Article verified for Release 14.1 on February 20, 2025
This article provides a step-by-step guide on using Safe Exam Browser (SEB) with the YouTestMe platform to ensure a secure and controlled online testing environment.
Enabling SEB
On the Session Level
- You can create a test, as shown in the following article.
- When you finish the test wizard, navigate to the Testing Sessions tab and click the New Testing Session button. While creating a testing session, you should:
- Click on the option Safe Exam Browser.
- Click on the Use default configuration button.
- After adding all desired options, click the Save button to save the session.
After the test is configured with all desired settings, you can publish the test, and candidates will be required to access the test using the Safe Exam Browser (SEB).
Note: Even for the created sessions, you can change these settings afterward.
Configuring a Custom SEB File
You can upload a custom configuration file if the default SEB configuration does not fully meet your exam requirements. This ensures that SEB is set up correctly with all necessary settings to provide a secure and seamless exam experience. The following configuration has been tested and verified to work as intended.
Note for Mac users: Creating a configuration file on macOS is impossible due to encryption. One effective solution to work around this limitation is to create the configuration file on a Windows OS, where such restrictions do not apply, and then import it into the testing session on macOS.
To configure a custom Safe Exam Browser (SEB) file, follow these steps:
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- Download and Install SEB:
- Visit the Safe Exam Browser download page and download the compatible version with your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Access the SEB Configuration Tool:
- After installation, open the SEB Configuration Tool. On Windows, you can find it in the Start menu under “Safe Exam Browser.”
- Configure Exam Settings:
- In the SEB Configuration Tool, set up the following:
- General tab: Set the Start URL to the exam’s start page. Since a single SEB configuration is used for multiple users and exam attempts, avoid including query parameters in the URL. Instead, pass exam-specific details using the SEB protocol, which will be explained later.
- Note for iPad users: If SEB is used on an iPad, you must set a Quit/Unlock Password. This is necessary for SEB to enter kiosk mode, preventing candidates from switching to other apps during the exam.
- Config file tab: Under Use SEB settings file, select Starting exam.
- Browser tab: Set the Suffix to be added to any user agent field. This ensures the system can verify exam requests from Safe Exam Browser with the correct configuration.
- Exam tab: Enable the Query String Parameter option to ensure flexibility and avoid creating a unique configuration for each user or attempt. This allows exam parameters to be passed dynamically through the URL rather than hardcoded in the SEB configuration.
- Exam tab: Enable the Query String Parameter option to ensure flexibility and avoid creating a unique configuration for each user or attempt. This allows exam parameters to be passed dynamically through the URL rather than hardcoded in the SEB configuration.
- Config file tab: Under Use SEB settings file, select Starting exam.
- In the SEB Configuration Tool, set up the following:
- Save the Configuration:
- Go to File → Save settings as… and save the configuration file with a .seb extension.
- Distribute the Configuration File:
- Share the .seb file with candidates or integrate it into your exam platform.
- Launch the Exam:
- Candidates should open the .seb file, which will launch SEB with the specified settings, ensuring a secure exam environment.
- Download and Install SEB:
Technical Requirements For SEB
System requirements are:
- Stable internet connection with a speed of at least 256 kbps (both directions).
- PC Windows 10 or higher (no virtual machines permitted)
- Mac OS:
- Big Sur (11.7.10) or higher, Safari 16.6.1
- Monterey (12.7.3) or higher, Safari 17.3.0
- Ventura (13.6.4) or higher, Safari 17.3.0
- Sonoma (14.3.1) or higher, Safari 17.3.0
- Sequoia (15.0) or higher, Safari 18
- Processors: Intel/AMD/ARM
Note: No minimum free RAM is required. Students can use a hotspot if necessary, but it must have a minimum bandwidth of at least 256 kbps.
Candidate’s Perspective
When candidates click the Start button, they will be automatically redirected to a new window, indicating that the Safe Exam Browser is required for this exam. There are two possibilities:
- Download the Safe Exam Browser if it’s not installed on their device by clicking the provided button.
- After installation, candidates should initiate the exam by clicking the Open in Safe Exam Browser button to launch the browser and begin the exam.
- Click on the Leave button.
- Click to confirm and open the test in SEB.
- Safe Exam Browser will initiate, and you’ll be prompted to disconnect a second monitor if in use. Additionally, a notification will inform you that certain applications will be closed during this process. It is crucial to save all your work before proceeding. Click on the Yes button to terminate listed applications before starting the test.
Upon confirmation, candidates will commence the test in Safe Exam Browser (SEB) mode. The test will be displayed in full-screen mode, and they will be restricted from performing other actions.
To enhance your visual experience, check this video.
Note: When an instructor sets up a test and defines a specific SEB configuration, that configuration becomes locked and is automatically enforced when a student launches the test. Even if a student has previously downloaded SEB, they cannot modify or use any custom configurations when accessing the test. The SEB instance will open with the exact settings defined by the instructor, ensuring a secure and controlled test environment. This process guarantees that students cannot bypass or alter the configuration, maintaining the integrity of the testing session as intended.
Tips and Techniques for Candidates:
- Use a personal computer instead of a work computer, as security configurations on work devices might hinder the process.
- Disconnect from any active VPN connections.
- Disable all firewall and antivirus software temporarily.
- Clear your browser/cache memory for all time.
For more information on how to set up a completely secure test, please see:
