Install Levels
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Install Levels determine how candidates access a Synoptic assessment and what security controls are available during the exam.
There are three Install Levels available:
No Install
Browser Extension
Desktop App
Each Install Level provides a different balance between candidate convenience and exam security.
Important: Install Levels and Monitoring Levels are configured independently. Any Install Level can be combined with any Monitoring Level.
No Install
Lowest setup requirements for candidates.
No software installation required.
Works with any modern browser (Chrome recommended).
Cannot detect or record additional monitors.
Cannot detect additional browser tabs. If screen video recording is enabled, reviewers may still see candidates navigating to other tabs because their screen is being recorded.
Browser Extension
Requires the Synoptic Chrome Extension (different to the Synoptic Legacy extension)
Only works with Google Chrome.
Provides additional security controls compared to No Install.
Can detect additional tabs
Can have enforced fullscreen mode
Can detect additional monitors (but does not record their contents).
Desktop App
Highest security option available:
Lockdown functionality.
Works with any modern browser
Prevents access to unauthorised applications, websites and device functionality.
Can detect additional monitors (but does not record their contents).
For high-stakes assessments, we recommend treating additional monitors as a breach condition.
Can be configured to prevent screenshots Event logs are still available for review.
Choosing an Install Level
Generally the higher the level of installation on a device, the more security features are available. For example the Desktop app is able to lockdown someones device in a way that is not possible with the No install option as a higher level of system access is required to do so. The Browser Extension is a reasonably light installation for candidates to do, and provides additional security features over the No Install.
However because of the Install Levels can be combined with any of the Monitoring Levels the overall exam security can be increased. For example having Synoptic: No Install + Video & Audio recording gives you continuous footage of a candidate and their screen throughout an exam so cheating can be detected and flagged.
Synoptic billing is determined by the selected Monitoring Level, not the Install Level. Additional charges apply to all plans. Attempts that are generated but not started will not be charged for.
Software installation required
No
Chrome Extension
Desktop App
Browser compatibility
Any modern browser
Google Chrome only
Any modern browser
System breach detection
No
Yes
Yes
Additional monitor detection
No
Yes
Yes
Lockdown functionality
No
No
Yes
Prevent access to other applications
No
No
Yes
Prevent access to other websites
No
No
Yes
Video & Audio Recording available
Yes
Yes
Yes
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