Google Cloud Exam Proctoring and Anti-Cheating | Generated by AI
Question: Do we need to take Google Cloud certification exams onsite or online? If online, how do they prevent AI cheating?
Answer:
Google Cloud certification exams offer both options — you can choose either:
- Online-proctored (remote from home/office)
- Onsite-proctored (at a physical testing center)
You are not required to take them onsite; the choice is yours when scheduling through the exam registration platform (currently Kryterion’s Webassessor, transitioning to Pearson VUE starting late February 2026). The exam price remains the same regardless of the delivery method, and you can switch between online and onsite if needed (subject to availability).
Most candidates opt for the online option for convenience, though some prefer test centers to avoid home setup issues (e.g., strict technical/environment requirements).
For Online-Proctored Exams
These are delivered remotely via live proctoring (a human proctor monitors you in real time) combined with proctoring software. Key anti-cheating measures include:
- Live human proctor: Watches your video feed throughout the exam, can intervene or terminate if suspicious behavior occurs.
- Webcam monitoring: Continuous video of your face and testing environment (you must do a room scan/show 360° view before starting).
- Screen sharing/locking: Your screen is monitored; secure browser often used to prevent opening other tabs/apps.
- ID verification: Government-issued photo ID checked live by the proctor.
- Audio monitoring: Microphone active to detect unusual sounds or voices.
- Environment rules: No other people allowed in the room, no notes/devices/food/drinks near you, clear desk, no looking away excessively, etc.
- Behavioral flags: Proctor flags prohibited actions like leaving camera view, poor video/audio quality, unauthorized aids, or suspicious movements/keystrokes.
- Post-exam review: Recordings can be reviewed; violations lead to exam invalidation, certification revocation, or bans.
- Prohibited behaviors (explicitly listed in Exam Terms & Conditions): Using unauthorized aids, proxy services, AI tools, copy/paste, external help, etc.
Regarding AI cheating specifically (e.g., using ChatGPT or similar tools during the exam):
- The combination of live human oversight + software restrictions makes real-time AI use very difficult and highly detectable (e.g., typing long queries, reading responses aloud/quietly, screen sharing to another device, or excessive eye movement to a second screen would likely be flagged by the proctor).
- Google/Kryterion actively investigate suspected misconduct (including AI assistance), and violations can result in severe penalties.
- While no system is 100% cheat-proof, the live proctoring + recording + strict rules provide strong deterrence and detection compared to unproctored or fully automated systems.
For the most current details (especially after the February 2026 provider switch to Pearson VUE), always check the official registration page and proctoring requirements when scheduling your exam.
References:
- https://support.google.com/cloud-certification/answer/9907748 — Online Proctored Exams details
- https://support.google.com/cloud-certification/answer/9907651 — Registration and scheduling (mentions both options)
- https://cloud.google.com/certification/terms — Exam Terms & Conditions (prohibited behaviors and invalidation rules)
- https://support.google.com/cloud-certification/answer/9907852 — Testing requirements for proctored exams
- https://support.google.com/cloud-certification/answer/16803278 — Upcoming change to Pearson VUE (as of 2026)