Best Lockdown Browser Options for Online Testing

Lockdown browsers are used to restrict a test-taker’s device during an online exam by blocking new tabs, external applications, shortcuts, and navigation actions. Because different institutions require different levels of restriction and compatibility, multiple alternatives exist with varying security features and platform support.

TestInvite’s Browser-Based Lockdown (Installation Free)

TestInvite’s browser-based lockdown runs entirely inside the web browser and does not require any installation. It restricts actions like opening new tabs, switching applications, using shortcuts, or leaving fullscreen mode during an online exam.

No Installation

TestInvite’s lockdown browser operates fully within the web browser, requiring no software installation and no elevated system permissions. By removing the need for local applications, it eliminates many of the complications typically associated with traditional install-based lockdown browsers.

• Instant access with zero setup: Candidates can begin the exam immediately without downloading apps, installers, or extensions. This removes common blockers such as admin rights, unsupported operating systems, or restricted device settings.

• No installation-related risks: Since no external software touches the user’s device, candidates avoid security concerns, privacy risks, and IT policy conflicts that often arise when installing third-party exam software.

• No version or update failures: Installed lockdown browsers often break due to outdated versions or mismatched configurations. A browser-based system always loads the latest version instantly, avoiding disruptions caused by software updates.

• Zero IT involvement: There is no need for IT teams to troubleshoot installation errors, manage updates, or provide remote support, which significantly reduces operational overhead, especially in large or distributed testing environments.

• Consistent experience across all operating systems: Because everything runs inside the browser, the exam behaves the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, without the need to maintain separate installers or device-specific builds.

Fullscreen Lock & Environment Control

Screen controls ensure candidates stay fully inside the secure exam interface without manipulating the browser window. The lockdown system:

• Forces fullscreen mode

• Continuously monitors whether the candidate stays in fullscreen

• Detects attempts to minimize, resize, or escape the window

If a fullscreen break occurs, the system issues a warning and, depending on settings, can automatically close or terminate the exam.

Navigation, Application, and External Access Restrictions

This group of controls ensures that candidates cannot navigate away from the exam environment or use external tools, software, or devices to gain an unfair advantage. The lockdown system contains all activity within the secure exam window and blocks any attempt to access resources outside it.

The system prevents:

• Opening new tabs or new browser windows

• Switching to another browser or navigating outside the exam window

• Launching external applications (messaging apps, screen-sharing tools, productivity apps, etc.)

• Switching to background software or system-level tools

• Interacting with unauthorized external devices connected to the system

By restricting all navigation paths and application interactions, the lockdown browser keeps the candidate fully contained within the secure testing interface, eliminating opportunities for unauthorized assistance or multitasking.

Content Protection & Anti-Extraction Controls

To prevent exam materials from being copied, exported, or altered, the lockdown browser enforces several protections:

• Blocks auto-translate tools (e.g., Chrome Translate prompts)

• Disables text selection to prevent copying

• Blocks copy/paste actions by detecting clipboard attempts

• Disables right-click to remove access to context menus or developer tools

• Disables printing to prevent exporting or saving exam content

Together, these measures ensure exam questions and answers remain secure and inaccessible to external tools.

Logging Browser Activities

TestInvite continuously monitors and records all browser-related actions throughout the exam session. Whenever the lockdown environment is disrupted, such as an attempt to exit fullscreen, switch windows, or open an unauthorized resource, the system automatically logs the event together with rich contextual data.

Each log entry includes:

• The exact timestamp of the violation

• The question the candidate was viewing at that moment

• The state of the screen and what the candidate was interacting with

• The type of violation that occurred and its duration

This level of contextual logging creates a complete and trustworthy audit trail. Administrators can review not only which actions took place, but also under what conditions they occurred. For instance, whether a violation happened while the candidate was answering a question, reviewing previous items, or navigating between sections. These detailed insights support accurate post-exam analysis, integrity reviews, and decision-making.

Violation Settings

Violation settings let exam administrators fine-tune how lockdown breaches are detected, measured, and acted upon. Each rule governs a different aspect of how violations accumulate and how strictly the system should respond. This provides full control over when a violation is considered minor, severe, or exam-terminating.

Administrators can configure:

• Maximum number of allowed violations: Once the candidate exceeds this limit, the exam is automatically terminated.

• Maximum duration per violation: If a single violation lasts longer than the allowed time (e.g., staying outside fullscreen too long), it immediately counts as exceeding the threshold.

• Maximum total violation time: Controls how many seconds of violations can accumulate across the entire exam session before the exam is stopped.

• Allowed time for file-selection actions: Provides a short grace period for uploading files (e.g., for writing or speaking tasks) without treating it as a violation unless the candidate remains in the selection window beyond the threshold.

• Allowed time for system permission prompts: Defines how long a candidate can stay on camera/mic permission pop-ups before it is considered a violation, preventing misuse of OS-level dialogs to circumvent monitoring.

These configurable rules allow institutions to adjust sensitivity levels based on exam type, security expectations, and risk tolerance.

How to Choose the Right Lockdown Browser

1. Check Installation Requirements

Some solutions require installing a dedicated application, while others work directly in the browser.

• Installation-free: Easier deployment, fewer candidate issues.

• Installed apps: Heavier but sometimes more secure.

• Browser extensions: Flexible, but may be affected by browser policies.

If your candidates use personal devices, installation-free options offer major advantages.

2. Consider Device Compatibility

Ensure the lockdown browser supports all devices your test-takers use:

• Windows

• macOS

• Linux

• ChromeOS

• iOS / Tablets

Many lockdown tools do not support tablets or Chromebooks. Verify this early.

3. Evaluate Proctoring Integration

Modern exam security often combines lockdown controls with monitoring:

• AI proctoring

• Live human proctoring

• Multi-camera support

• Identity verification

Choose a solution that integrates seamlessly with your preferred proctoring method.

4. Assess Ease of Use and Candidate Experience

A secure tool that is hard to use causes more problems than it solves. Consider:

• Is the setup simple for candidates?

• Is installation required?

• Does it work on unmanaged personal devices?

• Are errors or conflicts common?

Fewer technical barriers lead to fewer support requests and smoother exams.

5. Compare Scalability and Reliability

For large-scale or high-stakes exams, stability is crucial. Look for:

• Large-scale deployment track record

• Offline exam support (if needed)

• Server reliability

• Strong customer support

• Failing during an exam is not an option.