Synoptic: Desktop App
Overview
The Synoptic Desktop App is the highest-security Install Level available within Synoptic. Candidates install the Synoptic Desktop App before launching their assessment.
The Desktop App provides true lockdown functionality, it can:
Stop navigation away from the exam
Force closing of unauthorised apps before the exam can be started
Freeze and detect attempts to connect additional monitors
Prevent opening of unauthorised applications and websites
Prevent candidates taken screenshots of exam content
The Synoptic Desktop App can be combined with any Monitoring level, from No Recording to provide a lockdown only style exam, or combined with Video & Audio Recording for full recording and monitoring of the candidates within the application.
Watch the video below to see the Desktop App in action on an exam. And you can try one for yourself by creating an account on universe.synap.ac or clicking this link
Configuring Proctoring via The Synoptic Desktop App.
From an exams proctoring page, select Desktop App 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
The next section will detail the in exam rules. These are the conditions candidates must meet to start the exam, any time the candidate breaks one of these rules it will be recorded as a breach on the exam.
For the Desktop App you'll notice the rules cannot be modified. If you want to allow additional tabs (for open book exams) you'll need to use an alternative Install level on your exams (Browser Extension). Any Desktop App exams candidates must at the start and through out:
Exam window must be in full screen and focused
The application will enforce this automatically
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 not be able to open a browser during the exam.
Grant webcam sharing permission
If webcam snapshots or video recording is being used, candidates will have to ensure Synoptic Desktop has 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 Synoptic Desktop has the correct screen sharing access before starting an exam and throughout.
Additional features
The Desktop App offers additional restriction features not available on the other Install levels:
Screenshot prevention
Block prohibited applications
Both can be customised based on your exam requirements.
Penalties are what happens if a breach is detected. Because of how restrictive the Desktop App is, it's only really possible for a candidate to have a breach by plugging in an external monitor.
Screenshot prevention when enabled will stop candidates being able to take a successful screenshot of any of the content in the exam while in the application.
Block prohibited applications, when enabled candidates must close screen sharing, messaging and remote tools before the exam can begin.
Exit Exam 'Cool Down'
The Desktop App shows an Exit exam button during an attempt. Candidates who want to exit the exam before clicking it will have to tick a checkbox, wait 5 seconds for a cool down, and then explitly click to abandon the attempt. This is to reduce accidental submissions and because once a candidate leaves this type of proctored exam, they will not be allowed to re-enter.
Candidate Requirements
The Monitoring level selected is going to determine some of the specific requirements for device, webcam, permissions, internet connection for your exam. The Desktop App does require candidates are able to install a new software to their device and/or give that software permissions to screen share or access the webcam & microphone. Below is a list of additional requirements when using the Desktop App.
Candidate Requirements
Candidates must have:
A Windows 10, Windows 11 or supported macOS device
At least 250MB of available disk space (500MB recommended)
Permission to install desktop applications
A stable internet connection
The ability to launch the Synoptic Desktop App from their Exam Hall page
Depending on the assessment configuration, candidates may also require:
A webcam
A microphone
Screen sharing permissions
Permission to grant webcam, microphone and screen sharing access to the application
Unsupported Devices
Synoptic Desktop App is not supported on:
Smartphones
Tablets
Chromebooks
Linux devices
Managed Devices
Candidates using work, school or organisation-managed devices may need assistance from their IT team to:
Install the Synoptic Desktop App
Grant required permissions
Allow screen sharing, webcam or microphone access
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