Step-by-Step Guide

Install Respondus LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Canvas.

Academic integrity notice. Do not attempt to circumvent, bypass, or tamper with the LockDown Browser testing environment. Doing so is a violation of the CMC Academic Honor Code and may result in academic disciplinary action.

LockDown Browser Overview

Watch the video below for an introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser, including how it works and what students can expect when taking a quiz or exam in Canvas.

System Requirements

macOS

  • macOS 12.0 (Monterey) or later
  • Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended for webcam-enabled exams)
  • At least 400 MB of free disk space
  • Stable internet connection

Windows

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended for webcam-enabled exams)
  • At least 300 MB of free disk space
  • Stable internet connection

Getting Started with LockDown Browser

1

Create a New Quiz

Note: If this is the first time that students will be using LockDown Browser, it is recommended that you create a practice quiz first so students can verify their setup before the actual exam.

  1. In Canvas, create a quiz using New Quizzes.
  2. Add your questions and configure the quiz settings.
  3. Save and publish the quiz.
2

Open LockDown Browser Dashboard

  1. In your Canvas course, select LockDown Browser from the course navigation menu.
  2. Locate your quiz and select Settings.
3

Enable LockDown Browser

  1. Select “Require LockDown Browser for this exam.”
  2. Configure any additional options under Advanced Settings if needed.
  3. Select “Lock students into the browser until the exam is completed.”
  4. Select Save + Close to apply the settings.
4

Grade and Review the Exam

  1. Open Grades in Canvas.
  2. Select the exam and grade student submissions using the SpeedGrader.

Note: After grades are posted, students can view their grade and general feedback in Canvas. However, they will not be able to review the exam questions in a regular browser while LockDown Browser is required. To review the exam, students must either open the exam using LockDown Browser, or have the LockDown Browser requirement removed by the instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions

When creating a quiz that will use Respondus LockDown Browser, we recommend selecting New Quizzes in Canvas. New Quizzes provides the best compatibility with LockDown Browser and supports the latest assessment features.
We recommend creating a practice quiz so students can verify that LockDown Browser is installed correctly and functioning properly before exam day.
  • Respondus LockDown Browser is integrated with Canvas and is recommended for secure Canvas quizzes and exams.
  • Electronic Blue Book (EBB) is designed for secure, in-class essay and written exams.

For a detailed comparison and recommendations, please refer to the Secure Assessment Options PDF below.

Secure Assessment Options (PDF) — opens Box in a new tab

Resume Assignment Settings allow instructors to create continuous multi-session writing assessments. Students can exit LockDown Browser without submitting their work and resume the assessment during a later class session.

For setup instructions and best practices, please refer to the Resume Assignment Settings PDF below.

Resume Assignment Settings (PDF) — opens Box in a new tab