Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor

You are here because an instructor assigned a quiz or test in Canvas that requires LockDown Browser. The LockDown Browser prevents you from printing, copying, going to another webpage, or accessing any applications while you take the quiz/exam from Canvas.

You will need to download the LockDown Browser once and then check for new updates each time you take a test to ensure you are up to date. If you have already downloaded the browser, skip past the installation instructions of this guide.

1. Click the link to download NNU's version of LockDown Browser
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
3. If your instructor provides a practice exam using Respondus, take the practice exam with enough time to troubleshoot any issues before your actual exam. It is easier to resolve technical issues when you are not pressured by a timed exam and your grade. If your instructor does not provide a practice exam, you can use this Respondus practice exam.

Please note: If you plan to take your exams using a Chromebook or iPad, the link above will guide you through the installation process for these devices as well.  Additionally, to take an exam with an iPad, your instructor will need to specifically allow those devices to be used on each exam using Respondus. Because of this, make sure to check with your instructor to ensure the test will allow you to use your device before attempting to take the exam with an iPad.

Need help? Contact Information Technology Services (ITS) by calling 208-467-8011, submitting a ticket at help.nnu.edu, or stopping by the help desk in the Leah Peterson Learning Commons.

How to take the Exam

When you are ready to take your quiz/exam, follow these steps:

1. Locate and open the LockDown Browser application on your computer
2. LockDown Browser will prompt you to close any programs open on your computer and offer to close them for you. If prompted, choose Yes.
3. Check for updates by clicking the for Windows or the word "About" for Mac and then click the "Check for Update" button. After the installation is complete, open LockDown Browser again and continue.
4. A Canvas login screen will appear. Login to Canvas with your usual username and password.
5. Select the course that has the exam you need to take.
6. You should see any available quizzes that require the LockDown Browser. Navigate to the quiz/exam you need to take and click Take a Quiz.
7. Once you start a quiz/exam in LockDown Browser, if you exit out of the exam before answering all of the questions, your exam time will continue to decrease, and auto-submit once your time is up.

If you do not see the quiz you expect to see in LockDown Browser, go to the Canvas quiz within a normal browser to see if LockDown Browser is required for that quiz and see any limitations on when the quiz is available before contacting your in

If you need technical assistance while using the browser, Contact Information Technology Services (ITS) by calling 208-467-8011, submitting a ticket at help.nnu.edu, or stopping by the help desk in the Leah Peterson Learning Commons.

Some instructors may require you to take an exam in the LockDown Browser and use Monitor. Monitor is used with the browser to record you during an online, non-proctored exam. To take an exam with Monitor, you must have a working webcam and microphone.

To take a test with Monitor, follow the same steps above to install LockDown Browser (if necessary) and to take an assessment. Once you click Take a Quiz that also requires Monitor, you'll be prompted to do the following:

1. Review and agree to the Terms of Use
2. Conduct a Webcam Check to confirm your webcam and microphone work. The first time you use Monitor, you'll need to Allow Respondus Lockdown Browser to access your camera and microphone.
3. Depending on the instructor settings, you may need to verify a few other items before starting the exam. Follow the instructions on-screen.

If you encounter any issues, click It's not working for immediate troubleshooting tips before contacting Information Technology Services (ITS) via calling 208-467-8011, submitting a ticket at help.nnu.edu, or stopping by the help desk in the Leah Peterson Learning Commons.

• If your instructor provides a practice exam using Respondus, take the practice exam with enough time to troubleshoot any issues before your actual exam. It is easier to resolve technical issues when you are not pressured by a timed exam and your grade. If your instructor does not provide a practice exam, you can use this Respondus practice exam.
• If you do experience technical issues with Respondus during an exam, first utilize the Lockdown Browser live chat support as described in Respondus's Live Chat Help for Respondus Monitor (webcam proctoring) guide and the Lockdown Browser "help center" described in their Help Center for LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor guide. If you are still unable to resolve the issue and take the exam, contact your instructor and ITS immediately.
• Before you start an exam, see if the browser needs to be updated by using these instructions from Respondus. The number one technical issue NNU sees with LockDown Browser is that it needs to be updated. Check for updates early and often!

Your instructor may add these instructions to Canvas or their syllabus, but they are good reminders if you need it:

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:

NNU's Respondus LockDown Browser 

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).

Additionally, you can access and take a practice quiz from this link so as to discover any bugs beforehand:

IDT LockDown Browser Pretest Link

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

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:

NNU's Respondus LockDown Browser 

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

• Start LockDown Browser, log into Canvas and select this course.
• 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.

Additionally, you can access and take a practice quiz from this link so as to discover any bugs beforehand:

IDT LockDown Browser Pretest Link

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.

Center for Instructional Design and Technology • InstructionalDesign@nnu.edu • 208.467.8034 • Learning Commons 146