Manual Proctoring vs. AI Proctoring: Which One Is Right For Your Hiring Needs?

With companies increasingly turning to online assessments for screening candidates, the need for secure and fair evaluation methods has never been more crucial. That’s where proctoring comes in, ensuring candidates take tests honestly, without unfair advantages.

But here’s the big question: Manual proctoring vs. AI proctoring, which one is better? 

The short answer? It depends. 

The long answer? Let’s understand.

What is manual proctoring?

Manual proctoring is exactly what it sounds like. A human invigilator monitors the candidate during the assessment, either live through a webcam or in person. They look for red flags like suspicious eye movements, unauthorized materials, or someone else taking the test.

It brings a layer of human judgment into the process. Proctors can interact with the candidate, pause the test if needed, and flag any issues in real-time.

What is AI proctoring?

AI proctoring, on the other hand, relies on smart algorithms to do the job. It uses tools like facial recognition, geo-tracking, and behavioral analysis to monitor candidates during a test. The system raises flags automatically for any unusual activity like switching tabs, multiple faces on the screen, or prolonged eye movement away from the screen.

The best part? It can monitor hundreds or even thousands of candidates at once without fatigue.

Manual proctoring vs. AI proctoring

Let’s compare the two side by side across key factors:

Difference #1: Accuracy & Reliability

• Manual proctoring: Human proctors bring nuance. They can distinguish between genuine confusion and cheating. But they can also get distracted or miss subtle cues.
  
  
• AI proctoring: AI is consistent and never blinks. But it might flag false positives like a nervous habit mistaken for suspicious behavior.

Verdict: Human judgment is empathetic, AI is efficient. Both have blind spots.

Difference #2: Scalability

• Manual proctoring: You need one proctor per batch of candidates. This limits how many assessments can run simultaneously.
  
  
• AI proctoring: You can scale up massively. Whether it’s 100 or 10,000 candidates, AI can handle it.

Verdict: AI wins when volume matters.

Difference #3: Candidate Experience

• Manual proctoring: There's comfort in knowing a real person is on the other side. But constant human observation can feel intimidating too.
  
  
• AI proctoring: It's less intrusive visually.

Verdict: It’s about balance. Some prefer human empathy; others prefer minimal interference.

Difference #4: Cost

• Manual proctoring: More proctors = more cost. Especially if tests are conducted across time zones.
  
  
• AI proctoring: Initial setup costs, but cheaper over time, especially for large-scale hiring tests.

Verdict: AI is more cost-effective in the long run.

Difference #5: Security

• Manual proctoring: Proctors can intervene in real time. But human error is always a risk.
  
  
• AI proctoring: AI tracks eye movement, detects background noises, and flags impersonation attempts without breaks.

Verdict: AI is better at scale.

Use cases: When to choose what?

When manual proctoring makes sense

• High-stakes assessments: Leadership roles, final rounds, or niche positions.
  
  
• Candidates with special needs: Where flexibility and human understanding matter.
  
  
• Small-scale hiring: If you are only assessing a handful of people, manual work well.
  

When AI proctoring is ideal

• Mass hiring drives: Campus placements, large-scale internships, or coding assessments.
  
  
• Tight timelines: Need to assess quickly and fairly? AI proctoring speeds things up.
  
  
• Multiple locations: No need to worry about time zones or local logistics.
  

Or, go hybrid

A growing number of companies are choosing hybrid proctoring, where AI handles the bulk and humans step in only when needed. Think of it like autopilot with a trained pilot in the cockpit.

Real talk: What most blogs don’t tell you

Proctoring isn’t just about catching cheaters. It’s about creating a fair, scalable, and stress-free hiring experience.

Here’s what most blogs miss:

• Candidate trust matters. Over-surveillance, especially without consent or clarity, can turn some candidates away.
  
  
• Tech glitches happen. AI isn’t perfect. False flags can frustrate candidates unless there’s a clear review mechanism.
  
  
• Not every role needs proctoring. Creative or open-ended tasks are better judged on outcomes, not how someone behaves on camera.

So don’t just think about how to proctor. Think about why you are doing it and the kind of experience you want to create.

Why Unstop's online proctoring stands out

At Unstop, we understand both sides of the hiring equation: the recruiter’s need for trust and the candidate’s need for a fair shot. Our proctoring solution combines AI-powered monitoring with smart features like behavioral insights, IP tracking, and an easy-to-navigate review dashboard for recruiters. All while keeping user privacy front and center.

Whether you are hiring 5 people or 5,000, our remote assessments keep things fair, fast, and friction-free using proctoring features.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Manual proctoring brings judgment, AI proctoring brings scale. The sweet spot? Depends on your hiring goals.

Start with your needs:

• Are you hiring at scale?
  
  
• Do you need strict monitoring or flexibility?
  
  
• Is cost or candidate experience a bigger priority?
  
  

Choose accordingly, or go hybrid for a smarter, safer solution.

FAQs

What is AI-based proctoring?

AI-based proctoring is a way to watch over online tests using smart technology instead of people. It tracks things like your face, sound, screen activity, and movements through your webcam and mic. This helps keep tests fair without needing a human to monitor the exam constantly.

How can AI detect cheating?

AI watches for anything unusual. For example:

1. It checks if more than one face appears on the screen.

2. It tracks if you keep looking away or speaking to someone.

3. It flags if you are switching tabs or using other devices.

Along with these features, the assessments are recorded and reviewed so recruiters can check if something felt off during the test.

What is the difference between manual and AI proctoring?

Manual proctoring involves a human invigilator monitoring the candidate during a test. AI proctoring uses automated systems to detect suspicious behavior based on patterns, eye movement, and more.

Is AI proctoring more reliable than manual proctoring?

It depends on the use case. For large-scale hiring, yes. AI proctoring offers consistency, speed, and zero scheduling hassle. It doesn’t get tired or distracted and applies the same rules to everyone. Manual proctoring brings human judgment, but it's harder to scale and can vary from person to person.

Can I use both manual and AI proctoring together?

Yes. Many companies now use a hybrid model. AI handles initial monitoring and flags suspicious behavior, while human proctors review only the flagged cases.

Which is better for large-scale hiring tests?

AI proctoring is better suited for large-scale hiring due to its ability to monitor thousands of candidates simultaneously without compromising security.

Does Unstop offer online proctoring for companies?

Yes. Unstop offers a remote proctoring solution that combines AI technology with human intervention, ensuring secure and scalable assessments for hiring.

How accurate is AI proctoring?

AI is pretty accurate for spotting red flags like screen switching or voice activity. But it’s not perfect. Sometimes, it may flag harmless things. That’s why many systems, like ours at Unstop, mix AI with human review so no one is unfairly marked without a second look.