Respondus LockDown Browser

What is Respondus LockDown Browser, and why do my classes use it?

A student works on their laptop in the Bellevue College library.

Respondus is a customized browser that increases the security of test delivery in Canvas, and provides an equitable learning environment for all students.

Introduction to Respondus

It restricts access to other websites and applications while you take a test. Your instructor may require you to use Respondus.

  • If you use a campus computer, LockDown Browser has already been installed.
  • For personal devices: 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.
  • You will not be able to take a quiz on your work computer, or a public computer outside the campus, because you do not have admin rights on those devices.

How to Use Respondus LockDown Browser

Your first step is to install Respondus Lockdown Browser on the computer you’ll use to take the exam.

You must have administrative rights on the computer to install Lockdown Browser.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

For your reference, you can review the Terms of Use for the Respondus Monitor.

  • 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.

If you have problems downloading, installing, or taking a test with Respondus LockDown Browser, you may contact BC’s ITS 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.

If Respondus does not work as expected, contact the ITS Service Desk by phone, chat, or ticketing.

Respondus also offers detailed articles, videos, and support to help you with problems you encounter with the browser. You can browse Respondus Student Support FAQs and submit a ticket for issues.

For information about the information you input within Respondus, please review their Privacy Policy.