Proctor

Proctor is a term that can refer to a person authorized to supervise or enforce rules in a variety of settings. As a verb, to proctor means to supervise or monitor an activity, particularly an examination. The word derives from Medieval Latin procurator/procurator via Old French procureur, and entered English in the late Middle Ages.

In higher education, a proctor was historically an officer responsible for enforcing university statutes, maintaining discipline, and supervising examinations. In some traditional universities, notably Cambridge and Oxford, proctors are elected officials who oversee the conduct of public examinations and the application of university statutes. They work to ensure orderly assessment and may handle disciplinary matters.

In modern testing and education, exam proctoring is a common term. A proctor supervises the administration of tests to verify identity, enforce rules, prevent cheating, manage test materials, and respond to irregularities. Proctoring can take place in person at a testing center or remotely online, with software that monitors test-takers and records activity.

Other uses of the word include a surname (Proctor) and place names. The term is also encountered in legal or civic contexts in which an official acts as a custodian or administrator with supervisory duties.