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The Growing Challenge of Smart Devices in Exams

Monday 11th May, 2026

As thousands of students across the country sit their exams this summer, Exam Invigilators play a crucial role in ensuring exams are conducted fairly, regulations are followed consistently, and candidate wellbeing is supported throughout the exam process.

Malpractice

An important responsibility of an Invigilator is preventing malpractice. Malpractice is defined by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) as:

‘Any act, default or practice, which is:

• A breach of the Regulations; and/or
• A breach of awarding body requirements regarding how a qualification should be delivered; and/or
• A failure to follow established procedures in relation to a qualification.’

Malpractice is not limited to candidates. It can also involve teachers, invigilators and other staff. It includes deliberate cheating, breaches of examination regulations, and maladministration where exam procedures are not followed correctly.

Any alleged or suspected incidents of malpractice must be reported to the awarding body, who will conduct their own investigation. Penalties range from loss of marks to disqualification from qualifications.

Advances in Technology

While malpractice can take many forms, technology is creating new challenges for exam centres and Invigilators. Devices are becoming smaller, more sophisticated, and easier to conceal than ever before.

Exam Invigilators need to remove any items that could be used to cheat before the exam starts, and stay alert for any prohibited items that may have been brought into the exam room. This job is getting more and more difficult with advances in technology, and Invigilators need to be aware of how covert equipment can be used in exams. 

Mobile phones and smart devices are the most common form of exam misconduct, with data from Ofqual showing that it accounted for 44% of all student malpractice cases in 2025. It can be hard enough spotting a student with a mobile phone hidden under the desk, but now there are more sophisticated and easily hidden devices that Invigilators need to be aware of.

Examples of advanced technology that invigilators should be aware of include:

• Smart watches
• Smart glasses that play text covertly on the inside of the glasses that only the wearer can see
• Hidden earpieces used for covert communication
• Pens with built-in screens
• Fitness trackers with messaging capabilities
• AI-enabled devices and voice assistants

Many of these devices can access the internet, store notes, communicate with others, or use AI tools to generate answers.

According to Sir Ian Bauckham, the chief regulator of Ofqual, ‘Some of these devices are being marketed openly on the internet specifically as aids to cheating.’

Practical Advice

Advice for Exam Invigilators on preventing smart device misuse during exams:

• Clearly communicating that all devices are prohibited, and displaying the JCQ’s ‘No unauthorised devices poster’ in the exam room
• Remind candidates to switch off and surrender devices before they enter the exam room, and check devices have been placed in the designated storage area
• Make sure candidates understand that smart watches and wearable technology are treated as electronic devices, and must be removed prior to the exam
• Pay close attention to oversized clothing and accessories (particularly jewellery) that may be concealing devices
• Stay vigilant during exams and continuously walk around the room – try not to walk around the room in an observable pattern
• Observe candidates from different angles and places in the room

Be sure to watch for suspicious behaviour, such as:

• Frequently looking at laps, sleeves or pockets
• Repeatedly touching a watch, glasses or ears
• Looking away from the exam paper for extended periods before writing
• Tilting the head as though listening to something
• Keeping hair positioned to conceal the ears
• Whispering or talking under their breath
• Delayed responses when approached by an invigilator

Toilet breaks can present an additional opportunity for malpractice, particularly where candidates have access to personal belongings, mobile phones, or other unauthorised devices. This is why awarding bodies and exam regulations place specific controls around candidates leaving the examination room during an assessment. Exam Invigilators need to record all exits and entries, limit candidates to one at a time, make sure candidates can’t access personal belongings during breaks and investigate frequent or long absences.

Candidates are far less likely to attempt smart-device malpractice when they know invigilators are alert, mobile, and knowledgeable about modern technology.

Useful links:

• ‘Cheating in exams with high-tech smart devices poses growing threat, warns Ofqual chief in new podcast’ on the Gov UK website
• ‘Instructions for Conducting Exams (ICE)’ by the Joint Council for Qualifications

If you are an Exam Invigilator, or working towards the role, and would like to get more guidance on specific responsibilities, you may wish to complete our Short Course on Invigilating Tests and Examinations.