The Workplace Scan Photo is an authentication step your instructor may require as part of onboarding for an Honorlock exam. This requires you to use your mobile phone to take a wide-angle photo of your desk and immediate surroundings. Your instructor will see this photo when they review your Honorlock exam session recording.
Using Your Phone During Authentication
You will be required to use your smartphone only for specific, guided authentication steps. Honorlock may prompt you to use your phone for ID Verification and/or the Workspace Photo.
Your webcam will be on and recording during this entire process. This will confirm that you are only using the phone for these required steps.
After you have successfully completed the step, you will be instructed to put your phone away completely (out of sight and arm's reach) before you can begin your exam.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Here is the process for submitting your Workspace Photo:
- First, prepare your workspace. You need to remove all books, papers, and other devices from your space. Then complete the Workspace Check fields to continue; see Fig. 1.
Figure 1: Workspace Checklist acknowledgments required to continue
- When prompted, use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen, see Fig 2. Chrome and Safari are the only supported browsers for this step.
Figure 2: QR prompt to begin taking the Workplace Scan photo
- Follow the instructions on your phone, which will direct you to step back a few feet from your desk to scan the second QR code, see Fig 3.
Figure 3: Prompts to take the Workplace Scan photo
- Follow the prompts on the camera to take a single, clear photo that captures your entire workspace. This includes your computer, desk, and any items within arm's reach, see figures 4, 5, and 6.
Figure 4: prompt to rotate camera to a landscape view
Figure 5: code verification in progress
Figure 6: Workplace scan photo verified
- All photos taken are submitted for review. Once it is approved, you will be directed to put your phone away, see Fig 7. Your instructor will see this step and your agreement to put away your device. Be aware that your instructor may also require you to turn your phone off in view of the webcam before starting the exam as additional proof that you are following instructions.
Figure 7: agreement to put phone away before continuing to the exam
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What if I don't have a smartphone?
Instead of scanning the QR code, select the link on the screen that says "Click here to submit a room scan video instead" (or a similar message, subject to change). You will be guided to use your webcam to perform a standard video room scan instead. You will not be blocked from your exam.
Q. How do I take a good photo?
The best photos are taken from a few feet back. Ensure your entire desk, your computer, and the surrounding area are clearly visible. Good lighting also helps.
Q. Does this give Honorlock access to my phone?
No. Scanning the QR code only opens a secure, temporary webpage in your phone's browser. It does not give Honorlock access to your apps, photos, files, or any other data on your phone. It only uses your phone's camera to take and submit this one photo.
For assistance with the Workplace photo process, please use the Honorlock support chat.