The Bryq Team
HR Experts
Cheaters never prosper… or do they? Studies show that 80% of job candidates lie in some capacity during the hiring process, whether that’s embellishing a resume or cheating on an online assessment. As online testing tools become more common, especially as AI-based assessments and online exams become part of the modern hiring process, it’s critical for hiring managers and recruiters to understand how candidates cheat and how to prevent it.
In this blog, we will discuss five ways that people cheat on online assessments and several things you should be looking for in a well-designed talent assessment product.
Why use an online Talent Assessment software?
There are many reasons a company might want to use an online talent assessment to help them source the best candidates. These can be a fantastic tool to help find top talent. As a type of pre-employment assessment, it can help screen candidates early and objectively. The right talent assessments are easy to use, time-efficient, and cost-effective, and they help eliminate bias from the hiring process. They also support better hiring decisions by focusing on actual ability rather than presentation. Unlike traditional interview questions, assessments measure how candidates think, not just how they present themselves.
But are they designed to stop candidates from cheating on them? That depends on how well the assessment is built and whether it includes the right safeguards against dishonest behavior. A secure test environment and strong anti-cheating functions make the difference between reliable results and risky ones.
Online assessments help hiring teams make objective hiring decisions based on real-world skills, like problem-solving, reasoning, and communication, rather than gut instinct or resume polish.
5 Ways to spot a cheater
If you’re using a talent assessment software that allows for cheating, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Many talent assessment platforms don’t have the security features to prevent deception from happening - and some candidates will take full advantage of this. Here are 5 ways that job seekers try playing the system.
Cheating by proxy
Candidates may pay someone else to take the online exam for them, sometimes even through paid services.
Use of external resources and aids
Candidates use calculators, online resources, or even AI-generated answers from AI tools like ChatGPT, resume builders, or question generators. The rise of generative AI makes it easier than ever for candidates to simulate credible responses in real time.
Real-time assistance
Some get help from a friend live during the test, often through screen sharing, voice call, or chat, sometimes even via mobile phone.
Access to assessment questions
Some candidates find assessment questions online before the test.
Technical manipulation
Insecure platforms allow cheaters to refresh pages, retake tests, make multiple submissions to gain an advantage, or bypass controls using copy-paste tricks, or timer hacks.
How to stop a cheater
Online assessments should include built-in anti-cheating functions, secure test environments, and multiple proctoring tools to prevent cheating:
Using optional remote proctoring tools like webcam and sound capture
Adding content variation across question pools
Randomizing question formats (visuals, puzzles, case studies)
Limiting time per question to prevent external lookups
Leveraging computer-adaptive testing to make cheating nearly impossible
Many platforms also use detection algorithms to monitor unusual patterns in test-taking behavior, helping flag potential cheating in real time.
To support identity verification and reduce external help, small video snippets can be recorded (with the candidate’s permission) during the assessment. This isn’t meant to be invasive, online proctoring helps confirm that the test-taker is alone, using their own device, and not receiving assistance.
Sound bites
Similarly, these audio snippets will ensure that nobody feeds the job candidate answers to the assessment questions.
Assessment speed
Giving a candidate a predetermined amount of time to answer a question makes it much harder for them to cheat. Finding the answer to a question on the internet takes time. If they only have a certain amount of time to answer a question, time might not be worth wasting.
Content interchangeability
It’s great to mix it up when it comes to assessment content. There should be a clear mix of questions that might contain photographs, videos, images, puzzles, or even math equations.
Question and answer variation
Mixing up the variables in a question-and-answer set makes it much more difficult to cheat. It’s harder to memorize these when the variables are constantly changing.
Computer adaptive testing
If questions are adapted to a candidate’s skill level, it’s difficult for two candidates to have the same assessment experience.
Bryq ensures integrity in assessments
Bryq’s security features make online testing fair, reliable, and resistant to cheating. Our platform combines a secure test environment, controlled submissions, and timed questions to protect the integrity of your hiring process. With optional webcam proctoring, content variation, and adaptive assessments, candidates are evaluated based on real skills. Unlike in-person testing, Bryq offers flexibility without compromising on fairness or accuracy.
Ready to improve your candidate experience and your recruitment process?
Book a demo today.
FAQ
How do candidates cheat on online assessments?
Candidates may cheat by using external help, getting a friend to take the test, through screen sharing, accessing questions early, or exploiting test submissions.
How do online assessments detect cheating?
Advanced platforms use tools like optional webcam proctoring, timed questions, randomized content, and and secure test environments supported by AI-based proctoring.
