Choosing an exam security level⁠

PrairieTest supports several exam delivery modes with different security guarantees. This page compares combinations of computer ownership, LockDown Browser, and proctoring.

PrairieTest supports LockDown Browser only for exams delivered through PrairieLearn.

At a glance⁠

Institution-owned computers, firewall, and in-person proctoring⁠

Institution-owned computers provide a fixed and known software environment. An institutional firewall can prevent access to external resources, while an in-person proctor can observe students and intervene directly.

This configuration provides high security and is one of the best options for exams requiring strong security.

Institution-owned computers, LockDown Browser, and in-person proctoring⁠

Institution-owned computers provide a fixed and known software environment. LockDown Browser restricts the browser environment to the assessment, while an in-person proctor can observe students and intervene directly.

This configuration provides high security and is one of the best options for exams requiring strong security. Institution-owned computers generally do not need both LockDown Browser and a firewall solely to improve exam security.

Before using this configuration, confirm that LockDown Browser is installed on every computer and run a practice reservation. See Setting up LockDown Browser in Testing Centers.

Student-owned computers, LockDown Browser, and in-person proctoring⁠

LockDown Browser restricts the foreground browser, and an in-person proctor can observe students and intervene if they use another device or leave the locked environment.

However, a student-owned computer remains outside institutional control. Staff cannot verify what is installed, whether the operating system has been modified, or whether LockDown Browser has been circumvented. Student-owned computers therefore do not provide the same security as institution-owned computers.

This configuration provides medium security and is recommended when institution-owned computers are not available.

Student-owned computers, LockDown Browser, and online proctoring through Zoom⁠

LockDown Browser restricts the foreground browser, and online proctoring through Zoom may discourage visible misconduct. However, the camera has a limited field of view. Students may be able to use notes, another device, another person, or other resources outside the camera's view.

The computer also remains outside institutional control, so staff cannot verify whether its operating system or software has been modified.

This configuration provides low security and is not recommended for exams requiring high security.

Student-owned computers, no LockDown Browser, and in-person proctoring⁠

Without LockDown Browser, students can access local files, other applications, and websites on their computers. Security relies heavily on in-person proctors noticing and responding to misconduct, but proctors cannot continuously inspect everything happening on every computer.

This configuration provides low security and is not recommended for exams requiring high security. It may be suitable when outside resources are permitted.

Student-owned computers, LockDown Browser, and no proctoring⁠

LockDown Browser does not guarantee that students cannot cheat if they are determined to do so. A student may circumvent its restrictions by using a second device, modifying the computer, or using resources outside the locked environment.

Without a proctor who can observe the student and intervene, this configuration provides no security against a determined student. At most, LockDown Browser may deter casual cheating.

Student-owned computers, no LockDown Browser, and no proctoring⁠

Students can access local files, other applications, websites, other people, and additional devices without a proctor who can observe them or intervene.

This configuration provides no exam security. Use it only when the assessment is open resource, collaboration is permitted, or exam security is not required.

Choosing a configuration⁠

For high security, use institution-owned computers with either an institutional firewall or LockDown Browser, together with in-person proctoring.

Student-owned computers are always less secure because the institution cannot verify or control the underlying system. LockDown Browser and in-person proctoring can reduce the risk, but they do not make a student-owned computer equivalent to an institution-owned computer.

If you are unsure, choose the strongest configuration you can support.