For each operating system, the device configuration process is completed in three steps:
- Proceeding to a device diagnostic check
- Verifying the supported platforms
- Installing lock-down browsers
TIP
Ensure the correct 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 Assessment Lock 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 10.13.6High 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 taking the OSSLT. The SEB-configuration file regulates access to system functions, other applications and other settings while also pointing the SEB to the OSSLT 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
- Ensure that your operating system version is higher than 10.13.6 (see Find out which macOS your Mac is using).
- Download the macOS SafeExamBrowser.
- Important: If the devices being used have macOS 26.6 or higher, do not use the version of SEB on the technical readiness page. Instead, please install Safe Exam Browser version 3.7.1 as older versions of SEB are not compatible with macOS 26.6 or higher.
- Open the SEB-configuration file.
- 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
- Download the SafeExamBrowser App in the App Store.
TIP
You can also directly download the SafeExamBrowser App.
- Download the SEB-configuration file.
- In the Downloads folder of your iPad, open the SEB-configuration file.
- Enter the SEB password.
- 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
- Download the SafeExamBrowser Installer.
- Run the SafeExamBrowserInstaller.exe file.
- Follow the instructions of the InstallShield Wizard.
- Open the SafeExamBrowser.
NOTE
The assessment is 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.