Supported Operating Systems and Devices for Student Testing

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. This environment maintains test security and provides 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.

A supported operating system is one for which CAI provides updates to the secure browser for that operating system. CAI provides such updates as the supported operating systems are updated or as bugs in the secure browser are detected and fixed.

Support for New Major Operating System Versions

New major versions of supported operating systems must be tested by CAI before they can be used for computer-based and web-based testing. Do not upgrade to new major versions before support is officially announced.

CAI recommends users disable auto updates to keep systems from upgrading during testing. Refer to appendix A for a description of how operating systems are supported and to the Support Plan for Operating Systems section of the CAI Technology Guide for a list of supported operating systems.

Chromebook and Chromebase Configuration Notes

Note the following about ChromeOS devices:

  • In 2022, Google introduced the LTC and LTS channels for ChromeOS. CAI strongly recommends the use of these channels, which feature frequent security fixes but release feature updates only every six months. Refer to Long-term Support (LTS) on Chrome OS for more information.
  • While CAI actively works to support new versions of the Chrome operating system as they are released, automatic updates should be disabled until new versions are listed as supported. Disabling automatic updates allows CAI to review changes and address any updates that pose a potential risk to student testing. Configure automatic update settings in the Google Admin console.
  • Users with Chromebooks manufactured in 2017 or later who do not have an Enterprise or Education license will not be able to use those machines for assessments. As of 2017, Google no longer allows users without these licenses to set up kiosk mode, which is necessary to run the CAI Secure Browser. This will prevent most personal devices from being used for assessments unless the device has an Enterprise or Education license.
  • ChromeOS includes a feature called tablet mode, which offers a touchscreen environment for supported Chromebooks and for ChromeOS tablets. CAI does not support the use of tablet mode for testing but does support touchscreen features on Chromebooks when available.

Unsupported Technologies

What follows are technologies that are not supported for computer-based testing:

  • Raspberry Pi and other similar single-board devices.
  • Devices with Android OS installed

Terminal Services for Windows

Using Terminal Services or a remote desktop to access a secure browser installed on a Windows server or workstation does not constitute a secure test environment and is not recommended for testing. (In this scenario, students could use their local devices to access the internet.) Refer to the Installing on a Terminal Server or Windows Server subsection in the Secure Browser subsection for Windows for more information.