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Respondus LockDown Browser and Canvas

Overview: Respondus LockDown Browser is currently only available for use on CMC computers at CMC test sites. Canvas permits the use of Respondus LockDown Browser, a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Canvas. Respondus LockDown Browser provides a custom interface for the Internet Explorer (Windows) or Safari (Macintosh) software that is already installed on the computer. It does not modify an existing copy of Internet Explorer or Safari.
When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. When an assessment is started, students are locked into it until they submit it for grading. Respondus LockDown Browser is not intended to replace the browser used by faculty or students within Canvas. Only quizzes in Canvas set to use Respondus LockDown Browser will require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser. For a video illustrating Respondus LockDown Browser, please click here.

Note: Respondus LockDown Browser will maintain the “locked” testing environment even if a question contains a link to another web page. However, all links to new web pages will be blocked by the browser, so be sure that all the content that students must see is available from the initial test page.

  • For the Respondus LockDown Browser Quick Start Guide for Instructors, please click here.
  • For the Respondus LockDown Browser Quick Start Guide for Students, please click here.

Enabling Respondus LockDown Browser for a Canvas Assessment

Step 1:

Enter your course's Quizzes section. In the list of existing quizzes, click on the editing pencil icon to the right of the quiz you wish to work on.


Step 2:Next, in the panel at right labeled Quiz Options look for the option "Restrict this Quiz." Check the checkbox for "Restrict this Quiz" and you’ll see more checkboxes appear, including "Require Respondus LockDown Browser." (See image below.)
Step 3:Check the "Require Respondus LockDown Browser" checkbox to require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser for students taking this assessment. (See image below.)
Step 4:Be sure to save your changes by clicking on the "Save Settings" button and also re-publish your quiz if it has been published already.