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Synoptic Desktop App Candidate Guide

Installing Synoptic from your exam

Synoptic can be installed from your exam instructions page as soon as it has been set to you and before the exam is open. On your exam scroll down to the proctoring guide section and you'll be shown the exact application for your device you need

Click the button to download the application installer. Some devices run installers automatically and some don't. Follow your device specific steps to open the installer and install the application.

Installing Synoptic from the proctoring help page

Your exam administrator may ask you to pre install the application from this page : https://synap.ac/candidates/synoptic-proctored-exams/. From that link please select the right application for your exam. If you're not sure please get in touch with your exam administrator.

It is best to install Synoptic from your exam site where possible.

Step by step installation instructions

Windows (10 or 11)

Step 1 — Download the installer

  1. Click the download link provided to you.

  2. Your browser will start downloading a file — you'll usually see this appear as a small bar at the bottom of the browser window (Chrome/Edge), or you can check by opening File Explorer > Downloads.

  3. Wait until the download finishes completely (the progress bar disappears, or the file no longer shows as "downloading"). The file will be named something like Synoptic-Setup.exe.

Step 2 — Open the installer

  1. Click on the downloaded file (either directly in your browser's download bar, or by opening it from your Downloads folder).

  2. You may see a blue window titled "Windows protected your PC." This is a standard Windows security check for new applications — it does not mean anything is wrong. To continue:

    • Click "More info"

    • Then click "Run anyway"

  3. You may then see a prompt asking: "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" Click "Yes."

Step 3 — Install the application

  1. The Synoptic installer window will open. Follow the on-screen prompts, clicking "Next" or "Install" as they appear.

  2. Wait for the installation to finish — this normally takes under a minute.

  3. Click "Finish" (or "Close") once it's done.

  4. Important: On exam day go to your exam platform, opening the application will not start your exam. To actually begin your exam, go back to your exam site in your browser and click "Start Exam." This will launch Synoptic and load your exam automatically.

Mac (macOS)

Step 1 — Download the installer

  1. Click the download link provided to you.

  2. The file will download to your Downloads folder. You'll see a small download icon appear in your browser toolbar, or you can check by opening Finder > Downloads.

  3. Wait until the download finishes completely — the download icon in your browser will stop spinning or show 100%.

Step 2 — Open the installer

  1. Open Finder, go to Downloads, and double-click the downloaded file (it will end in .dmg and look like a disk icon).

  2. A new window will open showing the Synoptic app icon next to a shortcut to your Applications folder.

  3. Drag the Synoptic icon into the Applications folder shown in that same window.

  4. Wait a few seconds while the app copies across — you'll see a progress bar.

Step 3 — Install the application

  1. Once copying is finished, open Finder > Applications and find Synoptic in the list.

  2. Double-click it to open for the first time. If you see a message such as "Synoptic can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" or "Apple could not verify...", this is a routine Mac security check — it does not mean anything is wrong. To continue:

    • Right-click (or Control-click) the Synoptic icon and select "Open," then click "Open" again to confirm

    • Or go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click "Open Anyway" next to the message about Synoptic

  3. The app will open to a plain home screen confirming it's installed. This is expected — nothing else needs to happen here.

  4. Important: Don't expect the exam to load from this screen. To actually begin your exam, go back to your exam portal in your browser and click "Start Exam." This will launch Synoptic and load your exam automatically.

Troubleshooting & Requirements

Candidate Requirements

Candidates must have:

  • A laptop or desktop (cannot use a tablet or smart phone)

  • 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

Troubleshooting

  • Exam won't load after opening the app: Wait a few seconds — if your exam hall page doesn't appear, look for an on-screen error message with further instructions.

  • Cannot install Synoptic / Stuck or taking a long time to install: Check you have at least 250MB free disk space (500MB recommended) and that your OS is up to date (Windows 10/11, or a currently-supported version of Mac OSX). Delete any existing versions of Synoptic and the installer. Restart your device and try again. If it still doesn't work contact your exam administrator and tell them your device type, operating system, and whether you're on a personal or work device.

  • Camera, microphone, or screen-share permission issues: Follow the in-app prompts to grant access. If you can't, it's likely a permission was denied in a previous session — check your device's system Settings (search by OS for "camera/microphone app permissions") to re-enable it.

  • Need to exit unexpectedly: Synoptic runs in full-screen lockdown during your exam. Press Escape or the Close button to bring up an exit confirmation. This is an emergency option only — exiting marks your exam as abandoned and you will not be able to return to it, so continue and submit normally wherever possible.

Sitting a Synoptic Desktop Application Exam

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