Picture this: It’s exam day for your candidate, and everything just… works. No last-minute troubleshooting. No uncertainty. No rescheduling or fees. No stress.

For many certification programs, that vision feels overdue. Remote proctoring needs to deliver a smoother, more dependable experience—one where technology stays out of the way, processes feel natural, and candidates enter the exam with confidence rather than concern. As programs look ahead to 2026, they’re asking what it will take to get there and which partners truly understand the challenges they face. At ITS, we’d love to explore those questions with you as you plan for the year ahead.

Ease of Use and Reliability Will Become the Standard, Not the Goal

When a candidate begins their session, uncertainty shouldn’t be part of the process. Certification programs want confidence at every step—technology that performs reliably, workflows that feel predictable, and communication that supports both candidates and administrators.

In 2026, programs will increasingly expect:

• Proctoring processes that are easy to understand and implement
• Clear visibility into key metrics and incident resolution
• Greater assurance that every candidate receives the same high-quality experience

Reliability is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s becoming the baseline expectation, the foundation that programs depend on as they scale and evolve.

Security Models Will Evolve Alongside New Technologies

As AI-assisted cheating and other emerging risks grow more common, certification programs are rethinking what strong, modern security should look like. They’re seeking layered defenses that protect exam integrity without creating unnecessary friction for candidates.

What’s emerging is a more holistic approach that blends:

• Automated detection tools
• Human oversight from trained proctors
• Proactive analytics that identify patterns before they become issues

Programs are also asking more sophisticated questions, such as how certain risks are detected, how workflows impact candidate experience, and where automation should enhance (not replace) human judgment. In 2026, the most effective security strategies will be the ones that protect performance rather than disrupt it.

Candidate Experience Will Take Center Stage

If there’s one theme rising above the rest, it’s that candidates deserve a smoother, more supportive testing experience.
Today’s test takers are seeking:

• Shorter wait times
• A simple, intuitive check-in process
• Clear communication when something goes wrong
• Friendly, prepared, professional proctors

For many programs, the testing experience is their most public-facing touchpoint. A positive session builds trust. A stressful one lingers in memory. As 2026 approaches, candidate experience is becoming a true differentiator when evaluating proctoring partners.

Flexibility and Global Access Will Shape Policy Decisions

As certification programs grow, so do the needs of the candidates they serve. Remote proctoring offers global reach and scheduling flexibility that traditional delivery models often can’t match.

Programs are exploring:

• Hybrid delivery options
• Regionally accessible testing windows
• Policies that meet candidates where they are, both geographically and situationally

Remote proctoring is no longer a backup plan. For many programs, it has become a core pathway. In 2026, flexibility and access will stand at the center of exam-delivery strategy.

Programs Will Look for True Partnership, Not Just a Platform

More than anything, certification programs are seeking partnership. They want a provider who listens, collaborates, and adapts, not just software that runs an exam.

In the year ahead, programs will look for partners who offer:

• Responsive, human support
• Flexibility when unexpected challenges arise
• Transparency around decisions and processes
• A shared commitment to ongoing improvement

Technology matters, but the relationship matters more. Programs are paying closer attention to how quickly issues are addressed, how openly communication flows, and how aligned a partner is with their long-term goals.

Looking Ahead

Remote proctoring will continue evolving in 2026, but one thing remains clear—certification programs want solutions that build trust, not complexity. By prioritizing reliability, security, flexibility, and a human-centered experience, programs can create testing environments that truly support candidates at every step.

If you’re preparing for what’s ahead, our team is always open to a conversation. We’re happy to share what we’re seeing across the industry and how programs are successfully adapting.