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With the rise of online education, ensuring the credibility of online assessments has become more crucial than ever. The challenge lies in preventing cheating, protecting exam integrity, and verifying candidate identity during online exams. The secure exam browser is a powerful tool for online exam security that ensures the fairness and security of online assessments by providing comprehensive features that make cheating nearly impossible.
In this blog, we'll explore the key features of a secure exam browser, how it prevents cheating, and why it’s a must-have for anyone conducting online proctored exams.
What is a Secure Exam Browser?
A secure exam browser is a specialized web browser that locks down the candidate’s device during an online exam. Unlike standard browsers that allow multitasking, opening tabs, or accessing external applications, a secure exam browser transforms the candidate’s device into a secure testing platform. It ensures that candidates can only interact with the exam window and nothing else, minimizing the risk of cheating.
What are the Key Features of Secure Exam Browser?
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Restricting Browser Functions
It restricts common browser functions like blocking candidates from opening new tabs, copying or pasting text, taking screenshots, or using screen recording tools. By restricting these functions, the secure browser ensures that the candidates cannot navigate away from the exam content or use unauthorized resources during the test.
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Full-Screen Mode Enforcement
It enforces a full-screen mode that prevents candidates from minimizing or closing the screen. This eliminates the possibility of switching to other applications or consulting external resources while the exam is in progress. Full-screen mode is a simple but effective way to keep candidates focused solely on the exam content and away from potential distractions.
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Real-Time Monitoring for Online Proctored Exams
By pairing the secure browser with real-time proctors—either human or AI proctoring agent candidates are continuously monitored for suspicious behavior. If a candidate attempts to exit the browser window or open other applications, the proctor is alerted immediately. This combination of secure assessment tools and real-time monitoring significantly enhances exam integrity.
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Blocked Keyboard Shortcuts and Third-Party Applications
Disables commonly used keyboard shortcuts, such as Alt+Tab or Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V, which candidates might use to navigate away from the exam or access restricted resources. Additionally, access to third-party applications, such as messaging apps or web browsers, is entirely blocked. This ensures that candidates cannot communicate with others or use unauthorized aids during the exam.
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Controlled Access to Resources
It can be configured to only allow access to specific, whitelisted resources that are required for the test. By controlling which resources can be accessed, examiners can make sure that candidates do not gain an unfair advantage. This controlled access is particularly useful for technical exams, where certain software may be necessary but other external resources must remain restricted.
What are the Benefits of Using a Secure Exam Browser?
- Ensures Fairness: By restricting access to unauthorized tools, notes, and resources, a secure browser ensures that every candidate has the same opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge without unfair advantages.
- Prevents Unauthorized Access: It locks down the exam environment, preventing candidates from accessing unauthorized websites, applications, or digital resources during the test.
- Enhances Integrity with Candidate Verification: Integration with candidate verification tools—such as facial recognition or ID checks—ensures that the correct individual is taking the exam, further reducing opportunities for cheating.
How Does Secure Exam Browser Improve Security in Online Exams?
The secure exam browser provides a robust environment that prevents academic dishonesty by restricting unauthorized actions and enabling monitoring. By using features like full-screen mode, restricted browser functionalities, blocked shortcuts, and candidate verification tools, the safe exam browser creates an environment where cheating is virtually impossible. Institutions can conduct online exams with confidence, knowing that their assessments are fair, secure, and credible.
Talview's Secure Browser: The Solution for Secure Online Exams
Talview's secure browser takes assessment security to the next level by providing a distraction-free and controlled testing environment. It ensures that candidates complete their exams in a secure manner, adhering to strict standards that prevent cheating while maintaining the credibility of the assessment.
What are the Key Features of Talview's Secure Browser?
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Restricted Keyboard and Mouse Actions: Critical shortcuts, function keys, and specific mouse actions are disabled to ensure compliance with exam regulations.
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Controlled Navigation: Only whitelisted websites or applications required for the exam are accessible, ensuring that candidates cannot browse unauthorized materials.
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Prevent Unauthorized Content Sharing: Prevents screen recordings or screenshots, maintaining the confidentiality of the exam.
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Seamless Integration with LMS: Integrates smoothly with popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) and test engines, providing added security for exams.
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Multi-Device Support: Supports multiple devices and provides in-built support for candidates experiencing technical issues, ensuring a seamless and secure exam experience.
With Talview's secure browser, higher education and certification bodies can provide a secure, reliable, and fair testing environment for candidates, thereby protecting the credibility of their assessments.
Conclusion
In today's digital learning environment, maintaining the integrity of online assessments is of paramount importance. To enhance online exam security, a safe exam browser emerges as a vital solution to combat cheating and ensure fair exams for all candidates. Talview’s secure browser offers comprehensive features that enhance assessment security, control exam environments, and integrate seamlessly with proctoring and LMS platforms.
For educational institutions and organizations seeking to uphold the highest standards of exam integrity, adopting a secure assessment browser is crucial. Not only does it safeguard exams, but it also ensures that every candidate has an equal opportunity to succeed.
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