Supported Operating Systems for Student Testing

This section describes the supported operating systems for computer-based testing that use the secure browser or a web browser. The secure browser provides a secure, online testing environment in which a device is restricted from accessing prohibited computer applications (local or internet-based) or copying or sharing test data. The purposes of this environment are to maintain test security and provide a stable testing experience for students across multiple platforms.

All systems should have the latest minor updates and patches installed for optimal performance. Major updates, including new versions, require review and testing prior to use in CAASPP and ELPAC computer-based testing.

Desktops and Laptops

Table 1 lists the operating systems and devices required for student testing in 2024–25. The details in the Recommended Specifications column are also the minimum requirements needed for improved performance.

Table 1. Supported Desktop Operating Systems

Supported Operating System Supported Versions Recommended Minimum Specifications
Windows
  • 10, 10 in S mode; version 22H2 (Professional, Education, and Enterprise)
  • 11 22H2
  • 12 (upon release and acceptance)
  • Server 2016 R2 (thin client)
  • 64-bit Intel, AMD, and ARM devices (ARM devices require x64 emulation.)
  • 2 or more GB RAM
  • 20 or more GB hard drive space
macOS
  • 12.6
  • 13.6
  • 14
  • 15 (upon release and acceptance)
  • 1.4 GHz 64-bit Intel and Apple silicon devices (Apple silicon devices require Rosetta 2.)
  • 2 or more GB RAM
  • 20 or more GB hard drive space
Linux
  • Fedora 36–37
  • Ubuntu 20 LTS (Gnome)
  • Ubuntu 22 LTS (Gnome)

Tablets

Table 2 lists the supported tablets, operating systems, and related requirements. Refer to the Hardware Configuration section for information about configuring these devices for computer-based or web-based testing.

Table 2. Supported Tablets and Operating Systems

Operating System Supported Version Supported Tablets
iPadOS
  • 16.4
  • 17.1
  • 18 (upon release and acceptance)
All iPads with a 9.7" or larger display and running a supported version of iPadOS are supported.
Windows 10 (Professional, Education, and Enterprise) Any 10" tablet running these versions of Windows is supported, but extensive testing has occurred only on Surface Pro, Surface Pro 3, Asus Transformer, and Dell Venue.

Chromebooks and Chromebases

Table 3 lists the supported operating systems for Chromebooks.

Table 3. Supported Chromebooks

Supported Operating Systems Related Requirements

ChromeOS

  • Version 125 (stable)
  • Version 120+ (LTS)
  • Version 120+ (LTC)
CAI will support any Chrome device that receives auto updates on the stable OS channel and meets the minimum operating system version requirement. CAI will not support any device that Google does not support for auto update. Refer to Google’s Auto Update Policy web page for information on Google’s auto update policy, including a full list of supported Chromebooks.

Thin Clients: NComputing and Terminal Servers for Windows

NComputing

Table 4 lists the supported hardware and software for NComputing solutions. Note that neither Windows 10 nor Windows 11 support USB redirect.

Table 4. Supported NComputing Solutions

Minimum Supported Server Host Supported Server Software Supported Terminal
  • Windows Server 2016 R2
  • Windows 10
vSpace PRO 10
  • L350, firmware version 1.13.xx
  • Windows 11
vSpace PRO 12
  • L350, firmware version 1.13.xx

Terminal Servers

Table 5 lists the supported terminal servers for use with a thin client device.

Table 5. Supported Terminal Servers

Supported Terminal Servers Supported Thin Client
Windows Server 2016 R2 Any thin client that supports a Windows Server is supported. Thin clients allow access only to the program running on the host machine. Zero clients, which allow access to other programs on the client machine, are not supported.