found on the Academic Calendar for each session/modular. No late forms will be accepted*.
- Submit a separate Alternative Proctor Proposal Form for each class in which you have a proctoring need
- The Bucks Online office will approve or deny an Alternative Proctor Proposal based upon 1. assessing the proposal’s information, 2. verifying the legitimacy of the proposed proctor, and 3. evaluating whether the proposed proctoring site meets Bucks proctoring standards
- Note: Always check with your instructor on specific exam guidelines. Instructors have the right to approve or disapprove of a proposed proctor.
- After the alternative proctor is approved, schedule your test with the alternative proctored testing site in accordance with the instructor’s testing time frame; and
- Pay any proctoring fees as determined by the alternative site.
Proctor Responsibilities
A proctor is an professional who agrees to:
- Receive testing materials from the instructor;
- Administer tests in a proctored environment that is in accordance with Bucks' standards;
- Monitor the student during the entire exam;
- Return any testing materials to the instructor; and
- Verify the student has completed the test according to the directions specified by the instructor.
Acceptable Alternative Proctoring Sites
Review and select an alternative proctoring site from Bucks Online's list of approved alternative proctoring sites or propose a new proctoring location.
To ensure testing integrity, the following alternative locations may be proposed:
- A college or university testing center proctored by testing center staff only.
- Other college offices, departments, faculty, and staff are not acceptable
- A professional testing center (i.e. Sylvan Learning Center) proctored by that center's staff only.
- National College Test Association (NCTA) Centers.
- A military base proctored by a station education officer only.
- Online through ProctorU.
- Contact your instructor to see if this option is offered. Testing through ProctorU does not require an Alternative Proctor Proposal Form.
Relatives and friends, regardless of their occupation, are not permitted to act as proctors. Private residences, high schools, and public libraries are not considered an appropriate testing environment.
- Note: For both pre-approved and proposed sites, the alternative proctor form must be filled out for each course that requires proctored testing. For both and pre-approved and proposed sites, it is the student's responsibility to contact the site of interest to complete the alternative proctor form. Availability, hours of operation, and fees vary per site.
Spring 2026 Form Submission Deadline
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Full Semester (15 weeks) | Tuesday, February 3 |
| January Modular | Monday, January 26 |
| February Modular | Friday, February 20 |
| March Modular | Saturday, March 28 |
Summer 2026 Form Submission Deadline
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Full Session (12 weeks) | Thursday, June 4 |
| May Modular | Friday, May 29 |
| June Modular | Sunday, June 21 |
| July Modular: | Saturday, July |
Fall 2026 Form Submission Deadline
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Full Semester (15 weeks) | Tuesday, September 8 |
| August Modular | Monday, August 31 |
| September Modular | Friday, September 25 |
| October Modular | Sunday, October 25 |
Winter 2026 Form Submission Deadline
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Winter Session (4 weeks) | Wednesday, December 23 |
*You may only appeal to submit an Alternative Proctor Form Appeal after the deadline indicated on the Academic Calendar due to medical, personal, or employment-related situations that were beyond your control.