Enhance Test Security and Student Integrity with LockDown Browser

In today’s digital learning environment, secure and equitable online assessments are essential. LockDown Browser, now available as a premium integration with Blackbaud’s Learning Management System, gives administrators a practical way to protect academic integrity without adding complexity for teachers or students.

Online assessments offer flexibility, but they can also create opportunities for academic dishonesty. LockDown Browser addresses these concerns by turning standard devices into secure testing environments. When enabled, LockDown Browser:

• Prevents assessments from opening in other browsers.

• Runs in full-screen mode and cannot be minimized.

• Disables printing, screen capture, copy/paste, and keyboard shortcuts.

• Blocks messaging, screen sharing, remote desktop apps, and virtual machines

• Prevents students from exiting until their assessment is submitted.

The result is a controlled, secure testing experience without the need for in person proctoring.

Free Trial and Purchasing

Organization Administrators can start a free 30 day trial from the Premium add ons area in Core, allowing schools to evaluate the integration before committing.

When you’re ready to proceed, purchasing is straightforward. Select Buy LockDown Browser, review the terms, and submit the order. The cost is added directly to your Blackbaud contract.

Install Files and Administrator Controls

Platform Managers and Integration Managers configure LockDown Browser settings in Core, System tools, Integrations, LockDown Browser.

School-managed devices

If students use school-managed devices, the following installation files are available in Core:

• Windows

• macOS

• Chromebook extension

• iPad app

Bring Your Own Device Schools

If students use their own devices, they are prompted to download and install LockDown Browser the first time they take an assessment with the browser enabled. Administrator privileges are required when installing and using LockDown Browser.

Allow and Block Lists

Administrators can add approved applications, such as screen readers, to the Allow list so they can run concurrently with LockDown Browser. Allowed applications must run in the background as LockDown Browser occupies the full screen and students will not be able to see applications behind it.

Administrators can add approved programs, such as screen readers, to the Allow list to run alongside LockDown Browser. Because LockDown Browser takes up the full screen and hides other applications from students, allowed applications must be able to run in the background.

Although LockDown Browser includes a default list of blocked applications, administrators may add more to the Block list as needed between updates. They can also enable bulk blocking so students can close all blocked applications at once with a single click.

Proctor Exit Passcode

If a device becomes unresponsive while using LockDown Browser, teachers can use the Proctor exit passcode to close the assessment and exit the browser. The teacher must then allow the student to resume the assessment, ensuring full oversight.

Administrators must share the proctor exit passcode with teachers and notify them of any changes. The passcode is shared by all teachers and should not be shared with students.

Easy Setup for Teachers

Teachers enable LockDown Browser by simply selecting Enable LockDown Browser in their assessment setup. A virtual calculator can also be enabled for math focused assessments when needed.

To maintain security, Allow students to resume independently is automatically disabled for LockDown Browser assessments.

Clear Process for Students

Whether students use school managed or personal devices, getting started is simple. LockDown Browser only needs to be installed once per device.

Students:

1. Open the assessment and see that LockDown Browser is required.

2. Install LockDown Browser if prompted (personal devices only). Install should be previously completed for school-managed devices.

3. Once installation is complete, select Test LockDown Browser to open the browser and confirm it is ready for use.

4. When ready, select Begin test.

5. Close blocked applications when prompted.

6. Complete and submit the assessment in the secure LockDown Browser environment.

7. Exit LockDown Browser.

Helpful Tips

To ensure assessments run smoothly, LockDown Browser recommends:

• Using administrator level permissions when installing

• After installing, always test LockDown Browser to verify readiness before starting an assessment.

• If LockDown Browser will not launch after installation, try uninstalling and reinstalling it on the device.

• Encourage students to close open programs or extra browsers before beginning an assessment in LockDown Browser.

• Use the Proctor exit passcode to exit a browser session if necessary.

• Prevent student access to the Proctor exit passcode. Update it when needed and communicate a new passcode to faculty only.

• Keep Chromebooks updated to the latest stable version.

Empower Your School with Secure Online Testing

LockDown Browser gives schools confidence in the integrity of online assessments while maintaining a seamless experience for faculty and students. Whether you’re supporting school wide testing or individual course assessments, this integration delivers reliable, consistent security for your learning community.