Respondus LockDown Browser for Instructors

Respondus LockDown Browser is a program students can download and install on their devices to use when taking an online assessment using the Canvas quizzes tools where the instructor has required it.  When students use LockDown Browser to access a quiz, they are unable to print, copy, visit other websites or access other applications.  Once students start their assessment, you may lock them in the LockDown Browser until they submit the quiz for grading.  Lockdown Browser is intended for use in proctored settings and can support — but not replace — the proctor’s role for on-campus exams.  It is not suitable for take-at-home exams.   Respondus Monitor is not available.

Are you a student?   Learn more about Respondus LockDown Browser for Students or download and install Respondus LockDown Browser. 

Getting Started

  • Enable the LockDown Brower tool on your course navigation using Settings -> Navigation.
  • Determine your Canvas quiz type.  Which quiz tool you use, Classic Quizzes vs. New Quizzes, will affect how your students access the quiz through LockDown Browser.  Unsure which one you are using?  Classic Quizzes have an icon that is an outline of a rocket.  New Quizzes have a shaded icon of a rocket.

  • Your students cannot distinguish the difference as their icons for quizzes are exactly the same.  You must tell them which quiz type you are using because the launch process is different for each type.
    • For Classic Quizzes, students need to launch LockDown Browser on their computer manually and navigate to the quiz.
    • For New Quizzes, students  start with a standard browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser and navigate to the quiz in Canvas.  The student will be prompted to open LockDown Browser.   
  • Watch a video overview about using Respondus LockDown Broswer to familiarize yourself with the process:
  • Review the Instructor Quick Start Guide:
  • Use a practice quiz to ensure  the students’ LockDown Browser experience runs smoothly.
    • Create an ungraded practice quiz requiring LockDown Browser for student testing.
    • Ask students to take the practice quiz before the graded quiz occurs so students can  resolve any issues before the graded quiz is scheduled.
    • Leave the quiz available for the duration of the course, with unlimited attempts, so students can access it again if they use a different computer.
    • Example ungraded practice quizzes are available to import into your site in the Canvas Commons resource, Respondus LockDown Browser Resources.

Adding the LockDown Browser Requirement

Use the LockDown Browser tool to add the lockdown browser requirement to your existing quiz.  The requirement is not added using the quiz settings directly, and you must create the quiz first using your preferred quizzes tool.  Find your quiz in the quiz list and click the icon (V) to the left of the quiz name.  Select Settings, and enable the  option to “Require LockDown Browser for this exam”.

Use the explanation next to each option to learn more or review this video to configure your quiz for Respondus LockDown Browser.  Once saved, the LockDown Browser column should show Required for the quiz, and the Canvas quiz title will be appended with “LockDown Browser Required”.

Please note:

  • Checking “Require LockDown Browser to view feedback and results” is not recommened since Canvas will not allow students to view their results after completing the quiz without launching LockDown Browser again.
  • Consider allowing extra time for students to take a quiz requiring LockDown Browser.  Students may need additional time to close applications or remove browser extensions before they are allowed to take the quiz.
  • If you imported a quiz from another course or Canvas Commons, you should still launch the LockDown Browser tool in your course to verify that LockDown Browser is enabled as expected.  Do not rely on the quiz titles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I use the Canvas question types of file upload or media upload with LockDown Browser?
    • No, file upload and media upload are not compatible question types with LockDown Browser since it requires a student to upload a file from their computer, which is not allowed during a locked test.
  • Is audio and video playback supported as part of a Canvas Quiz question?
    • Standard video and audio playback are supported via My Media.  It is always worthwhile to test the quiz as a student to make sure each specific file is available, as there are other conditions that could affect the availability of certain files.
  • Can students access linked files within the quiz?
    • If you want to let students access a formula sheet or other approved resource, include a link to the resource in the quiz itself.  Students can open a provided link to access the resource in a new tab, which will remain open for the duration of the quiz.  If the link is to a web page containing other links, the students will not be able to access any additional linked content.  For LockDown Browser to allow access, the link must be placed in a quiz question.  If the link is placed in the quiz instructions, students will be blocked from accessing the resource.

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