The institution acquires a LockDown Browser license and receives access credentials and deployment instructions. This step is typically handled by IT administrators or LMS coordinators and can be completed within a day for most institutions.
LockDown Browser is integrated with the institution’s LMS (such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, or others). This involves enabling the LockDown Browser tool within the LMS settings and configuring exam settings to require its use. Integration is straightforward and can be completed in a few hours, depending on the LMS and institutional IT policies.
Students are provided with download links and installation instructions for LockDown Browser. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and iPads. Installation is user-friendly and typically takes just a few minutes per device.
Instructors receive brief training (often via online tutorials or documentation) on how to enable LockDown Browser for their exams within the LMS and adjust exam settings as needed. This training can be completed in under an hour.
Students may participate in a practice quiz to familiarize themselves with the LockDown Browser environment and ensure their devices are properly configured. This step is optional but recommended and can be done in less than 30 minutes.
Exam-Level Settings
Instructors can enable or disable LockDown Browser for individual exams within supported learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and others. This allows selective application based on assessment requirements.
Advanced Settings
Through the LockDown Browser dashboard, instructors can access advanced settings for each exam, including:
Allowing iPad Use: Enable students to take exams on iPad devices using the dedicated LockDown Browser app.
Permitting Specific Websites: Grant access to designated web resources (e.g., scientific articles, formula sheets) during an exam by specifying approved URLs.
Calculator Tool: Provide either a standard or scientific calculator within the browser toolbar for exams that require calculations.
Exit Controls: Decide whether students are locked into the browser until exam completion or allowed to exit with a reason, which is logged for instructor review.
Proctoring Integration
LockDown Browser can be paired with Respondus Monitor for automated webcam proctoring. Instructors can customize the startup sequence, require webcam and/or screen recording, and set up live proctoring via video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams.
Accessibility and Device Support
The browser supports both Windows and Mac, as well as Chromebooks and iPads (with some feature limitations). This flexibility allows institutions to choose deployment options that best fit their device ecosystem and student needs.
Centralized Deployment and Management
Institutions can deploy LockDown Browser across managed devices using standard software distribution tools, ensuring consistent security settings and compliance with organizational policies.
LMS Integration and Branding
While the browser itself is not white-labeled, it integrates seamlessly with the institution’s LMS, allowing exams to be branded and managed within the existing digital learning environment.
Role-Based Access and Permissions
Administrators can control who can enable LockDown Browser, set default behaviors, and monitor exam activity, aligning with institutional governance and compliance requirements.
No Deep Code-Level or UI Customization
LockDown Browser is not designed for custom branding, interface redesign, or workflow modifications beyond the provided settings. Its security model relies on a standardized, locked-down environment to prevent circumvention.
Quick Start Guides and Documentation
LockDown Browser offers instructor and student Quick Start Guides tailored to each supported learning management system (LMS), such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and others. These guides provide step-by-step instructions for installation, setup, and exam navigation, making it easy for users to get started.
Demonstration and Overview Videos
The platform includes short demonstration videos that walk users through the core features, installation process, and exam-taking experience. These videos are accessible via the LockDown Browser dashboard within the LMS and on the official website.
Training Webinars
Free training webinars are available for instructors and administrators. These live sessions cover best practices for configuring exams, using advanced settings, and troubleshooting common issues. Registration for webinars can be found on the LockDown Browser resources page.
Practice Exams
Instructors are encouraged to set up ungraded practice quizzes that require LockDown Browser. This allows students to familiarize themselves with the software and resolve any technical issues before taking graded assessments.
Knowledge Base and FAQs
A searchable online knowledge base provides answers to frequently asked questions, troubleshooting guides, and detailed articles on all aspects of LockDown Browser usage.
24/7 Technical Support
Respondus offers around-the-clock technical support via a ticketing system. Users can submit support requests directly through the website, and staff typically respond within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
In-App Help Center
The LockDown Browser application includes a Help Center button, giving users quick access to troubleshooting tools, system checks, and direct links to support resources.
Live Chat and Email Support
For immediate assistance, users can access live chat or email support through the Respondus support portal. This is available to both students and instructors for technical issues or onboarding questions.
Institutional IT and LMS Support
Many institutions provide additional support for LockDown Browser, including local IT help desks and LMS administrators who can assist with installation, setup, and exam configuration.
Localized Language Support
LockDown Browser is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global user base.
System Requirement Checks
The installation process includes automatic system checks to ensure compatibility, and users are prompted to update the software when new versions are released.
LockDown Browser is engineered to create a highly secure digital testing environment, focusing on both exam integrity and the protection of user data. Below are the primary security measures implemented by LockDown Browser:
Full-Screen Lockdown:
Exams are displayed in full-screen mode and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submission. This prevents students from accessing other applications or resources during the assessment.
Application and Website Blocking:
The browser disables access to all other applications, including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops. Only essential browser navigation controls are available, and all other menu and toolbar options are removed.
Clipboard, Printing, and Capture Prevention:
Copying, pasting, printing, and screen capture functions are disabled, preventing data leakage or unauthorized sharing of exam content.
Keyboard and Mouse Restrictions:
Right-click menus, function keys, keyboard shortcuts, and task switching are all disabled, further reducing the risk of unauthorized actions or data exfiltration during an exam.
Browser Exclusivity:
Assessments configured for LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with any other browser, ensuring that only the secure environment is used for exam delivery.
Submission Requirement:
Students cannot exit the exam until it is submitted for grading, ensuring that no partial or unsaved data is left vulnerable.
Minimal Data Retention:
LockDown Browser does not cache or store student data beyond what is required for exam delivery. The browser operates only during active testing sessions and does not collect information outside the assessment period.
No Background Data Collection:
The software is designed to run exclusively for exam purposes and does not operate in the background or monitor user activity outside the exam session.
Centralized Management:
Institutions can centrally deploy and manage LockDown Browser, ensuring consistent security settings and compliance with organizational policies.
Secure LMS Integration:
The browser integrates directly with major learning management systems (LMS), leveraging secure authentication and access protocols already in place within the institution’s digital ecosystem.
Respondus Monitor Integration:
For institutions using Respondus Monitor, additional security is provided through automated webcam proctoring. Video and audio are analyzed for suspicious behavior, but this data is handled according to strict privacy standards and is only accessible to authorized personnel for review.
Automatic Update Checks:
Each time LockDown Browser is launched, it automatically checks for the latest version. If an update is available, users are prompted to download and install it before proceeding with their exam.
Manual Update Option:
Users can manually check for updates by clicking the “i” (information) button on the toolbar (Windows) or the “About” button (Mac), then select “Check for Update.” If a newer version is found, the user can download and install it directly.
Full Installer Downloads:
Institutions and users can always download the latest version from the official Respondus website and perform a full installation if needed. This is useful for resolving persistent issues or ensuring compatibility with new devices.
Centralized Institutional Management:
For organizations, IT administrators can deploy and update LockDown Browser across managed devices using standard software distribution tools. This ensures all users have the latest, most secure version and consistent settings across the institution.
User Notifications:
When a significant update is released, users are notified through the application and may be required to update before accessing their exams. Release notes and update announcements are published on the official Respondus support and announcements pages.
LockDown Browser operates under a campus-wide annual license agreement, with specific terms and conditions governing renewal, cancellation, and related procedures. Below are the key data points and details:
Annual License Period
The standard contract term is one academic year, beginning either August 1 or January 1, depending on the institution’s location (August 1 for North America; January 1 for many institutions outside North America).
Automatic Renewal
The license agreement is automatically renewed at Respondus’s then-current pricing and under the latest terms and conditions, unless the institution provides written notice of its intent to discontinue the license before the renewal date.
Advance Notification and Invoicing
Respondus provides an invoice for the next year’s license fee approximately three months before the renewal date. Payment is due by the renewal date (August 1 or January 1).
Price Adjustments
Respondus reserves the right to increase or decrease the annual license fee each year. Institutions must be notified of any price changes at least 60 days before the renewal date.
Prorated Initial Term
For new licenses starting mid-year, the annual fee can be prorated for the initial term.
Non-Payment Consequences
If payment is not received by the renewal date, access to LockDown Browser may be suspended and will be terminated if payment is not received within 30 days.
Termination by Institution
The institution may terminate the agreement for convenience at any time by providing written notice to Respondus. If terminated before the end of the current license term, no refund or proration is provided for unused time.
No Refunds
There are no refunds or pro-rata credits for early termination. The license remains active until the end of the paid term, after which access is disabled.
End of Access
Upon termination or expiration, the institution must disable access to LockDown Browser within its environment. The software will cease to function after the license has expired.
SOC 2 Type 1 Certification
Respondus, the developer of LockDown Browser, has achieved SOC 2 Type 1 certification. This demonstrates that its systems and processes are designed to keep sensitive data secure and that controls for security, availability, and confidentiality are properly implemented and audited.
TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification
LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor have obtained TX-RAMP Level 2 certification. TX-RAMP (Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a standardized security assessment and authorization program for cloud computing services used by Texas state agencies and higher education institutions. This certification affirms that LockDown Browser meets stringent state-level security and risk management requirements.
HECVAT Participation
Respondus participates in the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT) initiative by EDUCAUSE. This provides institutions with detailed information on the security and data protection measures of LockDown Browser and related cloud services. The HECVAT assessment is available upon request for institutional review.
GDPR Compliance
LockDown Browser is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring lawful processing, secure storage, and responsible handling of personal data for users in the European Union and beyond. Respondus adheres to strict consent, data minimization, and user rights practices.
