Using Respondus LockDown Browser

Owned by Skylar Grant
Last updated: May 25, 2023
4 min read

LockDown Browser (made by Respondus) is a custom web browser that creates a secure testing environment. Your instructor may require the use of LockDown Browser for some or all of your quizzes. On this page you will learn how to install and use the LockDown Browser. If you would like to follow along, there is a sample LockDown quiz located within Brightspace 101.

Types of LockDown Quizzes

There are two types of LockDown Quizzes: proctored and non-proctored. A proctored exam will require the use of a webcam and may have other restrictions implemented by the instructor. A non-proctored exam will simply require that the LockDown Browser be used to take the test, no webcam is required for a non-proctored exam.

Proctored Quiz Restrictions

LockDown quizzes that require proctoring can have a number of restrictions and requirements, here is a list of possible restrictions. Your instructor may choose some, all, or none of these restrictions.

  • Webcam

  • Photo of yourself through the webcam

  • Photo of your ID through the webcam

  • Video of your surroundings through the webcam

  • Face detection to begin and complete the quiz

  • Block closing the LockDown Browser until the quiz is completed

  • Other guidelines as your instructor sees fit

How do I know if a quiz requires LockDown?

  • On the Quiz Summary page, under Quiz Requirements:

    • The title of the quiz will include “Requires Respondus LockDown Browser”

    • There will be a notice: “You must use the Respondus LockDown Browser to take this quiz.”

    • There will be a link: Download and install the latest version of LockDown Browser

    • The Start Quiz! button will instead say Launch LockDown Browser

Installing LockDown Browser on Windows

  1. Follow this link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?ID=517267592

  2. Select Install Now

     

  3. Once the file downloads, open it

     

  4. Follow the steps in the installation wizard

    1. Select your language

    2. Agree to the License Agreement

    3. Finish

  5. Installation is complete, you can verify by searching in the Start Menu for “LockDown Browser”

Taking the Quiz

  1. Access the Quiz as you normally would, by going to its location within Content, or by going to Assignments → Quizzes in the Navigation Bar.

  2. At the bottom of the Quiz Summary page, click on Launch LockDown Browser

  3. If prompted, allow the site to open rldb links

     

  4. The LockDown Browser will launch automatically, and you’ll be brought to the Quiz Summary page, this time with a Start Quiz! button.

  5. Click Start Quiz! and follow the instructions provided by LockDown and your instructor to begin.

 

Here are some images of the process of starting a LockDown Quiz

The LockDown Browser loading.
Terms of Use Agreement, read the document then click Agree.
Webcam Check - if your instructor requires it this page will make sure your webcam is working properly. When you can see yourself in the webcam viewer, click Yes.
Speak anything aloud while the browser records a five second video to verify that the webcam and microphone are working properly.
If the webcam and microphone are working, click Continue.
Your instructor may have some additional instructions for the quiz, they will be written here.
If enabled, this page has 5 tabs of tips for a successful quiz experience with LockDown.
If enabled, this page will take a photo of you using your webcam before beginning the quiz. Click Take Photo then Continue if the photo is satisfactory.
If enabled, this page will take a photo of your identification. Your instructor will tell you what type of ID to use. Click Take Photo then Continue if the photo is satisfactory.
If enabled, this page will record a video while you move your webcam (or laptop) around to show your surroundings before beginning the exam. Click Start Recording then record the video, when you’re done click Stop Recording.
You can play back the video to make sure it shows everything, then click Continue.
If enabled this page will make sure your face can be recognized in the webcam.

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