FAQ - LockDown Browser® and Respondus Monitor®

Student Guide for Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor 

What Is Respondus Lockdown Browser? 

• Respondus is a secure web browser used for exams:
  • Restricts access to other applications and websites.
  • Uses your webcam to record exam session
  • May also record your screen
• If a Blackboard test requires that LockDown Browser/Monitor be used, you will not be able to take the test with a standard web browser. 
• LockDown Browser should only be used for taking Blackboard tests. It should not be used in other areas of Blackboard. 
• Some instructors also call this tool:
  • Respondus
  • Lockdown Browser
  • Respondus Monitor

Installing Lockdown Browser 

• Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor is available for Mac or PC only. Full System requirements can be found here. 
• To install Respondus Lockdown Browser, please follow the link below and follow the onscreen instructions: https://usa7417.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045458013-FAQ-How-to-download-Respondus-Lockdown 

Taking a Test with Lockdown Browser or Respondus Monitor 

1. Close all programs.
2. Log into Blackboard with a regular browser and navigate to the quiz/exam.
3. If LockDown Browser has not previously been installed, you will be prompted to download and install the browser.
4. Return to the quiz and open it to launch LockDown Browser.
5. If prompted to close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging), choose Yes.
6. If using with a webcam, complete the startup sequence webcam check.. 

Other best practices when taking an exam: 

• Resources needed: webcam, clean testing area, quiet environment, a good internet connection 
• Test internet speed by going to www.speedtest.net and running a speedtest. Look for speeds higher than 15Mbps under upload and download. 
• If you are using a VPN, it may interfere with your test taking. Turn a VPN off if needed.  
• Open Respondus prior to an exam to check for software updates. Instruction on how to update the browser can be found here: https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607243035-How-to-update-LockDown-Browser 

To further ensure a connection: 

• Plug in with an ethernet cable instead of using Wifi. 
• Close programs not being used. 
• Scan the computer for viruses or malware and remove them. 
• Make sure others in the household are not streaming a movie or using other intensive network programs like some interactive games. 
• Take a Practice Exam in Blackboard (should be provided by your instructor).