Respondus Lockdown Browser is special browser that attempts to prevent students from performing the following actions during the test:

  • Taking the Test from any Other Browser or Going to Non Specified Websites
  • Using Email or Messaging
  • Accessing Files Stored on their Computer or Other Applications
  • Printing or Capturing Screen Content
  • Using the Right Mouse Button
  • Using Function Keys or Task Switching Keystrokes
  • Viewing the Source Code for a Page

General steps to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser

  1. Instructor Creates Test in Blackboard
  2. Instructor Specifies that the Test will Utilize Respondus Lockdown Browser
  3. Instructor Deploys the Test
  4. Students Download the Respondus LockDown Browser
  5. Students Launch the Respondus LockDown Browser and Take the Test

Configuring Respondus Lockdown Browser for the test

  1. Log into Blackboard and the course that contains the test.
  2. Expand “Control Panel” then “Course Tools” on the course menu on the left.
  3. Click “Respondus Lockdown Browser”.
  4. Click “Continue to Lockdown Browser“.
  5. All deployed tests for the course will be listed.  Click the down arrow next to the test you wish to use Respondus on and then click “Settings“.
  6. Check “Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this exam“.
  7. Click “Advanced Settings” to set options.
  8. If using Zoom with Respondus, check Allow access to specific external web sites and add usc.zoom.us,zoom.us (exactly like that with no spaces).
  9. Check any additional settings (click on “Explain” for more information on options).
  10. Click “Save and Close” to save settings.

How Students Take the test via the Respondus Lockdown Browser
When students are ready to take their test, they must first do the following:

  • Close all email applications.
  • Close all any messaging systems (Slack, iMessage, etc.).
  • Close any screen capture applications.
  • Close all running applications.

Note that while the exam is running students will not be able to access other applications, web sites not designated in the exam, and files located on their computer.

  1. Launch the LockDown Browser.
  2. If asked, type the admin name and password for your computer.
  3. Lockdown Browser should automatically take you to Blackboard’s login page.
  4. Log into Blackboard as you normally do and open the course containing the test.
  5. Locate your exam and click it to begin taking the exam. (The Lockdown Browser will launch.)
  6. Once you have completed your exam, be sure to save and submit it.
  7. You may now close the Respondus LockDown browser.  Once Respondus shuts down, you will regain access to your computer.

Configuring a Test with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Zoom

Use the following instructions of you are using Respondus for a synchronous, remote proctored exam via Zoom.

Instructors

  1. Log into Blackboard and the course that contains the test.
  2. Set up your Zoom meeting and copy the “Join URL”.
  3. Create the test.  Add the Zoom meeting Join URL to the test’s instructions.
  4. Set up Respondus for the test using the instructions from above.
  5. Launch your Zoom meeting before the test begins.
    1. Instructors or TAs MUST admit students from the Waiting Room.
    2. If you want to record the meeting click record.
  6. Answer any questions students may have.

Students

  1. Launch Respondus lockdown browser.
  2. Navigate to your test in Blackboard.
  3. Click on the test link.
  4. Click continue to start the test.
  5. Click on the Zoom link.
  6. Click on the Launch meeting to display the browser option.
    1. YOU MUST USE THE JOIN FROM BROWSER OPTION. Using the app to launch Zoom will result in an error.
  7. Enter your name and complete the reCAPTCHA.
  8. Click on the microphone and camera icons to turn on your microphone and camera.
  9. Take test.

Notes for Your Students

Students MUST download the Respondus Lockdown Browser on the computer they will be using to take the test.  Respondus does not automatically update, so students are encouraged to check their version on the download page below to ensure they have the most up-to-date version.  If USC computer lab computers are being used the Respondus Lockdown Browser must be installed on them before the test.  For students to download the Respondus Lockdown Browser, they can follow these steps:

  1. On the computer you will be taking the test from, click this link:
    https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=945755274
  2. If desired, watch the “Before you install” video.
  3. Click “Install Now“.
  4. Follow online instructions to install the Respondus Lockdown Browser on your computer.

Tips and Tricks

  • Most issues with Respondus start with a machine not meeting the system requirements.  Have your students ensure their machines meet these basic requirements to use Respondus.
  • If a student requests a password, they are not using Respondus.  Have them make sure they are using Respondus and not their normal browser.
  • Create a simple test that students can take unlimited times to allow them to become familiar with using Respondus.