Safe Exam Browser (SEB) for Moodle 4.5
Faculty Implementation Guide
What is Safe Exam Browser?
Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a secure application designed to monitor and control the exam environment when administering online tests in Moodle. It restricts student access to other applications, websites, and system resources during an examination.
Key Benefits:
Prevents students from accessing external resources, copy/paste functions, and other applications during exams
Provides a controlled, locked-down testing environment
Reduces academic integrity concerns
Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
System Requirements
Desktop Devices:
Windows: Version 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
macOS: Version 10.13 or later
RAM: Minimum 4GB recommended
Browser compatibility: Works within SEB's controlled environment
Mobile Devices:
iOS: Version 11.0 or later
Android: Version 5.0 or later
Installation and Setup
For Students (Installation Process):
Students should complete this process before exam day:
Visit the Safe Exam Browser website: www.safeexambrowser.org
Download the application for their operating system
Follow the installation wizard (typically next-next-finish)
Launch SEB from the desktop shortcut or applications menu
Configuring Quizzes for SEB
Step-by-Step Configuration:
Navigate to your course and locate the quiz you wish to secure
Click the settings icon (gear) next to the quiz name
Scroll to the 'Safe Exam Browser' section
Check the box: 'Require Safe Exam Browser'
Optionally configure additional settings such as:
Require SEB config key (recommended for enhanced security)
Allow SEB on mobile devices
Block standard browser access
Click 'Save changes'
Browser Restrictions: When 'Require Safe Exam Browser' is enabled, students cannot access the quiz using standard web browsers—they must use the SEB application.
Key Features and Controls
Features Enabled in SEB:
Locked Application Environment: Students cannot open other applications while taking the exam
Disabled Functions: Copy/paste, screenshot, print, and system commands are disabled
Restricted Web Access: Only the Moodle quiz URL is accessible; external websites are blocked
Keyboard Shortcuts Disabled: Alt+Tab and other navigation shortcuts are disabled
Virtual Keyboard (Optional): Available on some devices to prevent hardware keystroke logging
What Students Cannot Do:
Open web browsers outside of Moodle
Use copy and paste functions
Take screenshots
Access the task bar or system menu
Open external applications
Best Practices
Pre-Exam Preparation:
Announce the SEB requirement at least 2-3 weeks before the exam
Provide clear installation instructions to students
Conduct a practice exam or dry-run where students test SEB
Share system requirements and troubleshooting resources in advance
Ensure IT support is available during the exam period
Exam Day Recommendations:
Start exams 10-15 minutes early to allow buffer time for technical issues
Advise students to close all unnecessary applications before launching SEB
Ensure stable internet connection throughout the exam
Keep a backup contact method (email/phone) for students experiencing issues
Document any technical issues for future reference
Quiz Design Tips:
Keep question fonts legible and question content visible on one screen when possible
Avoid overly long exam windows—shorter, focused assessments work best
Test your quiz in SEB before administering it to students
Include on-screen instructions for navigating the quiz
Student Support Resources
Recommended Resources to Share with Students:
Safe Exam Browser Official Website: www.safeexambrowser.org (Download & Documentation)
SEB User Manual: Available for download at the official website
Your Institution's IT Support: Contact information and ticketing system
Practice Exam Module: Schedule optional practice exams using SEB