Use the Pearson LockDown Browser

Updated 20 May 2024

The Pearson LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning system. It prevents students from printing, copying, accessing other applications, opening other browser windows, or searching the internet during an online test or quiz.

For example, when taking a test using LockDown Browser, students cannot:

  • Navigate away from the assignment.
  • Open their device's calculator.

Within LockDown Browser, you can allow students to access a built-in calculator.

LockDown Browser must be enabled in your course settings and then applied to individual tests or quizzes.

LockDown Browser is available for PC, Mac, and Chromebook. It cannot be used with mobile devices.

The Pearson LockDown Browser is a separate application installed on a PC or Mac. It is an extension installed on a Chromebook.

The first time students take a locked-down test, or when the application is updated, students are prompted to install LockDown Browser on their computers. Students must have administrative rights to their computer to install the Pearson LockDown Browser and launch it for subsequent assignments.

Learn how students install the LockDown Browser.

For tests on school computers, LockDown Browser should be installed before it is needed by students.

  • Lab admins for Windows and MacOS can use executable files to install LockDown Browser in computer labs.
  • Lab admins for ChromeOS can update settings to allow automatic or manual extension downloads to install LockDown Browser in computer labs.

Learn about installation for lab administrators in the Pearson Installation Guide.

  1. Select Program Manager from the menu.
  2. When you are creating or editing a program, go to Learning Aids and Test Options section.
  3. Select Use the Pearson LockDown Browser in this program.
  4. Select More Options to grant access to applications that your lab admins use to remotely manage the computer system. (This does not apply to ChromeOS devices since custom applications are not allowed.) If you're not sure which applications to allow, ask your campus lab admins.
  5. Optionally select Use automated proctoring to choose a proctoring tool to remotely monitor and record student work. See Use Respondus Monitor Proctoring for details.
  1. Go to the Access Controls settings for an individual test or go to the Change Settings for Multiple Tests page.
  2. Under Access Controls, choose:
    • Require the Pearson LockDown Browser
    • Require LockDown Browser only - lock down the test or quiz, but do not enable remote monitoring and recording. This option displays when your program includes proctoring.
    • Require LockDown Browser with Respondus Monitor Proctoring - builds upon Lockdown Browser by adding webcam proctoring to remotely monitor and record students taking an online test or quiz in the Pearson LockDown Browser. This option displays when your course includes Respondus Monitor Proctoring.
  3. Choose whether to allow students to use a basic or a scientific calculator.
  4. Under Presentation Options, Learning Aids, choose any question help options that students can use when they review. If it is enabled for the program, you can select StatCrunch to allow students to access statistical data needed to do the test or quiz.

You can import locked-down tests into another program. However, the copied tests are not locked down in the target program unless LockDown Browser is also enabled there.

The Pearson LockDown Browser does not work with the JAWS screen reader. To work around this restriction:

  • Temporarily remove the lock-down restriction from the test and have your visually impaired students take the test before the other students begin.
  • Copy the test and remove the lock-down restriction for your visually impaired students. Then manually enter the results for the copied test into the gradebook for the original locked test and remove the results of the copied test.

 

See also: Test settings | Use Respondus Monitor Proctoring