Overview

As of July 1, 2026, FISDAP requires the use of a LockDown Browser to take unit exams and final exams. Students at Axon Education will use Respondus for this LockDown Browser. Respondus is available on laptops, desktops, and iPads, providing good usability for our students.

Respondus LockDown Browser is a specialized web browser that prevents students from searching the internet or accessing other applications on their device while taking an online exam. It is an automated proctoring solution that captures video and audio during the student's exam attempt. Because the browser restricts access to other applications and system functions during an exam, understanding how it works ahead of time will help ensure a smooth testing experience.

You will need to install the Respondus platform prior to your testing time. We encourage you to do this at least 24 hours before your test date/time so as not to delay your testing.

Please make yourself aware of the limitations of LockDown Browsers.

Please note that this means personal proctoring is no longer available for any students, regardless of employment status or an employer's willingness to proctor. This is not an Axon-initiated request. This is a FISDAP requirement, and all institutions are required to adapt to proctoring via a LockDown Browser.

Pre-Testing Instructions - Complete Prior to Exam Date

1. Download the attached PDF titled "Setup Guidance – Respondus 1.0" and keep it available throughout this process. It contains detailed instructions and explanations for each of the steps below. If you prefer visual instruction, you may also review Fisdap’s Respondus Guide Scribe in tandem with the attached PDF.
2. Verify that Respondus supports your device type.
3. Download the Respondus LockDown Browser on the device you plan to use for your exam.
4. In the guide, navigate to the "Respondus Installation on School-Managed Devices" section on page 2, then click the link for your preferred device to begin the installation.
5. Install both the Respondus LockDown Browser and the required browser extension. During installation, you may be prompted to grant Respondus permission to access your camera and microphone. Please allow these permissions.
6. If you are using an employer-issued or school-managed device, you may need to contact your organization's IT department to install Respondus or adjust your device's security settings.
7. You may also be prompted to review and accept several disclosures, user agreements, and platform requirements before using Respondus.
8. Review pages 5–9 of the guide to complete your device setup and address any potential technical issues before your exam.
9. After your setup is complete, perform a Dry Run:
10. Log in to FISDAP.net.
11. Select the Learning Center tab.
12. Click the Dry Run link.

If you do not see the Dry Run option, please email [email protected] with a screenshot of your FISDAP interface so we can troubleshoot the issue.

Testing Instructions - Day/Time of Exam

1. Log in to FISDAP.
2. Under Quick Links, click Take a Test.
3. Choose the exam listed in your confirmation email.
4. Make sure to select the correct version of the exam, as specified in that email.
5. Click Attempt or Reattempt to begin.
6. Respondus may perform equipment and system checks and require you to acknowledge some required items. Once these steps are completed, it will allow you to proceed to the actual exam.

Significant Updates of Respondus:

1. Students no longer have to pay for the proctoring service or exam password.
2. MonitorEDU is no longer used. Respondus is a replacement service.
3. Students should also see their exam score immediately after their testing session has ended.

During the Exam - FAQs

According to Fisdap, here are some helpful tips for while you're taking the exam:

1. Can students use scratch paper during an exam?
2. A student may have one piece of scratch paper during the exam if the proctor allows. The scratch paper needs to be destroyed after completing the exam.
3. Axon also encourages you to hold your scratch paper up to the camera and show both sides before beginning the exam. At the conclusion of the exam, please show yourself tearing up the paper on camera before ending your session.
4. What might trigger a test abnormality during an exam?
5. Examples of what might trigger a flag to Fisdap’s Test Security team are noise/talking, eyes moving off-screen consistently, attempting to open an additional webpage, trying to use copy/paste, and someone in the room with the test taker.
6. What if a student needs to use the restroom or leave the room during an exam?
7. The test taker can pause the test for up to five minutes but the test-taking area will still be monitored via webcam and microphone during this time to ensure test integrity protocols are maintained.
8. What happens if a student exceeds the allotted five-minute pause during an exam?
9. Once the allotted five-minute pause has been used, the test will resume, and the timer will begin counting down. Fisdap Test Security will likely inform the proctor, afterwards, if the student is absent from their seat for an extended period of time.

When selecting your answers during the exam, click the answer bubble rather than the answer text. Clicking on the wording may generate an error message. To avoid this issue, always select your response by clicking the bubble next to your chosen answer.