Respondus LockDown Browser + Webcam INSTRUCTIONS
Rose State College has access to a licensed version of Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) for use with a PC or MAC. LDB from another institution will NOT work for our Canvas courses. Your instructors may require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser or Respondus Monitor (requiring a webcam) to take a Canvas exam. The webcam can be the type built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable. Not all tests require LockDown Browser. This requirement is left up to each individual instructor.
Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of Respondus LockDown Browser and the webcam feature:
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
LockDown Browser Download Instructions
For PC or MAC installation only. You will NOT be able to use an iPad, iPhone, Chromebook, Virtual Machine (VM), Android device, or a computer with Windows S-Mode. ULTRA-WIDE monitors may also cause issues with LDB not loading correctly.
Download and install (requires admin rights on computer) the LockDown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=293113504
If you do not have access to a computer on which you can use LockDown Browser, the Learning Resource Center has a few individual study rooms (LRC 131 A, B, C, D) available for student use, which must be reserved in advance. These rooms have webcams and should accommodate Respondus Monitor. Depending upon your instructor's testing policies, you might also be able to take your test in the Rose State College Testing Center located in the Learning Resource Center. Check with your instructor about your testing options if you are required to test with LockDown Browser, and you do not have access to a computer on which you can install it.
Using LockDown Browser to Take a Test
- Close all open applications.
- Start LockDown Browser.
- Click the "Information" button in the upper left and check for an update to make sure you are running the latest version before taking your exam.
- Log in to the Rose State College Single Sign-On (SSO) system and click Canvas.
- Navigate to the exam within your course.
If you try to start a test that requires LockDown Browser using a standard browser, like Chrome or Firefox, you will see a message that indicates the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. You will need to close your standard browser, start the LockDown Browser application, and navigate to the exam to continue.
If you are presented with a BLANK or WHITE SCREEN when attempting to start an exam (no questions appearing or a "loading quiz" message appears that doesn't update) check at the top of the browser window to see if there is a previous browser TAB with a "click here to return to quiz" link to load the exam questions, select the link, and try to start the exam again.
Guidelines
When taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:
- Select a location where you are comfortable having a video recording taken of yourself and your workspace environment. This area should be free of distractions and interruptions.
- Turn off all other devices (e.g., tablets, phones, and second computers) and place them outside of your reach (no notes or books are allowed).
- Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it.
- Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, and other devices.
- Remain at your computer for the duration of the test.
- If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again before taking the exam.
- To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
- Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
- Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or any other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move.
- If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
- Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window).
- Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.
Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:
- Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from https://web.respondus.com/support to view helpful articles.
- You can also select "Get Help With..." and then "LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor."
- If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, select the "Submit a Ticket" button and provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.
Last updated: 07-29-2025 by Chris Meyer