This section includes instructions for configuring different devices so they can run the assessment successfully. For each operating system, the device configuration process is completed in two steps: the installation of the Safe Exam Browser software and the configuration of that software.
Note: It is recommended to use the latest SEB version. The previous SEB version must be uninstalled from all devices. Use the SEB links below to download the latest version.
Schools using devices that are not compatible with SEB must e-mail eqao-support@vretta.com. The technical support team will assist with alternative access for devices that are not compatible with SEB.
Device Diagnostic Check
A pre-administration hardware check will be available from the student login page of the e-assessment platform to help identify devices which may not run well with the SEB lockdown browsers, or the alternative access to the e-assessment.
Platforms that are Supported
The e-assessment platform can be used on a variety of devices. Please consult the table below for more information.
Note: Different operating systems and devices will require different browser locking software to run the assessment and will require different installation processes. Please refer to the device configuration instructions to see the process for the different operating systems and devices.
| Operating System | Supported Browser List |
|---|---|
| Windows (Microsoft) | Google Chrome—updated version Mozilla Firefox—updated version Microsoft Edge—updated version |
| Mac OSX 10.13.6 High Sierra or higher (Apple, MacBook) | Safari—updated version Google Chrome—updated version Mozilla Firefox—updated version |
| Mac iOS (Apple, iPad) | Safari—updated version |
Note: The minimum recommended screen resolution for the devices to run the assessments is 768 x 1024. This allows any device the size of an iPad Mini or larger to be used.
Safe Exam Browser Installation Instructions—Apple OS Mac
The assessment can be accessed only through the Safe Exam Browser (SEB) using a valid configuration file. The SEB is a specialized web browser that restricts students’ access to external tools and resources while they are taking the assessment. The SEB-configuration file regulates access to system functions, other applications and other settings while also pointing the SEB to the assessment and performing a special “handshake” to validate security.
The SEB can be downloaded for Mac and iPad through the following link: https://eqao.vretta.com/seb/SafeExamBrowser-3.1.dmg.
Installing the SEB on MacOS
1. Navigate to the About This Mac menu in your system menu bar to see whether the device is compatible with the SEB.
2. You will see a window listing the version of your operating system. The operating system must be higher than 10.13.6 to run the SEB for the assessment. In most cases, it is possible to upgrade the operating system at no cost, but it can take more than an hour.
3. Download the Safe Exam Browser Installer from the SEB website at https://eqao.vretta.com/seb/SafeExamBrowser-3.1.dmg.
Note: The assessment is compatible with version 3.1 of the SEB.
4. Double-click the .DMG file found in the downloads folder.
5. Drag the Safe Exam Browser icon and drop it on the Applications folder icon to the right. You will be asked for an administrator username and password for the computer.
6. You can verify the installation by opening Safe Exam Browser (via Spotlight). The SEB should open in a full screen with a message stating that it needs settings or a link to continue. This indicates that the installation of the program is complete.
Loading the SEB-Configuration File
In order to access the assessment, the system needs to be opened through the SEB using an SEB-configuration file. This file opens to a login screen that then opens directly to the assessment.
Note: The SEB-configuration file can be downloaded directly from the Technical Readiness Checklist in your account. The SEB file also needs a password to open. This password can also be downloaded directly from the Technical Readiness Checklist.
When setting up devices for the assessment, ensure all devices have the SEB opened before students begin. Please note that the software should not be opened directly. The SEB-configuration file in the downloads folder must be double-clicked.
Safe Exam Browser Installation Instructions—iPads
IMPORTANT
iPad must be updated to iOS version 16.5 or greater.
The assessment can be accessed only through the Safe Exam Browser (SEB) using a valid configuration file. The SEB is a specialized web browser that restricts students’ access to external tools and resources while they are taking the assessment. The SEB-configuration file regulates access to system functions, other applications and other settings while also pointing the SEB to the assessment and performing a special “handshake” to validate security.
The following instructions describe the process for downloading and accessing the SEB from iPads:
1. Download the Safe Exam Browser App from the Apple App Store. You can use this link to access the App Store listing.
Note: If, after you have downloaded the Safe Exam Browser app, you attempt to open it, you will be brought to a configuration page. You do not need to enter anything on this page. To access the assessment, you will need only to open the SEB-configuration file. See Step 2.
2. Download the SEB-configuration file onto your iPad. From your school administrator account, you can select the Download SEB Configuration File link and then click Download when presented with the confirmation.
3. Once the file is downloaded, navigate to the Downloads folder on your iPad, find the SEB-configuration file and open the file.
4. After you have opened the file, you will be asked to enter the SEB password. This password is also accessible from your school administrator account.
5. Entering the password will bring you to a login page.
Note: To exit the SEB, you will need to re-enter the SEB password. To relaunch the SEB, you will need to repeat steps 3 through 5.
Safe Exam Browser Installation Instructions—Windows
The assessment can be accessed only through the Safe Exam Browser (SEB) using a valid configuration file. The SEB is a specialized web browser that restricts students’ access to external tools and resources while they are taking the assessment. The SEB-configuration file regulates access to system functions, other applications and other settings, while also pointing the SEB to the assessment and performing a special “handshake” to validate security.
Version 3.4.0 of the SEB can be downloaded for Windows through the following link: https://sourceforge.net/projects/seb/files/seb/SEB_3.4.0/SEB_3.4.0.480_SetupBundle.exe/download.
Installing the SEB on Windows
1. Download the Safe Exam Browser Installer from the SEB website at https://sourceforge.net/projects/seb/files/seb/SEB_3.4.0/SEB_3.4.0.480_SetupBundle.exe/download.
Note: The assessment is compatible with version 3.4.0 of the SEB.
2. Once the download is complete, run the SafeExamBrowserInstaller.exe file to initiate the installation.
You will be asked to allow the installation to make changes on your device. You must give this permission to proceed.
3. A window with an installation wizard will open. Click Next to proceed. Select “I accept the terms in the license agreement.” Click Install and then Finish.
4. Click Start and find Safe Exam Browser to run the program.
5. The following alert may appear: “You have installed Safe Exam Browser (SEB), but it isn’t configured yet.” This indicates that the installation of the program is complete but the program is not yet configured.
Please see the section “Loading the SEB-Configuration File” below.
Loading the SEB-Configuration File
In order to access the assessment, the system needs to be opened through the SEB using an SEB-configuration file. This file opens to a login screen, which then opens directly to the assessment.
Note: The SEB-configuration file can be downloaded directly from the Technical Readiness Checklist in your account. The SEB file also needs a password to open. This password can also be downloaded directly from the Technical Readiness Checklist.
When setting up computers for the assessment, ensure all computers have the SEB opened before students begin. Please note that the software should not be opened directly. The SEB-configuration file in the downloads folder must be double-clicked.
System Validations (by Schools)
School administrators will be asked to verify that the lockdown software has been properly installed on the devices.