This Remote eExam pilot program is to support students enrolled in selected units in Trimester 2 and Trimester M, 2025.

You are included if you:

  • You are an E-Learning student in Trimester M and your exam timetable lists "Remote eExam" for your unit
  • You are enrolled in Online Flexible (OF) or Online Scheduled (OS) units in Trimester 2, your postal address is more than 100km from your enrolled campus, and would normally sit exams at an external exam centre.

Taking Remote eExams with Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser 

Murdoch University is piloting a new form of online invigilated exam for selected units using Respondus Monitor with LockDown Browser (Respondus). These tools are designed to enhance the integrity and security of remote eExams, ensuring a fair and equitable exam environment for all students.

Students will use their own computers and webcams to record exam sessions within Murdoch’s Learning Management System (Moodle). All proctoring data is owned by the University. 

Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of Respondus and its webcam feature.

What you need to start the Remote eExam

To ensure a smooth exam experience, your device must meet the minimum standards:

  • Windows 10 and 11 or
  • MacOS 11 to 15.0+
  • Web camera (internal or external) and microphone. (If you are using LockDown Browser for the first time on your Mac, please follow these instructions to allow LockDown Browser to access your camera and microphone).
  • Stable and reliable broadband internet connection.
  • Find a quiet, private and well-lit space suitable to complete your exam. 
  • Avoid public or shared spaces. 
  • Clear your workspace of unauthorised exam aids and electronic devices. 
You must present one of the following physical photo IDs during your exam: 

  • Murdoch University Student ID 
  • Passport 
  • Driver’s Licence. 
Note: Digital versions of ID are not accepted. 
  • Follow the Download instructions. 
  • Perform a one-time installation of Respondus LockDown Browser using the official Murdoch link. (You will need to have the administrative rights to your device for installation.) 
  • iPad / Smartphone / tablets are NOT allowed. 
  • Watch download videos for Windows/Mac/Chromebook

Note: Respondus is unique to each institution, you must only install the version provided via our link. 

How do I take a Remote eExam using Respondus?

1. Launch Lockdown Browser

Open the browser, log into Moodle, and navigate to your exam. 

Complete the Startup Sequence:  

  • Webcam Check 
  • Take a Picture 
  • Show ID 
  • Environment check 
  • Face Detection 

The exam timer only starts after completing the Startup Sequence. 

2. Complete the Practice Quiz

Before your actual exam, please complete the ungraded Practice Quiz available in LMS Quiz to familiarise yourself with the exam environment and requirements using Respondus. 

  • You can attempt the Practice Quiz as many times as you need. 
  • Use the same device, internet connection, and environment you plan to use for your actual exam. 
  • You must take this quiz seriously and follow all instructions carefully. 

Technical issues that occur during this practice quiz must be reported immediately with Respondus Support or Murdoch Support to allow time to resolve them before your exam.

3. Sitting your Remote eExam

  • Stay focused and follow all instructions provided in the Online Exam.  
  • Once started, the Respondus LockDown Browser locks you into the exam:  
    • You cannot print, copy, access other websites, or use other applications. 
    • Web searches, messaging apps, and minimizing the browser are blocked.

Once the exam is completed, the webcam will stop recording and you may exit the browser.

Final checks before sitting your Remote eExam

Before your exam, ensure:  

  • Your device meets the minimum standards. 
  • Your device is fully charged or plugged in. 
  • Respondus LockDown Browser is installed through Murdoch link. 
  • You have checked the published Exam Timetable to confirm your exam details and any permitted exam aid. 
  • Your internet connection is stable and reliable.  
  • You have set up a quiet, private and well-lit environment where you can complete your exam without being interrupted. Avoid Public or shared spaces. 
  • You have a functioning web camera (internal or external) and microphone. 
  • You have a valid physical photo ID (Murdoch University Student ID, current passport or driver’s licence).

Frequently asked questions

No. The exam timer only begins after completing the Startup Sequence. We recommend logging in 15 minutes before your scheduled exam start time.  

If you start your exam late, for example, if your exam is timetabled to start at 9am but you start your exam late at 9.30am, for a 2hr 10mins exam, the system will automatically close and submit your exam at 11.10am.  If you do not start your exam on time, you will not have the full exam duration to complete the exam.

You are expected to:

  • Remove earbuds, headphones, smartwatches, etc.  
  • Dress appropriately, as if attending a face-to-face exam.  
  • Remove all headwear unless worn for religious/cultural reasons.  
  • Always keep Your face visible within the camera frame. 

Avoid:

  • Having exam in noisy environment or the presence of others.  
  • Completing your exam on the bed or sofa.  
  • Having your mobile phone and electronic devices beside you.  
  • Having your unit materials on the table for reference in a closed book exam where no exam aids are permitted.  
If Respondus fails to detect your webcam, try the following options: 
  
  • External webcam: Ensure it is properly connected and functioning. 
On Windows: 

  • Click the Start button or press the Windows key. 
  • Scroll down to find Camera app to open it. 
  • Check that your webcam is connected and functioning. 
On Mac: 

  • Check that you've granted permission for Respondus LockDown Browser to access your camera and microphone. 
  • Please visit Mac webcam not detected for further troubleshooting information. 
You can also visit the Respondus Monitor (webcam) for further support. 
No. Respondus LockDown Browser does not support split-screen or multiple monitors. To maintain exam integrity, it restricts access to other screens and disables any additional monitors. If you're using a laptop, the built-in screen will serve as your primary display. If you prefer using an external monitor, it must be set as the primary display before launching LockDown Browser.
No. You only need to install Respondus once and use it for all future exams.

Respondus Monitor with LockDown Browser will automatically exit if it detects multi-finger swipe gestures on your device’s trackpad.  To prevent being removed from your exam, we recommend disabling multi-finger gestures before beginning your exam using Respondus. 

How to disable Swipe Gestures on your device

For Windows devices:

  1. Open Start menu and go to Settings. 
  2. Click Devices > Touchpad. 
  3. Scroll down to the Gestures & interaction or Three-finger gestures section. 
  4. Set the gestures (e.g. “Switch apps” or “Multitasking”) to “Nothing” from the dropdown menus. 
  5. Close the settings window. 

For Mac devices:

  1. Open System Settings
  2. Click Trackpad. 
  3. Go to the More Gestures tab
  4. Uncheck the following gestures if they are enabled
  5. Swipe between pages
  6. Swipe between full-screen apps
  7. Close the settings window

The videos can only be viewed within the Learning Management System – Moodle. Only the instructor or LMS administrator can view the videos.

For more information about Privacy Principles, please visit:  

Useful links

General exam enquiries

Contact Student Central

Campus location 360.3.046

Call us Australia:
1300 6873 624

Call us International:
+61 8 9360 6000

Call us Mandurah campus:
+61 8 9582 5501

Contact us online MyAnswers

Complex exam enquiries

Call us +61 8 9360 2544

Email us exams@murdoch.edu.au

You can also visit Student Central for further assistance.