Cheating prevention and detection

Advanced anti-cheating measures built into every step

Online assessments can be vulnerable to cheating attempts, but locking them down with invasive tools risks alienating candidates. That’s why we build cheating prevention measures directly into the assessment experience. From adaptive testing to AI-driven activity analysis, every layer is designed to protect integrity without disrupting candidate flow.

Cheating prevention by design

Our in-house psychologists design assessments that are inherently difficult to cheat. Through techniques like adaptive testing, time-recorded scoring, and randomised question sets, we ensure that the integrity of the process is protected by the way the assessment itself is built.

Adaptive Testing
Adaptive Testing

Questions adapt in real-time, reducing opportunities to share answers.

Time-Recorded Scoring
Time-Recorded Scoring

Unusually fast or slow responses are flagged.

Item Banks
Item Banks

Regularly refreshed questions keep tests secure and up to date.

Barrel Turning
Barrel Turning

Randomised Response Options. No two tests look alike.

Time-Limited Access
Time-Limited Access

Links expire to prevent unauthorised retakes.

Applicant Agreement
Applicant Agreement

Candidates confirm they’re taking the test unassisted.

Identity Verification
Identity Verification

Optional video recordings verify who’s really behind the screen.

Every hiring journey is unique

Each assessment process comes with its own challenges, from high-volume hiring to early careers. Our experts can help you tailor the right balance of fairness, rigour, and candidate experience.

AI-assisted activity analysis

We use AI to detect suspicious behaviour in real time, with no downloads required and no disruptions for candidates. By analysing patterns like browser switching, cursor movements, and response times, our system flags potential misconduct without interrupting the assessment flow. It’s a seamless layer of security that works in the background to keep your results reliable.

Browser Switching & Cursor Movements
Detect tab-switching or bot-like patterns.
Browser Switching & Cursor Movements
Response Pattern Analysis
Irregular or copy-paste-like behaviour is flagged.
Response Pattern Analysis
IP Address & Device Checks
Identify multiple attempts or unusual setups.
IP Address & Device Checks
Similarity Detection
Spot plagiarised responses across candidates.
Similarity Detection
Page Load Monitoring
Catch automation tools before they do damage.
Page Load Monitoring

Want to learn how Sova can support your approach to secure, seamless assessments?