Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor

LockDown Browser

What is it?

LockDown Browser^® is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. Used at over 2000 higher educational institutions, LockDown Browser is the “gold standard” for securing online exams in classrooms or proctored environments. The LockDown Browser is like a normal browser, except that once you click “Begin” on your test, it prevents you from opening Word documents, instant messages, or email, and it blocks you from visiting other websites or accessing other parts of the course.

How do I get it?

If a test requires LockDown Browser, it will include a link in its summary page to download and install it. Click on the "Download and install the latest version of LockDown Browser " link to launch the download page to install on your device. 

Your instructor should offer a practice test before the first real one to make sure your settings and permissions are correct.

Note: LockDown Browser requires administrator privileges to install on your device. If you are using a device managed by a school you will want to ask if they have an updated version of Respondus Lockdown Browser for HVCC installed with appropriate permissions. 

If you already have LockDown installed from another campus, you should remove the old version before installing the new one.

   » Quick 2 Minute Overview Video: Introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser for Students
   » Download the Quickstart Guide for Brightspace by D2L
   » Installation Support: How do I install LockDown Browser?

Do I have the right technology to take the exam?

Note: if you have previously downloaded Respondus Lockdown Browser for use with another school or system, it should be deleted. The only way to acquire a version of Respondus Lockdown Browser that will work with Brightspace is to click on a quiz that requires it. It will then prompt you to download and install the correct version.

» See Computer Requirements

Can I use my Chromebook to take my exam?

Yes, Chromebooks can be used to take exams that require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser. To ensure that Respondus Lockdown Browser launches correctly you will want to complete the following:

• Installed the Respondus Lockdown Browser from the Chrome Web Store: Video on Install Process
• Keep your Chromebook updated to the most recent version that is available via Google’s ChromeOS “Stable” channel: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/stable
• Blank screen when starting a test: check that pop-Ups are enabled and the HVCC Brightspace URL is allowed: Enable PopUps for Respondus Lockdown Browser
• Check if you have content filters running on your Chromebook. If so, you'll need to ensure that filter allows traffic to:
  smc-service-cloud.respondus2.com

Getting Help

Help and resources are available from Respondus.

Some built-in resources are also available within LockDown Browser if you encounter problems:

• The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a “Help Center” button located on the toolbar.
• Use the “System & Network Check” to troubleshoot issues.

LockDown Browser with Monitor

Respondus Monitor^® is the leading remote proctoring solution for higher education. It allows students to take online assessments from a remote location - all while ensuring the integrity of the exam process. Your instructor may also be using Monitor in conjunction with LockDown Browser. Monitor is an automated proctor that makes a video/audio recording of you taking the test. Afterward, it processes the video to find any activities of concern and flags them for the instructor to watch and review later.

Important Tips

Here are some tips to make sure the software won’t raise any flags:

• Before the exam begins, watch this two-minute video to help orient you to this type of testing.
• Make sure your face is visible the entire time.
• Don’t wear hats that extend beyond your forehead, including baseball caps.
• Place laptop computers on a firm surface like a desk or table, not your lap.
• Make sure your entire face is in the camera frame.
• Sit at a desk or table. Laying down on a couch or bed while taking an exam will increase the chance of you moving outside of the webcam’s video frame, thereby promoting Monitor to flag a suspicious behavior.
• Make all adjustments to your webcam BEFORE the exam starts.

Choose a Location & Maximize Bandwidth

• Make sure the lighting in room in which you are taking the exam works with Monitor:
  • Have light in front of your face and not behind your head.
  • Ensure there is light that is bright enough to show the details of your face clearly.  If your face is too shadowed, the automated video analysis is more likely to flag you as missing.
• Select a distraction-free environment with no interruptions during the exam. Not only will that help you concentrate, it will also keep your eyes focused on the screen. In addition, other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system.
• The more bandwidth you have while taking your exam, the less likely you are to run into trouble.

Test Your Computer and Web Cam

• Run a web cam, system, and network check before starting your exam.  Note that this does NOT count as part of the total allotted exam time.

Common Issues with Monitor

• “Can’t detect or configure Web Cam” warnings.
• Web cam not detected on Mac.
• Face not Showing Clearly
• “Sending exam start notification” error occurs when starting an exam.