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Configuring devices 

Contents

For each operating system, the device configuration process is completed in three steps:

  1. Proceeding to a device diagnostic check
  2. Verifying the supported platforms
  3. Installing lock-down browsers

TIP
Ensure the correct Safe Exam Browser (SEB) version has been installed on all computers. This version can be downloaded directly from the School Administrator or Board IT accounts.

IMPORTANT
Schools using devices that are not compatible with SEB (for example, Chromebook devices) or where students require assistive technology tools must e-mail eqao-support@vretta.com. 

Step 1 – Proceeding to a device diagnostic check

A pre-administration hardware check will be available from the student login page of the e-assessment system to help identify devices which may not run well with the SEB or Kiosk lockdown browsers, or the alternative access to the e-assessment.   

Step 2 – Verifying the supported platforms

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
Android
(tablet)		 Google Chrome—updated version
Google Chrome
(Chromebook)		 Google Chrome—updated version

Each combination of an operating system and a device require:

  • a different browser locking software
  • a different installation process

NOTE
The minimum recommended screen resolution is 768 x 1024. This allows any device the size of an iPad Mini or larger to be used.

Step 3 – Installing the lock-down browsers

SafeExamBrowser

The SEB is a specialized web browser that restricts students’ access to external tools and resources while they are completing the Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary and Junior Divisions. The SEB-configuration file regulates access to system functions, other applications and other settings while also pointing the SEB to the assessments and performing a special “handshake” to validate security.

TIP
You can download the SEB-configuration file in the Technical Readiness tab of the e-assessment system. Use the password given in the same tab.

Option 1 – Installing and loading SEB on macOS

  1. Ensure that your operating system version is higher than 10.13.6 (see Find out which macOS your Mac is using).
  2. Download the macOS SafeExamBrowser.
  3. Open the SEB-configuration file.
  4. Enter the password in the login screen.

IMPORTANT
The software should not be opened directly. The SEB-configuration file in the Downloads folder must be double-clicked.

Option 2 – Installing and loading SEB on iOS

  1. Download the SafeExamBrowser App in the App Store.

TIP
You can also directly download the SafeExamBrowser App.

  1. Download the SEB-configuration file.
  2. In the Downloads folder of your iPad, open the SEB-configuration file. 
  3. Enter the SEB password.
  4. Log in with your email and password.

NOTE
Opening the application brings you to a configuration page where you don’t need to fill in anything.

Option 3 – Installing and loading SEB on Windows

1. Download the SafeExamBrowser Installer.

2. Run the SafeExamBrowserInstaller.exe file.

3. Follow the instructions of the InstallShield Wizard.

4. Open the SafeExamBrowser.

NOTE
The assessments are compatible with version 3.4.0 of the SEB.

IMPORTANT
In the Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? dialog box, click Yes.

NOTE
You may encounter the following message: You have installed SafeExamBrowser (SEB), but it isn’t configured yet.

5. Follow the instructions of the InstallShield Wizard.

6. Open the SafeExamBrowser.

7. Open the SEB-configuration file.

8. Enter the password in the login screen.

IMPORTANT
The software should not be opened directly. The SEB-configuration file in the Downloads folder must be double-clicked.

Kiosk

The Kiosk application can be used on Chromebook devices to restrict a student’s ability to access external resources or tools outside the assessments. Within the Kiosk application, students cannot access the Internet or take pictures or screenshots. Kiosk mode does not affect the student’s ability to interact with the questions or use the assessment tools. Private schools using Chromebook devices must contact technical support for instructions.

NOTE
Schools using Chromebook devices must e-mail eqao-support@vretta.com.

Alternative access

IMPORTANT
The alternative access is for specific students with assistive-technology accommodations.

School administrators will indicate which student(s) require a specific software that is not compatible with either the SEB or the Kiosk application.

Only these students will be permitted to access the assessments through the EQAO login page.

Students not permitted to use this alternative access method will receive an error message if they try to access the assessments in this way.

System Validations (by schools)

School administrators will validate that the lockdown software has been properly installed on the devices.

Updated on April 24, 2024