Technical requirements
Schools that are moving to NAPLAN Online must ensure that all test devices meet the technical requirements provided by ACARA.
Bring your own device
Schools may adopt a “bring your own device” (BYOD) policy, allowing students to use their own devices to sit NAPLAN Online. Each device will require the installation of the locked down browser application.
The use of a personal computer or tablet for national tests is supported by ACARA, provided the device meets the technical requirements for NAPLAN Online. Schools will be responsible for managing the installation of the locked down browser on BYODs.
Locked down browser
The national assessment platform used for NAPLAN Online can only be accessed using a locked down browser. It is available for Windows, Macintosh, iPads and Chromebooks.
The locked down browser is a custom browser that increases the security of the exam environment. It disables the camera, spell check, screenshot, home, back and power button features, and prevents:
- students from accessing other applications, web pages, software or hardware features
- the use of operating system commands, such as functions accessed by ctrl-alt-delete
- execution in a virtual machine or a virtual desktops, such as Citrix Virtual, VMware or Parallels on Mac
- the user from exiting without confirmation.
For more information on the locked down browser, visit the NAP technology page.
Installing the locked down browser on a department-managed device
For department schools, eT4L devices have an installation package that can be accessed through the software catalogue.
Locked down browser installation guide for eT4L devices (PDF 43.64 KB)
Chromebooks
All department-enrolled Chromebooks have the locked down browser application installed by default.
The locked down browser launcher can be found in the Apps menu on the start-up screen that appears prior to log in. Users can choose to either start the locked down browser or log in to the Chromebook for regular use. Any Chromebook that enrols into the NSW Department of Education Google domain will see the new Apps menu.