Synoptic: Browser Extension

Overview

The Synoptic Browser Extension (Chrome) is a good mix of being easy for candidates to install, and providing a high level of security features and automated tracking.

Link to Browser Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/synoptic/nogeecdekhjlmlhjphbdhdhpemmmefpi

Candidates install a browser extension before starting their assessment. Depending on how the exam is configured, the Browser Extension can:

• Verify candidates remain on the exam page

• Detect when additional browser tabs are opened

• Detect when additional monitors are connected

• Require candidates to remain in full-screen mode

• Monitor webcam, microphone and screen-sharing permissions

• Record breaches when exam rules are broken

• Capture screenshots, webcam images, screen recordings or screen recreations

The Synoptic Browser Extension can be combined with any Monitoring level, from No Recording or to full Video & Audio Recording to provide continuous monitoring of the candidates within the application. Exam rules can be configured and breaches automatically flagged for review.

Watch the video below to see the Browser Extension in action on an exam. And you can try one for yourself by creating an account on universe.synap.ac or clicking this link

Synoptic Browser Extension Candidate Demonstration

Configuring Proctoring via the Synoptic Browser Extension

From an exams proctoring page, select Browser Extension as the Install level

Next select the Monitoring level you want to use for your exams. Any Monitoring level can be paired with any Install level. Learn more about what each Monitoring level provides and candidate requirements in the docs below

Monitoring Levels & Review

Exam Rules

Any configuration selected will need to be followed before the exam in order to start the exam. And during the exam to prevent breaches and penalties. If any form of webcam or screen monitoring is being used then permissions must be granted through out the exam.

Rule	Information
Exam window must be in full screen and focused	Candidates will have to be in full screen on Google Chrome to start the exam, if they exit fullscreen at any point it will be flagged as a breach on review
No external displays	Candidates cannot start the exam with an external monitor plugged in. If they plug on in after they have started this will be flagged as a breach on review
No additional tabs	Candidates will have to have no additional tabs outside of the Synap exam open to start the exam, if they open another tab during the exam this will be flagged as a breach on review
Grant webcam sharing permission	If webcam snapshots or video recording is being used, candidates will have to ensure Google Chrome & Synoptic Extension have the correct webcam access before starting an exam and throughout.
Grant screen sharing permission	If screenshots & recreation or video recording is being used, candidates will have to ensure Google Chrome & Synoptic Extension have the correct screen sharing access before starting an exam and throughout.

You can configure these rules to your specifications, for example if you're running a more open book style exam perhaps candidates are allowed additional tabs, and not to be in fullscreen.

Penalties when enabled are freezing the exam when one of the configured rules is broken. The candidate screen will show a warning, any timers will continue to tick down and a flag will be planted as a breach for the review.

In exam breach detected on Synoptic Browser Extension

Technical requirements

For exams on school, university or business devices with possible network restrictions please make sure the following domains are whitelisted on for candidates. Note by default your portal will be on EU infrastructure even if you're based in the US.

US Infrastructure is available on Business and Enterprise plans by request.

EU Infrastructure whitelist:

https://synoptic.prod.api.synap.ac - most important

https://<<your-portal-subdomain>>.synap.ac/ # or your custom CNAME domain if using one
https://synap.ac/
https://api.synap.ac/
https://web-app-assets.synap.ac/
https://service.prod.api.synap.ac/
https://synap-files-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/
https://widget.synap.ac/
https://files.synap.ac/
https://k9v6y2xuhl.execute-api.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/

US Infrastructure whitelist:

https://synoptic.use1.prod.api.synap.ac - most important

https://<<your-portal-subdomain>>.synap.ac/ # or your custom CNAME domain if using one
https://synap.ac/
https://api.synap.ac/
https://web-app-assets.synap.ac/
https://service.prod.api.synap.ac/
https://synap-files-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/
https://a2ol6rrvtb.execute-api.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/
https://bbtddns9n0.execute-api.us-east-1.amazonaws.com
https://a2ol6rrvtb.execute-api.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/
https://widget.synap.ac/
https://files.synap.ac/
https://k9v6y2xuhl.execute-api.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/

In order to sit a Synoptic proctored exam your candidates will need:

• To be on Google Chrome - this will not work with other browsers

• To be able to download and install the plugin

• Grant screen / webcam permissions to Chrome

• To be on a laptop or desktop - this will not work with a tablet or mobile device

• A minimum internet connection of 40kBs upload/download - Recreation & Snapshot monitoring

• Bandwidth requirements for Video Recording monitoring we recommend a minimum of 1-2 Mbps

In order to start the exam candidates must meet and maintain the proctoring conditions that have been set through out the exam. We recommend that before the exam opens your candidates install the Synoptic Google Chrome plugin. They will be shown a proctoring guide on their exam-hall page which is the last page before their exam.

Please review our remote exam planning guide for more advice and best practices for planning your exams and supporting candidates.

Remote Exam Planning Guide