How to lock down the browser in Windows, MacOS and iOS

This guide walks administrators through configuring Safe Exam Browser (SEB) with ThinkCERCA. ThinkCERCA supports SEB to help schools run assessments in a secure, controlled environment. When students access ThinkCERCA through SEB, their browser is locked down, and they cannot open other applications, switch tabs, take screenshots, or access outside websites.

What is Safe Exam Browser?

Safe Exam Browser is a free application (available for Windows and macOS) that turns a student's computer into a secure workstation. Once open, students can only interact with the ThinkCERCA content you configure. Everything else is blocked.

Download SEB at: Safe Exam Browser - Download Latest Releases

How It Works

ThinkCERCA generates a .seb configuration file that you distribute to students. When a student opens this file, SEB launches and takes them directly into the secured ThinkCERCA session.

While in SEB mode:

• Students cannot open other browsers, Slack, Zoom, or other applications.
• Students cannot take screenshots or use screen capture.
• Students cannot browse outside of ThinkCERCA and its required resources.
• The ThinkCERCA dashboard is locked. Students cannot navigate away from their assignment.
• When the assignment is submitted, SEB closes automatically.

Downloading the SEB file

1. Open the assignment in ThinkCERCA and click the gear icon.
2. Select Download SEB File.
3. In the dialog box, click the assignment you want a file for. (You'll see one option per class the assignment was assigned to.)
4. Distribute the file to students. They double-click it to launch into the secured session.

If you are working with Benchmark Evaluation Services, please get in touch with your ThinkCERCA Success Manager for help to get a specific SEB file, or download it here.

Each downloaded file routes every student to the correct work automatically — you only need to download and share it with students once per assignment.

What Students Experience

1. The student receives the .seb file from their teacher.
2. They double-click the file, SEB opens and automatically navigates to ThinkCERCA.
3. Students log-in as normal. The rest of the browser experience is identical to ThinkCERCA's standard interface.
4. While in the session, all navigation outside ThinkCERCA is blocked. The "Exit" or "Dashboard" buttons are disabled or hidden.
5. Once the student submits their assignment, SEB closes automatically and releases the lockdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students need to install Safe Exam Browser?
Yes. SEB must be installed on each student device before they can open the .seb file. It is free and available for Windows and macOS. Contact your IT administrator for help with school-wide installation.

Can students use SEB on Chromebooks or iPads?
SEB has limited support for iOS (iPad). There is no official SEB support for Chromebooks. For those devices, please contact your IT administrator about options such as Kiosk mode.

Can students access ThinkCERCA support resources (like Immersive Reader) while in SEB?
Yes. The SEB configuration allows access to ThinkCERCA's built-in tools and all resources the platform needs to function, including Immersive Reader, audio, and accessibility features.

What websites are blocked?
All websites, except ThinkCERCA and the services it depends on (fonts, media, authentication providers like Clever and Google), are blocked. Students cannot access search engines, social media, or any other outside content.