Respondus LockDown Browser
Some exams require Respondus LockDown Browser. When this is required, your PrairieTest reservation will show LockDown Browser: Required and you will take the exam in LockDown Browser instead of your regular browser.
PrairieTest uses LockDown Browser only for exams delivered through PrairieLearn.
Getting ready for an exam
On your own computer
LockDown Browser runs only on Windows and Mac computers; it is not available for any other system. Plan to use a Windows or Mac computer for your exam.
Install LockDown Browser before exam day. Download and run the installer for your operating system. You may need an account with permission to install applications.
Install from these links, even if LockDown Browser is already on your computer. PrairieTest exams use the version of LockDown Browser distributed by PrairieLearn. A copy installed from another school, service, or website may not open when you click Open in LockDown Browser, which can prevent PrairieTest from starting your exam. If you already have LockDown Browser installed from somewhere else, install it again using the buttons above. It's safe to have multiple versions of LockDown Browser installed.
There is no need to open LockDown Browser directly after installation. You will launch it from your PrairieTest reservation on exam day.
After installing, test that LockDown Browser opens correctly.
The first launch can take up to 30 seconds while LockDown Browser opens.
At Testing Centers
If you are using your own computer, install LockDown Browser before exam day using the instructions above.
If you are using a computer provided by Testing Centers, do not install software on it. Staff are responsible for installing LockDown Browser. Before starting your exam, tell a proctor if LockDown Browser is unavailable.
Starting the exam
- Open your PrairieTest reservation in a regular browser.
- When PrairieTest says the exam is ready, click Open in LockDown Browser.
- Approve the browser prompt to open LockDown Browser.
- Continue in LockDown Browser to take the exam.
Start from PrairieTest, not directly from PrairieLearn, so your reservation and check-in status are handled correctly.
Accessibility software
LockDown Browser works with many common assistive technologies, including screen readers, magnification, text-to-speech, and voice-to-text tools. Most of these applications must be started or enabled before you open LockDown Browser. Some functions may be limited during the exam to preserve the locked environment.
If you rely on assistive technology, test it with LockDown Browser and contact your instructor or staff at Testing Centers before exam day if it does not work as expected.
If LockDown Browser does not open
- On your own computer: make sure LockDown Browser is installed from the download buttons above.
- If you installed LockDown Browser from another school or service, install it again using the download buttons above. PrairieTest can only start exams in the LockDown Browser version distributed by PrairieLearn.
- At Testing Centers: ask a proctor for help.
- Try closing other applications and clicking the launch button again.
- If the launch link has expired, refresh the reservation page and click again.
- Contact your instructor or staff at Testing Centers if you still cannot start the exam.