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Examination Center vs Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is designed to restrict a student's device during quizzes and tests, while Examination Center is a browser-based coding workspace built so students can write, run, and submit code in a fair, monitored, AI-free exam.
Examination Center is in early access — we're onboarding institutions through our Early Access Program. The information here describes our current platform and direction and may evolve; it is not a contractual commitment.
Key differences
| Examination Center | Respondus LockDown Browser | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Run real coding exams in the browser | Restrict the student's device during quizzes and tests |
| Software install | None — runs in a normal web browser | Typically requires installing a dedicated browser app |
| Write and run code in the exam | Yes — Python in the browser, plus C, C++, Fortran, and Java in a secure server sandbox | Not a coding workspace; designed to lock down a separate exam page |
| AI assistant / autocomplete | None by design — a plain editor, identical for every student | Depends on the underlying exam page it locks down |
| Integrity signals | Live instructor monitoring; paste, large edits, and cross-student similarity shown as evidence for human review | Designed to restrict device actions such as new tabs, printing, and copying |
| Device and camera control | No — does not take over, lock, or record the device or camera | Designed to control browser behavior; webcam recording available via a companion product |
| Autosave and session recovery | Yes — a frozen or closed browser does not lose work | Not a core focus of a lockdown browser |
| Grading | No — grading stays in the instructor's workflow | Not a grader; works alongside an LMS quiz tool |
When to choose Examination Center
Choose Examination Center when the exam is the code itself — students need to write, run, and submit Python, C, C++, Fortran, or Java in a fair, AI-free environment with live monitoring and autosave. A lockdown browser restricts the device around a quiz page; it is not a coding workspace.
Related
Examination Center vs autograders · C++ exams · Python lab exams
Get started
Early Access scope: up to 40 students and 1 exam. Indicative pricing only — see pricing or apply for Early Access.
FAQ
Is Examination Center a Respondus LockDown Browser alternative?
They solve different problems. Respondus LockDown Browser is designed to restrict a student's device during quizzes. Examination Center is a browser-based coding workspace where students write and run code in a monitored, AI-free exam. If your goal is to run real coding exams rather than lock down a quiz page, Examination Center is the purpose-built choice.
Does Examination Center grade or auto-grade?
No. Examination Center does not grade, score, or keep a grade book. It gives you a secure exam environment plus integrity evidence for human review. Grading stays in the instructor's workflow.
Which languages are supported?
Python runs in the browser via Pyodide, including NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib. C, C++, Fortran, and Java compile and run in a secure server sandbox. More languages are planned.
Does Examination Center lock down or record the student's device?
No. Examination Center does not take over, lock, or record the student's device or camera. Instead, it surfaces integrity signals — such as paste events, large or sudden edits, and cross-student code similarity — as evidence for a human to review, never as automated accusations.
Do students need to install anything?
No. Examination Center runs in a standard web browser, so there is nothing for students to download or install before an exam.
What happens if a student's browser freezes or closes during the exam?
Autosave and session recovery mean work is not lost. A student can recover their session and continue where they left off after a freeze or an accidental close.