Pearson Lockdown Browser Can Access Your Webcam, But Only When Configured
Pearson Lockdown Browser does not automatically use your webcam. However, your instructor or test administrator can configure it to require webcam monitoring during an exam. When this setting is turned on, the browser will access your webcam to record video of you and your testing environment. You will see a notification when the webcam is active, and the recording stops when the exam ends.
Whether your specific exam uses webcam monitoring depends entirely on how your school or testing organization set up that particular test. Some exams require it; many do not. You can ask your instructor before the exam whether webcam monitoring is enabled for your test.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser only accesses your webcam if your instructor explicitly enables webcam monitoring for that exam.
- When webcam monitoring is on, you will receive a clear on-screen notification before the exam begins.
- The webcam records video of you and your surroundings to prevent cheating; the recording is stored by Pearson and your institution.
- You can disable webcam access in your computer's system settings before the exam, but doing so will typically prevent you from starting the test.
- Contact your instructor or testing center if you have concerns about webcam use or cannot enable camera access on your device.
How Webcam Monitoring Works in Lockdown Browser
When webcam monitoring is enabled, Lockdown Browser requires your camera to be connected and working before you can begin the exam. The browser will ask for permission to access your webcam, similar to how other applications request camera access. Once you grant permission, the webcam remains active throughout the entire test and records continuous video.
The video feed shows your face and upper body, as well as the area around your computer. This recording is intended to verify that you are the person taking the exam and that you are not using unauthorized materials or receiving help from others. The video file is uploaded to Pearson's servers and is typically retained by your school for a set period.
Checking Your Device's Webcam Permissions
Before you take a Lockdown Browser exam, verify that your device has a working webcam and that you know how to grant camera permissions. On Windows, open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and select Camera to see which apps have permission. On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Security & Privacy, and check the Camera tab.
If you have previously denied Lockdown Browser access to your camera, you will need to change that permission before the exam. You can do this in the same privacy settings. If your device does not have a built-in camera, you can use an external USB webcam; Lockdown Browser will detect it automatically.
What Happens If Your Webcam Is Not Working
If your webcam is not functioning and your exam requires webcam monitoring, Lockdown Browser will not allow you to start the test. You will see an error message indicating that the camera is unavailable. In this situation, contact your instructor or testing center when ready to discuss your options.
Some institutions allow you to reschedule the exam to a time when you have access to a working camera. Others may offer an alternative testing location, such as a proctored testing center on campus, where a human proctor supervises instead of relying on webcam recording. Do not wait until exam day to discover this problem; test your camera setup at least one day before your scheduled exam.
Disabling Webcam Access Before an Exam
You can prevent Lockdown Browser from accessing your webcam by changing your device's camera permissions in system settings. However, if your exam requires webcam monitoring, the browser will detect that the camera is unavailable and will not allow you to proceed. You will receive an error message instead of being able to start the test.
Disabling the webcam is not a workaround to avoid monitoring; it straightforward makes the exam inaccessible. If you have privacy concerns about webcam use, the appropriate step is to speak with your instructor or school's testing office before the exam date, not to disable the camera on exam day.
Privacy and Data Storage of Webcam Recordings
Webcam recordings captured by Lockdown Browser are stored on Pearson's servers and are also retained by your school or testing organization. These recordings are considered part of your exam record and are subject to your institution's data retention policies. Typically, schools keep exam recordings for one to three years, though this varies by institution.
Your school's privacy policy and the Pearson user agreement govern how these recordings can be used. Generally, they are used only for exam integrity purposes and are not shared outside your institution without your consent. If you have questions about how your specific school handles webcam recordings, contact your registrar's office or testing center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lockdown Browser access my webcam without my permission?
No. Your operating system requires you to grant camera permission before any process, including Lockdown Browser, can use the webcam. You will see a permission prompt, and you must click "Allow" for the browser to access the camera. If you deny permission, the webcam cannot be used.
Will my webcam be on during the entire exam?
Yes, if webcam monitoring is enabled for your exam, the camera will remain active from the moment you start the test until you submit your final answers. The recording is continuous and captures your face, upper body, and the area around your computer throughout the entire duration.
Can I cover my webcam with tape or a sticker?
Covering your webcam will prevent Lockdown Browser from recording, but it will also trigger an error that stops you from taking the exam. If webcam monitoring is required, the browser will detect that the camera is blocked and will not allow you to proceed. Covering the camera is not a viable option if your exam requires it.
What if I do not want to use my webcam for an exam?
Contact your instructor or testing center before the exam date to discuss your concerns. Some schools offer alternative proctoring methods, such as in-person supervision at a testing center, or may be willing to make accommodations depending on your situation. Waiting until exam day to raise this issue will leave you without options.
Is the webcam recording stored on my computer or only on Pearson's servers?
The recording is uploaded to Pearson's servers and stored there along with your exam data. A copy may also be stored by your school's testing system. The recording is not saved to your personal computer; it exists only on the servers maintained by Pearson and your institution.