How Randomised Test Delivery Prevents Cheating in Online Assessments

Online testing is now standard across RTOs, CRICOS colleges, schools, and ELICOS providers — but traditional online exams are easy to exploit when questions are predictable or security is weak. Randomised test delivery, combined with modern anti-cheat tools, protects assessment integrity and gives providers confidence in their results.

Here’s how Laureate Online Testing uses smart security features to minimise cheating while keeping the test experience simple for students.

1. Randomisation Removes Predictability

If every student receives the same questions in the same order, the entire test can be compromised the moment one learner shares answers. Randomisation prevents this by varying:

• question order

• answer option order

• question versions

• difficulty-based item selection

With Laureate, no two tests look the same, making answer sharing, screenshots, and coordinated cheating ineffective.

2. Timed URLs Stop Link Sharing

Cheating often happens when students share test links with others. Laureate blocks this by using timed, single-use URLs. Providers can set:

• start and end times

• expiry windows

• one-attempt rules

If a link is shared or opened outside its window, access is denied instantly.

3. One-Click Secure Links Reduce Loopholes

Many online tests allow navigation tricks or indirect login paths. Laureate uses a single secure hashed link, preventing:

• login sharing

• bookmarking

• reopening past sessions

• bypassing the test flow

This allows large cohorts to access tests safely with one link.

4. Multi-tab Monitoring Detects Suspicious Behaviour

Students attempting to use a second tab, external helper, or phone during the test generate clear behavioural signals. Laureate automatically tracks:

• tab switching

• unusual inactivity

• copy/paste attempts

• rapid window changes

These logs create an audit trail for reviewing high-risk attempts.

5. Browser Behaviour Checks Block Common Cheats

Laureate monitors browser actions that typically indicate cheating:

• tab switching

• screen capture attempts

• developer tools

• navigation away from the test

Suspicious actions are logged and, where necessary, blocked.

6. Light Detection of Translator Extensions

A growing issue is students using built-in browser translation tools or translator extensions to assist with reading or answering. Laureate includes light-touch detection of translation attempts and logs when a browser tries to translate test content.

This provides awareness without adding friction for genuine users, and gives providers an integrity safeguard most systems lack.

The Combined Effect

While no single tool can stop every form of cheating, combining:

• randomisation

• timed secure links

• multi-tab tracking

• browser monitoring

• translation-attempt logging

This creates a robust, tamper-resistant testing environment.

Laureate Online Testing delivers all of this automatically, with no setup required — giving providers clean data, accurate placement, and reliable language outcomes.