Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

[NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: INSERT THE STUDENT QUICK START GUIDE FOR YOUR LMS HERE]

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF)

[NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: INSERT YOUR INSTITUTION'S DOWNLOAD URL HERE, IF APPLICABLE]

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

• Select a location where you won't be interrupted
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach
• Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices
• Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
• LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Why a practice exam is important

Ensure your first exam using LockDown Browser runs smoothly!  Have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of LockDown Browser, before the graded exam occurs.  Leave the quiz available for the duration of the course, with unlimited attempts, so students can access it again if they use a different computer.

• Student Quick Start Guides - For Canvas
• An overview for your students [video: 2 minutes]

Operating Systems

• Windows: 10, 8, 7
• Mac: MacOS 10.15 to 10.12, OS X 10.11, OSX 10.10
• iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration. Details.

Memory

• Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
• Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Browser Requirements

LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Both the Windows edition and the Mac edition of the browser are based on Chromium, Google's open source framework. Students do NOT need Google's Chrome browser installed; nor will this version affect a Chrome browser that's already installed.

Using LockDown Browser and a Webcam for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide (PDF) is also available.

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

[NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: INSERT YOUR INSTITUTION'S DOWNLOAD URL HERE, IF APPLICABLE]

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, log into [INSTRUCTOR: ENTER LMS NAME HERE], and select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution's help desk.
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: CREATE A BRIEF PRACTICE QUIZ AND INSERT NAME OF QUIZ HERE; IF NECESSARY, INCLUDE LOCATION OF QUIZ].
• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window

Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.