Device and system specifications for eExams

Get your laptop ready for online assessments

Make sure your laptop meets the minimum specifications required to run an online assessment using our eAssessment and eVigilation platforms.

Start device check

You’ll need a laptop to sit your eExam – you’re not allowed to use a Chromebook, tablet, mobile phone or virtual machine. For off-campus eExams you can also use a desktop computer, but to ensure the academic integrity of our exams, you won’t be able to use dual monitors when sitting a recorded eExam (with or without online supervision).

You’ll have access to power during on-campus eExams, in case your laptop doesn’t have enough battery life for the duration of the exam – remember to bring a charging cable you can use on campus.

Your device must:

• have a built-in webcam or USB (external webcam) attached – you can’t use a virtual camera or a camera on your phone
• have the latest operating system version installed
• have the latest version of Google Chrome (used in Incognito mode) with pop-ups enabled (or pop-up blocker disabled) – no other browser can be used for eExams
• have automatic software updates disabled for exam day so you don’t lose connection to the eExam platform
• be connected to a power source for the duration of your exam
• be set to your local timezone.

Network requirements

If you’re sitting your eExam at home, your internet download and upload speeds need to be at least 2Mbps. You can test your internet speed by running a speedtest. If you’re sitting your eExam on campus, we’ve got you covered! Just make sure you’re connected to the fast and secure eduroam wireless network (Australia) or the Monash-Malaysia wireless network.

To ensure your internet connection is not interrupted or slowed, ask other people in your house not to watch Netflix or other streaming applications or download large files while you’re sitting your exam.

Avoid sitting your eExam from your workplace. Many organisations have network security measures (such as firewalls) that could prevent you from connecting to the eAssessment and eVigilation platforms.

If your internet connection drops out during your eExam, don’t panic – your eExam responses are automatically saved every 30 seconds!

If you’re unable to reconnect to your online exam session, call Exam Support – we'll do our best to get you reconnected as soon as possible. We’ll also let your Chief Examiner know you encountered a problem during your exam and whether we were able to resolve it.

If you experience difficulties during your eExam, see getting help and support.

Logging in

You can connect with or without a VPN – just choose the option that gives you the most stable internet connection.

For instructions on how to install VPN and connect using VPN with multi-factor authentication (MFA):

• for students in mainland China, see Monash International VPN
• for all other students, see Monash VPN.

Minimum laptop specifications

We recommend that your laptop use Windows or Mac operating systems that have the following minimum specifications.

You’re not allowed to use Chromebooks, tablets, mobile phones or virtual machines to sit eExams.

Borrowing an eAssessment laptop

Australia students

Loan devices are limited, so if your laptop doesn’t meet the minimum specifications for an eExam, contact the eSolutions Service Desk now. They’ll assess your device and, if necessary, help you arrange a loan laptop for your in-semester or final assessment.

If you're approved for a loan device, you'll need to collect it on exam day from the loan device area on the ground floor of your exam building. You’ll be able to access MoVE applications on your loan device, but you can’t install additional applications on the day. Once you’ve finished your exam, return the loan device straight away.

If you fail to return the loan device at the end of your session, you may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student General Misconduct Procedure (pdf). This may result in a finding of general misconduct and a penalty, such as requiring you to repay the value of the loan device to Monash.

You can also check out our information on buying a computer and financial support options.

Malaysia & Suzhou students

We won't be able to provide you with a loan laptop, but if you’re experiencing issues with your own computer, you can contact IT Support for advice:

• Malaysia: +60 3 5514 5600
• Suzhou: +800 666 274 73 (Free call from landline only, international calling must be enabled.)

Setting up your browser

On the latest version of Google Chrome:

1. Open an incognito window.
2. Enable pop-ups (or disable your pop-up blocker if you have one).
3. Disable notifications for any system or application on your device so they don’t distract you during your eExam.

Incognito mode must be used for all eExams.

Webcams, earbuds and headphones

For eExams and eExams with online supervision

You’ll need a functioning webcam, as well as a headset, earbuds or headphones with a working microphone in case you need to communicate with your online supervisor/support staff. You need to check your audio and visual settings before your exam to make sure they’re working – you won't be able to sit your supervised eExam without them.

You aren’t permitted to listen to music during supervised eExams, as you need to be able to hear your online supervisor.

For on-campus eExams

You no longer need to bring headphones to your on-campus eExam (unless you’ve been instructed to). Exam staff will communicate with you in-person rather than online for your on-campus exams.

Smartphones

You’ll need a smartphone to log into the eAssessment platform using Okta multi-factor authentication.

You may also need to use your phone if:

• you’re sitting your eExam from home and you’re required to scan and upload images of your exam space.
• your eExam requires you to handwrite or draw some answers - you’ll need to scan and upload images of your handwritten/drawn answers.

Your smartphone must be fully charged and have:

• the Okta Verify app or Google Authenticator
• a working camera
• a QR code app
• wifi enabled or data connectivity.

For instructions on setting up multi-factor authentication, see multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• If you have a recorded eExam or an eExam with online supervision that you’re sitting from home, we recommend that your mobile device has the following specifications to ensure you’re able to photograph your exam space as part of your pre-exam steps.See instructions for photographing your exam space.

1. Tap Settings > Safari.
2. Adjust the following settings:
3. Tap Advanced > JavaScript: ON

• Block Pop-ups: ON
• Block All Cookies: OFF
• Camera: ALLOW

1. In Chrome, tap Site Settings.
2. Adjust the following settings:
3. In Chrome, tap Settings and enable notifications.
4. Ensure the cache is cleared.

• Cookies: ALLOW COOKIES
• Camera: ENABLED
• Motion sensors: ENABLED
• JavaScript: ENABLED

eExams using Safe Exam Browser

If your eExam requires the use of Safe Exam Browser, we’ll send you an email with information about installing the necessary software and what to expect when using a lock-down browser.

See eExams using Safe Exam Browser for more details.