Efforts to Combat Cheating in Sweden's University Entrance Exam

This spring, over 93,000 individuals have signed up to take Sweden's university entrance exam, known as the högskoleprovet, marking the highest participation rate in more than three decades. To ensure the integrity of the exam process, the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) is implementing enhanced measures to combat cheating.

Among the strategies to prevent dishonesty are stringent entry and exit controls at various testing locations, including the use of metal detectors. Specific locations for these measures are not disclosed in advance to maintain their effectiveness.

While it is common for exam proctors to note irregularities during the examination day, most of these instances typically involve minor issues, such as candidates forgetting to silence their mobile phones. However, a small number of individuals, about a handful each season, are caught in the act of attempting to cheat.

Some candidates have resorted to using advanced technology to circumvent security protocols. Recently, an incident was reported where a participant tried to use glasses equipped with bone conduction headphones, which transmit sound through the skull instead of the ears. Such innovative cheating methods are often detected by vigilant exam supervisors.

Others have taken a more traditional approach, hiring individuals known as 'ghostwriters' to take the exam on their behalf, using another person's identification. This form of cheating is particularly challenging to address, but attentive proctors continue to play a crucial role in identifying and preventing such deception.

Since 2016, cheating on the högskoleprovet has been punishable by fines or, in more serious cases, imprisonment for up to six months. Candidates are now required to affirm under oath that they will not engage in any dishonest practices during the exam.

Despite the stringent regulations and the potential consequences, no one caught for providing false declarations has faced prison time to date.