> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.autoproctor.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Best Practices for Test Creators

> Follow these best practices when administering proctored tests on AutoProctor to ensure a smooth experience for you and your candidates.

## Pre-Test Checklist

<Steps>
  <Step title="Have candidates complete a demo test">
    Share the demo test link for your test type with candidates at least **24 hours** before the actual exam. The demo helps candidates understand the platform, grant the required browser permissions, and confirm their device meets technical requirements.

    Demo links for each test type:

    * [Socratease Test](https://www.autoproctor.co/tests/bj0yv14Ufu/load)
    * [Google Forms Test](https://www.autoproctor.co/tests/GFICZZZA/load)
    * [Microsoft Forms Test](https://www.autoproctor.co/tests/gToT6XfaO1/load)
    * [Other Quizzing Platforms Test](https://www.autoproctor.co/tests/UAIJ2bcQ1i/load)

    <Note>
      The demo test does not consume test credits from your account. Candidates can take it as many times as they need.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your account has sufficient credits">
    Ensure your account has enough test attempts available before the exam. If candidates try to load a test and your account has no credits, they cannot proceed.

    See [Payments and Credits](/payments-and-credits) to check your balance and purchase more if needed.

    <Frame caption="Account credits display on the AutoProctor dashboard">
      <img className="rounded-xl" src="https://mintcdn.com/autoproctor/r1vbQh9bCL-vFGIy/images/getting-started/display-credits.gif?s=852c6a808413db834f94449f97a54efd" alt="AutoProctor dashboard showing the account credits and balance display" width="1324" height="720" data-path="images/getting-started/display-credits.gif" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure test timing with buffer">
    Set a Buffer Time so candidates have a grace period after the "Can't Start After" cutoff to set up their device.

    See [Timer Settings](/timer-settings) for configuration details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test the link yourself">
    Before sharing the test link, click it yourself to verify the candidate experience. Confirm that the instructions page, camera check, and proctoring setup all load correctly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Distributing Test Links

How you share the test link matters. Some distribution methods cause compatibility issues.

| Method                           | Recommended? | Notes                                                                                                                                                            |
| -------------------------------- | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Email (Gmail, Outlook)**       | Yes          | Links open in the default browser, which works reliably                                                                                                          |
| **LMS (Moodle, Canvas, etc.)**   | Yes          | Links open in the system browser                                                                                                                                 |
| **Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp** | No           | In-app browsers are often incompatible with AutoProctor's proctoring. If you do share the link here, tell candidates to copy it and open it in Chrome or Firefox |

<Warning>
  If candidates receive test links through messaging apps (such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger), advise them to **copy the link** and open it directly in **Chrome** or **Firefox**. In-app browsers lack the features AutoProctor needs for proctoring.
</Warning>

<Note>
  Send the demo link at least 24 hours before the actual test. Send the real test link closer to the scheduled time to prevent early access.
</Note>

## During the Test

* **Be available** -- Remain accessible via a communication channel (such as Google Meet, Zoom, or WhatsApp) during the test window so candidates can reach you if they encounter technical issues.

## After the Test

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review proctoring results">
    Check [Trust Scores](/what-is-trust-score) and proctoring reports for each candidate. Focus your review on candidates scoring below 85%.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Help candidates with technical issues">
    If candidates face any technical issue during the test, ask them to follow [this article](/contact-us).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Related Resources

* [Before You Get Started](/before-you-get-started) -- Critical requirements for using AutoProctor
* [Where Can I See My Quiz Results?](/where-to-find-quiz-results) -- Overview of quiz results vs. proctoring results
* [Trust Score](/what-is-trust-score) -- How Trust Scores are calculated
* [Proctoring Settings](/proctoring-settings) -- Configure what gets monitored during tests
* [Concurrency](/max-simultaneous-candidates) -- Understand simultaneous candidate limits
* [Device Compatibility](/device-compatibility) -- Supported browsers and devices