Important: These instructions apply only to hand-written PDF-Style exams taken with ProctorU Live.
Always check your Blackboard course site and syllabus to confirm your course’s proctoring method.
What Is a PDF Exam
A PDF Exam is a type of exam that is used when your answers must be handwritten, such as problems involving long equations, formulas, and diagrams.
You will complete your exam on a touch-screen computer using a stylus pen or an approved USB drawing pad and stylus pen.
The PDF-Style exams are only utilized by the College Engineering and Mines.
Required Equipment
Make sure you have all equipment ready and tested before your exam.
Touchscreen Laptop Requirements
- Touch-screen laptop compatible with an active stylus
- Active Stylus: Required for writing directly on the screen
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
- External Drawing Pad (optional-in place of touch-screen laptop): Must connect by USB (not Bluetooth), cannot run its own operating system, and needs approval from the Distance Engineering Department before the exam.
- Not Supported: Chromebooks, iPads, or other tablets/mobile operating systems
- Windows “S Mode”: Not supported (may be able to switch it off)
For more information about the minimum system requirements, visit the ProctorU Equipment Requirements page.
External Webcam
- Using an external webcam set up on a tripod or gooseneck is required.
- The camera must clearly show your face and entire workspace during the exam.
- Built-in laptop webcams are not sufficient for this exam type.
- Test your camera placement and lighting before your exam session.
PDF Annotation Software
You will write directly on your downloaded PDF exam file, software capable of supporting screen-written annotations is required. Below is a list of recommended programs that may work for you.
Important:
- Download your exam PDF before opening it in your preferred editing software.
- Open it using your chosen software — not in a web browser.
- Do not use the built-in PDF editing tools in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Exam Day Preparation Checklist
Before your exam, confirm that you have:
- A Windows 10 or 11 touch-screen laptop (not Chromebook or iPad)
- “S Mode” turned off
- A working touchscreen laptop and active stylus or approved USB drawing pad
- Stylus pen that is compatible with your device
- An external webcam on a tripod or gooseneck
- Installed and tested PDF annotation software
- Downloaded and practiced on a sample PDF
- Passed the ProctorU system check for internet, audio, and external camera
Need Help?
- Contact your course instructor or the Distance Engineering Department for approval or set up questions.
- Visit ProctorU Support for technical assistance.
- Check your Blackboard course announcements for updates before exam day.