Student Respondus FAQs

Owned by Janna Dougherty
Last updated: Aug 27, 2024
2 min read


What is the Respondus Lockdown Browser? 
  The Respondus Lockdown Browser is a private web browser designed to block access to all programs or websites other than those the instructor intends for you to use while taking a test. This browser is provided by Christopher Newport University, but must be manually installed on the computer you intend to use to take the exam in question. The Respondus Lockdown Browser is also designed to allow instructors to add Respondus Monitor to an exam, which will create a live proctoring environment using your computer's webcam and microphone.

 Please note that the Lockdown Browser is a separate web browser; tests where Respondus tools are enabled will only be usable when using the Respondus Lockdown Browser, rather than other browsers such as Chrome or Firefox. 


How do I know whether or not I will need to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser on a test?

Your instructor should tell you whether you will need to use Respondus Lockdown Browser on a given test. Otherwise, tests with the Lockdown Browser requirement enabled will be clearly marked by the tool in the test's name. Attempting to open a test with the requirement enabled will automatically open in the Lockdown Browser if the browser is installed, and fail to open at all if not. 

Where can I download and install the Respondus Lockdown Browser? 

The Respondus Lockdown Browser download for CNU students can be found here. Students must download, then install the package in order to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser on tests that require its use. To install the package once downloaded, open the package on your computer and follow the given instructions.


What Systems are compatible with the Respondus Lockdown Browser? 

This download is compatible with the following operating systems: 

  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: MacOS 10.12 or higher. 
  • iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only, and only if the instructor explicitly allows for it). This compatibility does not extend to Respondus Monitor.

What hardware am I going to need to take this test with Respondus tools? 

If your test only requires the Respondus Lockdown Browser, then you will need no additional hardware. However, if your Instructor has opted to enable Respondus Monitor, you will also need a working webcam and microphone on the computer you are using to take the exam. 

Who do I contact if something is wrong with Respondus and I can't take my test? 

  • If you are having trouble with your webcam during your exam, you can click the "It's not working" button during setup, and chat directly with Respondus Support. 
  • If you receive a warning that the test is set up incorrectly, contact your instructor about the settings for the exam. 
  • If you are stuck on a password prompt preventing you from accessing the test, first ensure that you are using the Respondus Lockdown Browser INSTEAD OF Chrome/Firefox/Safari. This prompt is an indicator that those tools are enabled by the instructor, and will not appear if you are using the correct browser.