Moodle Testing Security Options

From time to time, I am asked "How can I make my Moodle tests more secure and prevent cheating?"

I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but in reality, securing an online quiz is somewhat difficult, as is that of a traditional quiz. Although the methods used to secure an online quiz will differ from that of a traditional quiz, one needs to look at the whole process and find a solution that works.

One can never totally prevent someone from cheating on a test, but only make it less fruitful to cheat.

Take a look at the Quiz Settings page in Moodle. There are many options there that can assist. This link can help explain some of the settings for quizzes.

I would offer the following as potential "options" you may want to use for general quiz security:

1. Change the "Browser security" drop-down to "Full screen pop-up with some JavaScript security" from "None"
2. On the "Display" section, select "1" for "Questions per page" (this help to negate printing out the entire quiz).
3. Set a time-limit for the quiz (this helps to negate the use of textbooks or other materials).
4. Hide any of your course content on the day of the quiz (except the quiz) so students don't have access to any notes or other content while the quiz is open.
5. Only allow the quiz to be open for a certain time period and make yourself available during that time for technical assistance.
6. Randomize questions from a large question pool.
7. Set a time limit for taking the test.
   

There are other settings and practices that you may want to consider as well.