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Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Faculty support on tools that deter cheating in online tests.

Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are tools to deter cheating in online testing.  Respondus Monitor is not a real-time test proctoring tool.

If you want to use Respondus tools in your online course, make sure to understand the technical requirements and their implications on applications.

Technical Requirements

  • Test Location - In order to use Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, you need to create and deploy your tests in Bb.  Respondus tools don’t work with tests created on publisher’s sites.
  • Computers - Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor only work on Windows, Mac computers/laptops and iPads.  They do not work on Chromebooks and phones.
  • Respondus LockDown Browser -
    • For Windows and Mac machines, students can download the browser from a web link you provide.  See the information below on where to find the link.
    • For iPad, students will get it from Apple's app store. You must allow students to take the test with iPads in the settings.  See the information below on how to do it in settings.

In addition, it is strongly recommended that you do a practice test with Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor before doing the first real test or exam. It would help your students get familiar with the process and make sure that they have the required hardware and software, and know how to work with the tools.

Enabling and Setting Up Respondus Tools

  1. Create and deploy the test in Bb course site, if you haven't done so.
  2. In the Course Management section, click Customization > Tool Availability.
  3. Check the check box for “Respondus Lockdown Browser” and click Submit.
  4. In the Course Management section, click Course Tools > Respondus LockDown Browser.
  5. A Respondus Resources page is displayed where you can find more information.
  6. Click “Getting Started” tab. Then click “Information for your Syllabus and Course Description.”

    Respondus Resources Page

  7. Copy and paste the content in the text box to your instructions for the test. You can customize the text, but make sure to include the link URLs for students to learn how it works and to download the LockDown browser.

    Download Respondus LockDown Browser link

  8. Click “Continue to LockDown Browser.”
  9. A list of deployed tests will be displayed - Tests labeled with “Required” require students to use LockDown Browser and Monitor.
  10. To change the settings for the test, click the down arrow to the left of the test title and then select Settings from the context menu.

    Access Respondus settings

  11. Check the radio button for “Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
  12. It is recommended to not add a password for your test. It’s an unnecessary hurdle.
  13. Click Advanced, and check those items you want to include after reviewing the information posted by Explain link. If you have students using iPad to take the test, check the check box to allow taking test with an iPad.

    LockDown Browser settings

  14. In the “Monitor Webcam Settings” section, select desired option (see the screenshot below). If you allow students who don’t have required equipment to take the test, you need to select the third radio button “Either Respondus Monitor or a proctored lab can be used to take this exam.” 
  15. If you enable Respondus Monitor for the test, further options are presented.
  16. For each of the options, click Preview to see how it works from student perspectives.
  17. Some have “Edit Text” link. Click on it to review and customize the text.
  18. The Facial Detection here is not facial recognition. It is to make sure that the webcam can detect student’s face.

    Monitor webcam settings

  19. After finishing the settings, click “Save + Close.”
  20. Now your test is ready for students. You may notice that the test name is appended with has text indicating the test requires LockDown Browser and Webcam. Do not change it.

    Quiz with LockDown Borwser enabled

  21. If you look at the “Edit the Test Options” page, the Password field is filled with a text string. Do not change it. Otherwise, you will break the integration of Repondus with your test.

    Password for connecting Respondus with Test

  22. If you require all students to use the LockDown Browser for the exam, emphasize to them that they must first start the LockDown Browser to get into your course and then test.  They cannot access the test from any other browser!

After the Test is Over

Allow 8 to 12 hours for Respondus to process the proctor results. Follow steps below to check the results.

  1. In the Course Management section, click Course Tools > Respondus LockDown Browser.
  2. Click “Continue to LockDown Browser.”
  3. Click the down arrow next to the test name and select “Class Results.”
  4. For interpretation of the results, consult the web resource: Understanding Proctoring Results