Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLDB)
- Mariann Hawken
- Josh Abrams
- John Fritz
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Blackboard. Students are unable to copy, print, access other applications, or visit other websites during an online exam.
This tool requires students to download a separate application on their computers.
A Chromebook extension for LockDown Browser is now available for assessments. Instructors will need to allow the use of LockDown Browser for Chromebook on a per exam basis. The Virtual Desktop Environment via web browser may be an alternative.
Instructor Resources
Download the instructor Quick Start Guide (pdf) for Respondus LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor:
Blackboard Learn Ultra ↗︎ (pdf)
Blackboard Learn Original ↗︎ (pdf)
↗︎ indicate external links
Additional Resources
Student Resources
For Students: Taking a Test with Respondus Lockdown Browser (FAQ Collection)
Technical Requirements for Students
Compatible Operating System
Windows: 11 and 10*
Includes x86 32 and 64bit processors and ARM 64bit processors using x86 emulation.
Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10/11 "S Mode" isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser.
Windows 10/11 "SE" is currently not a compatible operating system for LockDown Browser.
Mac: macOS 10.15 to 14.0+.
ChromeOS: LockDown Browser for Chromebook minimally requires the version of ChromeOS that Google makes available via their Long Term Support (LTS) channel. For more information, visit: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/LTS
Respondus recommends keeping your Chromebook updated to the most recent version that is available via Google’s ChromeOS “Stable” channel: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/stable
iPadOS: 12.0+ (iPad only). The LockDown Browser iPad app is not compatible with Sakai LMS servers.
LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor may continue to run in older operating systems that have reached “end-of-life” but students may encounter unexpected results.
Memory
Windows: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
Mac: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
Hard Disk Space
Windows: 200 MB of free hard disk space
Mac: 200 MB of free hard disk space
Web camera (internal or external) & microphone
A broadband internet connection
View the latest computer requirements for Respondus Lockdown Browser & Respondus Monitor. ↗︎
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Respondus Lockdown Browser (exam security) is NOT the same tool as Respondus 4 (test generation software).
GETTING HELP: Live chat help is available within LockDown Browser when using Respondus Monitor. Chat agents can assist students with pre-exam issues related to the webcam and microphone. Click the "Need More help?" button.