Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services

Respondus LockDown Browser is a locked browser for taking tests in Blackboard Learn. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during a test. If a Blackboard test requires Respondus LockDown Browser, you will not be able to take the test with a standard web browser.

A test requiring this browser will normally state "- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser" in the title of the test link.

There is no cost associated with the use of Respondus LockDown Browser by itself. A fee is only linked if a test requires Respondus Monitor. See section below.

The Respondus LockDown Browser may be installed on any current version of Windows, Mac, or Chromebook computer.

Access through the Respondus LockDown Browser App on iPad. If you wish to use an iPad for a Respondus LockDown Browser-enabled test, please contact your instructor for permission to access the test through an iPad. Instructors will need to enable a setting to allow this type of access. If approved and enabled by your instructor, visit this page for a guide on how to use the iPad with the LockDown Browser app.

Additional information on System Requirements

Follow this guide to learn how to access Respondus Lockdown Browser: RLDB in Ultra

You may find the Respondus LockDown Browser on any TAMIU lab computer, such as the computers in the Student Center Skylab or the Killam Library lab.

No. The LockDown Browser download link and application are different for each institution. You will need to install Respondus LockDown Browser for each institution on your computer.

You may need to use LockDown Browser with a webcam that records you during an online exam. This feature is called Respondus Monitor. Your computer must have a working webcam, microphone, and a strong internet connection.

Before you open a Blackboard test, the label will say “Proctored” on the Content page. When you start the test, you’ll see if it needs Respondus LockDown Browser only or LockDown Browser with a webcam (Respondus Monitor).

This is a one-time fee of $15, valid for 12 months (365 days), for all courses or exams (at a single institution) that utilize Respondus Monitor. The first time an exam needs the LockDown Browser webcam feature, you’ll be asked to buy it. Payment can be made with PayPal, Visa, or Mastercard.

Please note that refunds are not available for Respondus Monitor purchases.

Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services (OIT) has webcams with built-in microphones you can borrow. To check out a webcam, visit the office and reserve one. Webcams must be returned after you finish testing. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

No. Respondus Monitor subscriptions do not overlap and are purchased per institution. A subscription will need to be purchased at each institution.

After you log into Blackboard inside the Respondus LockDown Browser, you can click the information bubble, located at the top of the browser. This will take you to the "Help Center", where you can run a "Webcam Check" and a comprehensive "System Check" on your computer and browser.

web.respondus.com/monitor-helpcenter

LockDown Browser may show two options: Quit LockDown Browser to close apps yourself, or Kill these applications to let the program close them for you. It’s best to allow the program to close the apps to save time. If that doesn’t work, exit LockDown Browser and close the apps manually.

Additional information for closing specific programs:

• Siri

• Dell, Google, and/or Windows

If the Screencastify extension has been removed from your browser, but Respondus LockDown Browser still presents this error message, you may need to fully uninstall Chrome.

Additional Info: Respondus' Knowledgebase Article

Before taking a test requiring the use of a Webcam, run a webcam check through the Help Center to make sure you are not going to have issues at the time of your test.

In case you do encounter issues, visit these pages for troubleshooting the issue:

• Cannot detect or configure the webcam

• Mac: Webcam Not Detected

As long as "Forced Completion" was disabled by your professor on the test options, you may resume your test in the system.

It is recommended that you close the Respondus LockDown Browser, restart it, and then resume your test in the course.

If your test is timed, the timer does not pause while you are outside of the test. Restarting must be done quickly.

The test is not visible at the scheduled/announced date and time.

The deadline of the test has passed, and you no longer see the link to the test.

A new test attempt is needed.

It is recommended that you do not take a test using a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. In case your browser freezes, read the following Knowledgebase page: support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607186203-LockDown-Browser-froze-during-a-test-and-I-cannot-exit.

Respondus Support

• support.respondus.com

• LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor