Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is an application launched from a Moodle Quiz. When using it, students are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications while taking their exam.

This article provides specific instructions on enabling Safe Exam Browser, the requirements and limitations involved, the best practice of using a practice quiz, and allowing access to websites.

Using Safe Exam Browser in Moodle

First, read the "Requirements and Limitations" section of this article before deciding to implement this solution in courses. If exams will be given at DELTA Testing Services, SEB is not required.

Requirements and Limitations

The following requirements must be met for a student to be able to take an exam using SEB.

• Students must have a broadband internet connection.
• Students must use a Windows or Mac computer with a compatible operating system.
  
  • Mac mobile devices, e.g. iPads are not compatible. 
  • Linux is not a supported platform.
  • Students who do not have a laptop may be able to borrow one from the Libraries. See the NC State Libraries "Request a Device" page for more information.
• Students must be able to download and install SEB, which will happen when they first open a Quiz with SEB enabled.
• SEB cannot run on a virtual machine. It will not work with the NC State Virtual Computing Lab.
• SEB does not function with two monitors at once.
• Not every screen reader is supported by Safe Exam Browser.
• Limits on allowable materials cannot be enforced (e.g., number of pages of notes).
• SEB can only prevent the use of applications on the device where the student is taking the exam. Use of other devices is unaffected.
• Instructors are responsible for activating and configuring SEB in Moodle.

Prepare for students to report technical issues with Safe Exam Browser as it interacts with each student's personal environment differently. If a student encounters an error message, provide them with guidance on reaching out to LearnTech for troubleshooting.

Setting up SEB in a Moodle Quiz

To create and configure a Quiz, follow the instructions in the "Quizzing in Moodle" video playlist.

To enable Safe Exam Browser in a Quiz:

1. In the main Moodle course page, click the Quiz to access the Quiz page.
2. in the Quiz menu at the top of the page, click the Settings tab.
3. In the Quiz settings page, find and expand the Safe Exam Browser section.
4. Set the Require the use of Safe Exam Browser field to the Yes - Use an existing template option.
5. Set the Safe Exam Browser config template field to the Audio Enabled option if the Quiz has audio that needs to be played.
6. At the bottom of the page, click the Save and return to course button.

At this point, Safe Exam Browser will be enabled on the Quiz, and students will be able to download the application from the Quiz page.

It's not recommended to set the Require the use of Safe Exam Browser field to the Yes - Use SEB client config option. This should only be used if there's a custom configuration for students to work with, while the existing template was created for the majority of students and instructors to use with the highest degree of compatibility.

Create a Practice Quiz

To facilitate downloading Safe Exam Browser and identifying any possible installation issues with SEB before the time of an exam, instructors should create a practice Moodle quiz for students to complete well before the time of the exam itself.  Students will download Safe Exam Browser from the quiz page after clicking the link to the quiz on the Moodle course page.

For more information for students on downloading SEB, please refer to DELTA Testing's "Safe Exam Browser (SEB) - Student" article.

Providing an alternative for students experiencing technical issues

Create an additional Quiz without Safe Exam Browser enabled to provide to students who report technical issues using the program. To provide an alternative, see the "Creating a Duplicate Moodle Quiz Without Safe Exam Browser" article.

Allowing Specified Websites (Including Calculators)

Instructors can allow students using Safe Exam Browser to access specified websites, including online calculators, by providing a link to the website in the quiz. There are two ways a link can be provided:

• In the question text of any question in the quiz
• In a question of Moodle Quiz’s Description question type that doesn’t require an answer or have any points

Make sure that:

• The link is added as a link in the text editor, not copied and pasted as text, or students will not be able to click on it.
• The link is set to open in a new window, or it will open in the same window as the quiz and the students will not be able to leave the website to return to the quiz.

To ensure that the link is added correctly, review the "Using Links in Moodle" article here.

Using online calculators

Below are addresses of 4 types of calculator that instructors can use to provide students with a calculator while using Safe Exam Browser:

• Four function calculator: https://www.desmos.com/testing/northcarolina/fourfunction 
• Scientific calculator: https://www.desmos.com/testing/northcarolina/scientific  
• Graphing calculator: https://www.desmos.com/testing/northcarolina/graphing 
• Matrix calculator: https://www.desmos.com/matrix 

Setting an exam password

If the exam should be restricted so students are only able to take the exam in the classroom, set a password using the instructions in the "Setting a Password to Access a Moodle Quiz" article.

Additional Resources

Overview of Moodle Quizzes (DELTA Knowledge Base)

DELTA Moodle Quiz Articles (DELTA Knowledge Base)

Quizzing in Moodle Tutorials (DELTA YouTube)

Quiz Activity (MoodleDocs)

FAQ for Windows – macOS – iOS (Safe Exam Browser Support)

For additional assistance, please contact the LearnTech Help Desk at learntech@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7094, or via the Get Help form on the DELTA Knowledge Base.