Please note: These instructions are for students who are taking a virtually proctored test. Faculty can find information about virtually proctoring tests here: Faculty Proctoring Information
Before Test Day
- Download and install LockDown Browser using this link: LockDown browser download
- Confirm that your computer’s camera and microphone are working properly.
- Check your course information to determine if your instructor will be proctoring your exam using Virtual Faculty Proctoring in Zoom or using Respondus Monitor.
- If your instructor will be proctoring your test via Zoom, download the Zoom Client application and complete the SSO sign-in on the computer you will be using to test. For more information about this process, follow the instructions for your device in this article: Zoom: Install and Log in
- Take a practice quiz (which should be provided by your instructor) using LockDown Browser. Before starting the practice quiz, click the “Help Center” at the top of the LockDown Browser screen to test your webcam and microphone and to ensure that your computer meets system requirements.
On Test Day
- Select a place to take your exam that is quiet, free of distraction, and where you will not be interrupted.
- Take your test in a room with good lighting in front of you. It is best not to have a bright light behind you. Close curtains and window shades located behind you.
- Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
- Ensure your computer is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surfaces where the device (or you) are likely to move.
- Clear your workspace of any unauthorized material, such as a phone, other devices, textbooks, notes, etc.
- Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it.
- Remain at your computer for the duration of the test (do not leave from where you are seated).
Taking your test
Your course information will tell you which method your instructor will be using to virtually proctor your exam. There are two options: Respondus Monitor- where your testing session will be video recorded- or Virtual Faculty Proctoring while you are in a prescheduled Zoom meeting. Both methods of virtually proctored tests will require LockDown browser.
Click the appropriate drop-down below for detailed instructions:
Tests with LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor
- Close all other windows and shut down any programs on your computer.
- Open LockDown Browser on your computer.
- Sign in to Blackboard and click into your course as normal.
- Go to where the test is located in the course, then click the test name.
- Click the Begin button.
- For check-in, when prompted by the computer, hold your photo ID up close to your computer camera so it is clearly readable. Here is what an ID check should look like:
- When prompted by the computer to do an environment check, move your computer camera around to show that your workspace is free of any unauthorized materials and devices; this includes the top of your desk/table, the space behind your computer monitor, and floor space near your desk. Here is what an environment check should look like:
- Take your test in Blackboard. Keep your camera and microphone on at all times. Remain at your computer for the duration of the test (do not leave from where you are seated).
- When you are done with the test, click the Submit button.
- Close and exit out of LockDown Browser.
Tests with LockDown Browser and Zoom
- Sign in to Zoom as normal. Do NOT log into Zoom through LockDown Browser.
- Enable your camera and microphone in the Zoom meeting.
- Check-in is done in a Zoom breakout room with the instructor.
- For check-in, when asked, hold your photo ID up close to your computer camera so it is clearly readable. Here is what an ID check should look like:
- When asked to do an environment check, move your computer camera around to show that your workspace is free of any unauthorized materials and devices; this includes the top of your desk/table, the space behind your computer monitor, and floor space near your desk. Here is what an environment check should look like:
- Share your entire screen. Learn how to do this by reviewing this article: Zoom Screensharing
- Keep your microphone on at all times.
- While signed into Zoom, open LockDown Browser on your computer. Close all other computer processes running if prompted.
- Sign in to Blackboard and click into your course as normal.
- Go to where the test is located in the course, then click on the test name.
- Click the Begin button.
- Enter the start code. Your instructor will verbally provide the start code to you.
- Take your test in Blackboard. Keep your microphone on at all times. Remain at your computer for the duration of the test (do not leave from where you are seated).
- When you are done with the test, click the Submit button.
- Close and exit out of LockDown Browser.
- Return to Zoom. From your breakout room in Zoom, click the “Ask for Help” icon in the meeting controls, and your instructor will come to your breakout room for check-out.
Virtually Proctored Tests Troubleshooting
Is your issue listed here? Click the appropriate drop-down below for more details:
Issue #1: When I click the test, it is prompting me for a password.
Be sure that you have
downloaded LockDown browser to the device you are using to take your test. If it is asking you for a password, you are not in LockDown Browser.
Issue #2: When I click the test, it is prompting me for a start code.
A start code will be provided to you by your instructor during the live Zoom session. Exit out of LockDown Browser and join the live Zoom meeting at the time scheduled by your instructor. Your instructor will verbally provide the start code after the check in process.
Issue #3: My instructor is live proctoring my testing during a Zoom session. LockDown browser will not work on my computer while I am signed in to Zoom.
Do NOT use LockDown Browser to sign in to the Zoom meeting. Sign in to Zoom as you always do. After the check-in process, go to LockDown Browser and access the test. Zoom will continue running in the background as you are taking your test. LockDown Browser is only used to access the Blackboard test.
Issue #4 (Mac only): My instructor has asked me to share my screen during the test. I am using a Mac and cannot share my screen.
For step-by-step instructions on how to share your screen during a Zoom meeting on a Mac, follow these directions:
Zoom Screensharing
If you are a student and need additional assistance with this process, contact the IT Support Center at 614-287-5050.