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This is a new feature that prompts the test-taker to use their smartphone to take a single, wide-angle photograph of their entire desk and immediate workspace. This provides a clear, high-resolution image for your review, making it easier to verify the testing environment at a glance. The Workplace Scan Photo will replace the room scan process, where students used their webcam to show and record their surroundings.
How to Enable
The section header is a toggle labeled Enable Environment Integrity. When off, no scan is required for the exam. When on, two scan type options appear below, see Fig. 1.
Figure 1: Current environment verification options
Choosing Workspace Scan or Room Scan
With the toggle on, select one of two options:
- Workspace Scan Photo
This captures a high-resolution still image of the test taker's desk and surrounding area using their mobile device. The front-facing webcam records throughout the step. This is the default selection and is Suggested. When this option is active, you will see "When Workspace Scan Photo is enabled, test takers will need to use their mobile device to complete this authentication step. Their front-facing webcam will record this step to ensure integrity is maintained."
- Room Scan Video
This is the legacy option where a test taker records themselves moving their webcam around their desk. You will see a notice "This will be discontinued in Fall 2026".
Only one option can be selected at a time. When Workspace Scan Photo is selected, a Workspace Scan On badge appears in the top right of the box. The same goes for when Room Scan Video is selected, a Room Scan On badge appears.
The Test Taker Experience
To learn more about the test-taker mobile app experience, review: Workspace Scan - Test Taker Experience
How to Review the Workspace Photos
The submitted Workspace Scan Photo and webcam recording can be found in the Honorlock Session Viewer. When reviewing a test taker's exam session, you will find two key components related to this step:
- The Workspace Photo: The high-resolution image(s) submitted by the test taker.
- The Session Recording: The standard video recording will show the test taker performing the mobile workflow. You can see them interacting with their phone to complete the scan and then putting it away.
Honorlock's system may also scan the photo for potential unauthorized materials based on your exam settings. These items will be flagged for your review so you can make the final determination.
Recommended Syllabus/Exam Instructions
It is recommended to include the following text in your exam instructions to prepare test takers for this step:
"This exam uses Honorlock and requires a Workspace Photo for authentication. You will need a smartphone for this step. You will be asked to scan a QR code and take a single photo of your entire desk and workspace. If you do not have a smartphone, you can use your webcam as an alternative for a video scan. Contact Honorlock support for assistance with this and other onboarding steps"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How will Honorlock support assist test takers who have difficulty with this step?
A: After three unsuccessful attempts, the test taker will be directed to contact Honorlock's 24/7 live support. Our support team can then assist them in completing or bypassing the step.
Q: What if a test taker doesn't have a smartphone?
A: An on-screen prompt will allow them to select an alternative method. This will guide them to use their webcam to perform a video scan of their room, similar to the previous workflow.
Q: Can I require using Workspace Scan Photo on one exam and Room Scan Video on another?
A: Yes — the setting is per-exam. you can configure each exam independently within the same course.
Q: When is Room Scan Video going away?
A: Fall 2026- an actual sunset date has not been stated.
Q: What if an I can't find the Room Scan setting I used in previous classes?
A: The standalone Room Scan toggle has been removed from proctoring settings. Room Scan Video is now available inside the Enable Environment Integrity section.