Honorlock has two different ways that instructors can proctor exams: a desktop application (app) with the Chrome browser extension or using only the Chrome browser extension. Working alongside the Honorlock browser extension, the Honorlock desktop application provides an extra layer of protection to guard against apps that run outside the browser to secure the exam environment more thoroughly. A course can have some exams use just the extension while other exams use the desktop app along with the extension.
Instructors must choose a proctoring method for each Honorlock exam. Review the chart below to compare the two options and determine which best fits for each exam.
| Feature | Chrome Browser Extension Only | Honorlock Desktop App with Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Type | Web extension (runs strictly within the Chrome browser) | Application that is downloaded on the computer that works in conjunction with the Chrome browser extension |
| Supported Devices | Windows, MacOS, and Chromebooks (Chrome OS) | Windows and MacOS only (While Chromebooks can't install native desktop apps, students can still use Chromebooks to take tests using the standard browser extension) |
| Scope of Lockdown | Browser-level (in-browser lockdown, tab navigation, screen recording, web traffic logging) | *Monitors the Chrome browser and computer desktop to block any unauthorized external applications; if Browser Guard is also enabled, the browser will be locked down |
| Software Detection Capability | Detects and blocks unauthorized browser tabs, extensions, and web-based tools | Detects and blocks locally installed desktop applications (e.g., local AI tools, background software) in addition to unauthorized browser tabs, extensions, and web-based tools |
| Permissions Required | Chrome browser permissions (webcam, microphone, screen share, tab access) | Computer administrator access (Admin Access) required to download the application |
| Access Requirements | One-click installation from the Chrome Web Store | Downloaded and installed as an executable file onto the computer; prompted automatically during the exam launch, after the Chrome browser extension is installed. |
| Set-up & Storage Requirements | Lower system resource usage; lives entirely within the browser | **Requires a local file download and space on the computer to install the desktop application |
| Post-Exam Cleanup | Easily removed directly via Chrome's extension manager | Uninstalled via standard computer software/program settings |
*The Honorlock desktop app enhances exam security by gaining more controls over the computer while it is being used to take an exam.
**The desktop app requires that students have administrative access to the computer to be able to download the app. Chromebooks are exempt from this requirement since they are not able to download apps. When an exam requires the app to proctor it, Honorlock can see that a student is using a Chromebook and will automatically override the proctor settings for just that student to use the extension with the Chromebook.
Other important considerations
- If a student cannot download the desktop app on their computer and the exam requires the desktop app for proctoring, they will not be able to access the exam.
- A duplicate of the exam can be made, set up to use the extension, and assigned to only students unable to download the application. See Prepare Students to Use Honorlock for how to best find out who may need this option.
- For exams where students may need to use another desktop application to complete the exam (MATLab, Excel, etc.), you will need to require the students to use the Honorlock desktop app. Then, you will use the Manage Allowed Applications area to designate which application students can use during the exam.