Proctored Exams

Our Commitment to Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Educational Technology

At Respondus, we are deeply committed to making sure our products—LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor—are accessible to all learners. We understand that accessibility is not just about meeting regulations but about creating an inclusive experience for every user. This commitment drives our rigorous approach to accessibility, supported by regular testing, expert consultations, and a dedication to continuous improvement.

Accessibility in LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor

LockDown Browser is a specialized client application that secures the testing environment by restricting access to other applications and websites. Built on the Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF), it ensures that content is rendered consistently, similar to popular browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Respondus Monitor, a companion web application, extends the LockDown Browser’s functionality by integrating webcam-based proctoring. When an exam requires both LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, users undergo a “startup sequence” designed to verify webcam functionality and other exam-specific requirements set by instructors.

For users, the accessibility experience with LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor is consistent, reflecting our commitment to providing a user-friendly interface that supports diverse needs.

Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)

LockDown Browser integrates seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS), displaying exam content in a manner similar to Google Chrome. It is important to note that while LockDown Browser ensures accessibility within its own framework, the responsibility for making LMS tools and content accessible falls to the LMS providers. Our compliance testing focuses on the LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor themselves, rather than the broader LMS environment.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

Respondus collaborates with ABILITY Digital Accessibility Co., a leader in accessibility and compliance, to ensure our products meet the highest standards. ABILITY performs biannual audits of LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, producing and certifying our Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). This certification confirms our adherence to WCAG 2.1 AA standards and ensures our documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

For detailed VPAT documentation, please refer to the LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor VPAT PDF.

Certification and Compatibility with Accessibility Technologies

Our VPAT confirms that LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor meet the fundamental requirements for web accessibility. However, we recognize that some assistive technologies may have features that could impact the locked environment of a browser. To address this, Respondus collaborates with leading accessibility technology vendors to ensure our products are compatible with various assistive technologies while maintaining exam security.

Conclusion

At Respondus, accessibility is a priority that we continually enhance through expert consultations and rigorous testing. Our partnership with ABILITY Digital Accessibility Co. and our commitment to ongoing improvement underscore our dedication to providing an accessible, inclusive, and secure examination environment. We remain steadfast in our mission to support all learners and uphold the principles of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness in all our accessibility efforts.

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