Please note: These instructions are for students who are taking a virtually proctored test.
For student information, you can jump to a topic below:
What are virtually proctored tests?
Tests can be virtually proctored so students can complete them from home instead of coming to campus. Students will use a locked-down browser. In addition, students will use Respondus Monitor or join a Zoom meeting with their instructor to ensure a fair testing environment.
- Respondus LockDown browser (RLDB) is an independent browser which prevents students from browsing the internet, printing, copying, or accessing other applications while they are taking an exam in Blackboard.
- Respondus Monitor (RM) supplements RLDB by requiring the use of a microphone and webcam to record the student while they are taking the exam.
- Zoom can also supplement RLDB. Students join a Zoom meeting with their instructor and use their microphone and webcam while they are taking the exam.
Watch this short intro video for more information:
Before Test Day
- Download and install Respondus LockDown Browser (also see: System Requirements for LockDown Browser)
- Check your course information to determine if your instructor will be proctoring your exam using Respondus Monitor or using Virtual Faculty Proctoring in Zoom.
- Monitor: If using Respondus Monitor, you should complete the training under the Testing with Respondus Monitor menu item in your course, and save or print the RM Student Checklist which you will run through before starting the test.
- Zoom: 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 (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
Prepare your environment
- 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 where you are in a pre scheduled 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 [Video]
Access the test in LockDown Browser
- Close all windows and programs on your computer.
- Launch and sign in to any accommodation software needed.
- Windows / Mac Users - Open the LockDown Browser icon on your computer.
Chromebook Users - Open the Chrome Browser.
- Log into Blackboard.
- Go to where the test is located in the course, then click the test name.
- Click the Begin button.
If the test displays a message asking for a password, make sure you are using the LockDown Browser.
Check-in process
Student Photo:
- Take a clear selfie
Photo Id:
- Show a clear, valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of photo IDs include:
- Current Cougar ID card
- Government-issued ID
- Passport
- Work or school ID
- Other legitimate ID with your photo and full name
Environment Scan:
- If outside resources are not permitted, remove them from your workspace before the environment check. This includes papers, books, notes, etc. Phones and other electronic devices are NEVER allowed. You have one minute and 15 seconds after you start recording to complete the scan.
- Show that your phone, tablet, and smartwatch are off, not just silenced. Place these items across the room and out of reach.
- Lift your webcam or laptop and slowly turn it around to provide a 360-degree view (described below) of your testing area to prove that your workspace is free of any unauthorized materials and devices.
- Show the desktop area – the work surface where you are taking the test.
- Show the area behind your computer.
- Show the floor space near your desk.
- Show each side of the area next to your computer.
- If you are allowed scratch paper, show both blank sides of the paper.
- If you use a desktop with a built-in camera, use a hand-held mirror (or cell phone in selfie mode) in front of the camera to show the area you are taking the test in. Move the mirror (or cell phone) slowly to show all areas listed above.
- When finished with check-in, testing will begin. Remember that you are being recorded and no breaks are allowed.
- 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.
The Check-Out Process:
When finished testing, you may have a check-out process.
- If prompted to show work, hold materials to the camera and take pictures of each page or calculator.
- When finished, log out of Blackboard and exit the LockDown Browser.
Tests with LockDown Browser and Zoom [Video]
- 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.
Troubleshooting
Having issues? See the article, Virtually Proctored Tests: Troubleshooting
IT Help
Click on IT Help Home in the top menu at any time to view IT Support hours and contact information.
To learn more about using the IT Help Homepage, see the article on Remote and In-Person Support.