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Securexam Student is a program which creates a secure test environment by locking down the computer and only allowing students to type and edit their exam responses utilizing basic Word editing tasks. In the exam room, students will receive the exam questions on paper and will prepare typed responses using Securexam Student. Upon completing the exam and exiting the program, Securexam Student will save an encrypted version of the exam, allow the student to transfer the exam file to PlanetSSI, and will return the student's computer back to its original settings.
Securexam Student Features
Securexam Student is based on a multi-tiered security system designed to prevent cheating and assist in cheating detection.
Securexam Lockdown System: Securexam prevents test-takers from accessing other files, programs or peripheral devices while taking an exam. Even in the unlikely event of a system failure, the Securexam session will automatically be restored, allowing students to successfully complete their exams without being able to cheat. Whenever a computer is restarted while Securexam Student is in use, the exam is automatically restarted. The exam continues as if no interruptions occurred. The shutdown and restart events will be logged in the statistics file.
Securexam Alarm System: Securexam has been designed to thwart any attempt to break out of an exam and cheat. In the event that a breakout occurs, Securexam will record the breakout attempt, disable any unauthorized applications and append a record of all relevant events to the end of the exam. Securexam also records the start and finish time of the exam, allowing the school to identify any improper behavior during the exam. The school will actively use the monitoring tool to identify any attempts to cheat. Exams which failed to start the Securexam software at the appropriate time or exited the software prematurely will be flagged.
Securexam Encryption System: Securexam utilizes a proprietary encryption system to protect against tampering of exams and any Securexam application file. Any tampering of the Securexam application will disable the application.
In order to utilize the laptop exam option, the student's laptop must be configured for the DuqNet Wireless Network as well as meet the minimum requirements for the Securexam software.
DuqNet Wireless Network
The student's laptop must be configured for the DuqNet wireless network. Students are responsible for configuring DuqNet on their own computers. Follow the DuqNet (Wireless Network) Setup Instructions. Please contact the CTS Help Desk if you have questions with the wireless setup or wireless connection (412.396.4357).
Windows Version Requirements
To install and run Securexam Student successfully, your PC must have:
- 512 MB of RAM
- 100 MB free hard drive space
- Internet access for laptop (for purposes of downloading software, receiving software updates and uploading exam responses to PlanetSSI)
- Microsoft .NET 2.0 Framework (included with Vista)
- Microsoft Windows Operating Systems XP or Vista (Does not support Non-North American Versions)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0
Mac Version Requirements
To install and run Securexam Student successfully, your Mac must have:
- Mac OS 10.3 or higher
- 40 MB or more free hard drive space
- Internet access for downloading software and exams as well as uploading completed exam files
NOTE: Securexam Student for Windows cannot be used on an Apple computer. Mac users must use Securexam Student for Mac.
