> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/install-levels.md).

# Install Levels

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.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Important:** Install Levels and Monitoring Levels are configured independently. Any Install Level can be combined with any Monitoring Level.
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="182.72833251953125">Install Level</th><th>Features</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>No Install</strong></td><td><ul><li>Lowest setup requirements for candidates.</li><li>No software installation required.</li><li>Works with any modern browser (Chrome recommended).</li><li>Cannot detect or record additional monitors.</li><li>Cannot detect additional browser tabs.<br><br><em>If screen video recording is enabled, reviewers may still see candidates navigating to other tabs because their screen is being recorded.</em></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Browser Extension</strong></td><td><ul><li>Requires the Synoptic Chrome Extension <em>(different to the Synoptic Legacy extension</em>)</li><li>Only works with Google Chrome.</li><li>Provides additional security controls compared to No Install.</li><li>Can detect additional tabs</li><li>Can have enforced fullscreen mode</li><li>Can detect additional monitors (but does not record their contents).<br></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Desktop App</strong></td><td><p><strong>Highest security option available:</strong></p><ul><li>Lockdown functionality.</li><li>Works with any modern browser</li><li>Prevents access to unauthorised applications, websites and device functionality.</li><li>Can detect additional monitors (but does not record their contents).</li><li>For high-stakes assessments, we recommend treating additional monitors as a breach condition.</li><li>Can be configured to prevent screenshots<br>Event logs are still available for review.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

### 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.&#x20;

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.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}

|                                      | No Install         | Browser Extension  | Desktop App        |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------------ | ------------------ | ------------------ |
| 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                |

{% content-ref url="/pages/XWWGLbBDtg6Gb2Ch51gk" %}
[Synoptic: No Install](/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/install-levels/synoptic-no-install.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/U95vqUBzyPDfPrxmOLtL" %}
[Synoptic: Browser Extension](/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/install-levels/synoptic-browser-extension.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Dn1JE4HOl5GmWoDzoON3" %}
[Synoptic: Desktop App](/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/install-levels/synoptic-desktop-app.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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