Respondus LockDown Browser is a customized browser that increases the security of test delivery in Canvas.
How to Use/Install the Lockdown Browser
- Campus Machines: If you use a campus machine, LockDown Browser has already been installed. Skip to the next section, “Taking a Quiz or Exam.”
- Personal Machines: LockDown Browser must be installed on each computer (Windows or Mac) used to take a test. You must have administrative rights to install applications to install Lockdown Browser.
Downloading the Respondus LockDown Browser/Monitor
- Log in to Canvas and navigate to the quiz that will be using the Lockdown Browser.
- Click on the quiz. You should see a hyperlink that says, “Download Respondus Lockdown Browser.” Clicking this will bring you to the download page.
- Click the Install Now button to download a zip file (.zip).
- Open the downloads folder and run the “Install Respondus Lockdown Browser file.”
- Accept the terms, set the location where you want Respondus to be installed on your computer, and then complete the installation process.
Note: If you have an older version of the browser already installed, you may need to uninstall it and install the latest version using the instructions above.
Taking a Quiz/Exam
- Close all programs currently running.
- Locate the “LockDown Browser” shortcut on the desktop and double-click it. (For Mac users, launch “LockDown Browser” from the Applications folder.)
- If prompted to close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging), choose Yes when prompted.
- In the Choose Server dialog box, select BC Canvas and click OK. This will take you to the Canvas login page, where you can log in and access your course.
- Navigate to the quiz and select the Take a Quiz link.
- Once a quiz starts with LockDown Browser, you cannot exit until the Submit Answers button is clicked.
- After completing your quiz and clicking Submit Answers, close LockDown Browser and log back into your course using your preferred browser before doing any additional work in the course.
Taking a Quiz/Exam Using the Respondus Monitor
- Close all programs currently running.
- Locate the “LockDown Browser” shortcut on the desktop and double-click it. (For Mac users, launch “LockDown Browser” from the Applications folder.)
- If your exam requires using a webcam (sometimes referred to as Respondus Monitor), you’ll be guided through a brief set of screens before the start of the exam.
- The first screen is a webcam check, where you can make sure the webcam is working properly.
- Your instructor may require additional steps, such as showing your identification or recording a brief video of your examination setting.
- Once the exam begins, a “Recording” icon will appear at the top right of the screen.
- Don’t attempt to exit the exam until you’re finished. Additionally, you won’t be able to print, copy, access other applications, or go to other websites during the exam.
- When the exam is submitted for grading, the webcam will stop recording, and you may exit LockDown Browser.
Note: Respondus – Privacy Policy and Respondus Monitor (Student) – Terms of Use
Testing Guidelines for Students
- Students are required to establish identity following the procedures outlined in the Respondus Monitor instructions.
- Lighting in the room must be bright enough to be considered “daylight” quality
- Be sure the desk or table is cleared of all other materials.
- Close all other programs and/or windows on the testing computer before logging into the proctored test environment.
- You must not leave the room during the testing period at any time
- Do not use a phone for any reason. The only exception is to contact support or your instructor in the event of a technical issue.
Downloading Support
Students: If you have problems downloading, installing, or taking a test with Respondus LockDown Browser, you may contact the Technology Service Desk. All computers on campus will already have the LockDown Browser installed. If you are taking the quiz on your laptop, you need admin rights on that machine. You will not be able to take the quiz on your work machine or a public computer outside the campus because you do not have admin rights on those machines.
Student Support
- Questions about completing an exam that Respondus proctors?
- Why is the tool not working as expected?
- Do I need to adjust my computer settings?
Contact the Technology Services Desk by phone, chat, or ticketing.
Campus Support:
All machines on campus should have the LockDown Browser installed. If the browser does not work as expected, please get in touch with the ITS Service Desk. 425-564-4357
Respondus LockDown Browser/Monitor Resources
Last Updated 7/19/2022
Last Updated October 25, 2022