The NAPLAN test window in 2024 is Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March To prepare and confirm devices are ready to run NAPLAN testing, schools are encouraged to turn on the devices and check that the updated locked down browser is available. Built into the lock down browser are demonstration tests for years 3, 5, 7 and 9. To confirm the Lock Down Browser is functioning, commence a demonstration test and complete a few questions.
UPDATE 21 February 2024: The Chromebook LDB was replaced and will revert to a Kiosk app. Please check the Chromebook section below for details.
To ensure a smooth NAPLAN experience for your students, it's important to confirm that all devices to be used for testing are NAPLAN ready. The information below will assist you:
- Verify your devices meet NAPLAN’s technical requirements
- Review the instructions for the different supported devices listed below to verify the browser is installed on each device
- Configure your device settings
- Ensure sufficient headsets, keyboards and mice are available and that all mobile devices are fully charged on test day(s)
- Confirm that a demonstration test works properly in the Locked Down Browser
- Check NAPLAN Device requirements which also includes a linked PDF of known device issues that is regularly updated
Locked down browser
The national assessment platform used for NAPLAN can only be accessed using a locked down browser (LDB). It is available for Windows, Mac, iPad and Chromebook.
The locked down browser is a custom browser that increases the security of the exam environment. It disables the camera, spell check, screenshot, home, back and power button features, and prevents:
- students from accessing other applications, web pages, software or hardware features
- the use of operating system commands, such as functions accessed by CTRL-ALT-DEL
- execution in a virtual machine or a virtual desktop, such as Citrix Virtual, VMware or Parallels on Mac
- the user from exiting without confirmation.
For more information on the locked down browser, visit the NAP technology page.
Verifying/Installing the locked down browser
All schools sitting NAPLAN should have most of their compatible managed devices automatically installed with the latest version of the locked down browser. Some devices may require local deployment. Each device intended for testing use should be checked and confirmed first.
eT4L Windows devices
The latest version of the locked down browser is v5.6.15 (Updated: 30-Nov-2023). It was deployed automatically to all schools, starting from the end of December 2023.
For schools where the automated installation has not occurred on a device, you can install via the Universal Desktop Management portal (UDM) - located under Enterprise Agreement Software and listed as NAP Locked Down Browser v5.6.15.
Locked down browser manual installation guide for eT4L devices (PDF 47.73KB)
Chromebooks
The NAP Chromebook LDB (v0.16.0.1) is accessed via a kiosk app on DoE-enrolled Chromebook devices from Thursday 22 February. The locked down browser launcher can be found in the Apps menu on the start-up screen that appears prior to log in. The new Chromebook LDB has a white and blue icon.
To function correctly, every Chromebook must be running Chrome OS v90 or later. Chromebook devices must be manufactured during 2016 or later. They must also be enrolled in the NSW Department of Education Chromebook Management Console. If your school manages its own Google Chromebook Management Console, please follow the steps below. Chromebooks operating outside Chromebook Management Console are not supported for NAPLAN testing.
To confirm the current Chrome OS version, logon to the Chromebook, then click the time in the bottom-right corner. Click the Gear ⚙ icon, then choose About Chrome OS on the left. If the version is lower than 90, click the 'Check for Updates' button. If the update installs, you will need to restart the Chromebook to make it active. Any Chromebooks that are running versions of Chrome OS older than 90 should not be used for NAPLAN testing.
ERROR: "Kiosk Application could not be installed"
Some schools have reported the above error on some Chromebooks when launching the NAP Locked Down Browser. The cause is a insufficient free storage space left on the Chromebook. This is a common situation where your Chromebooks have been shared by many separate students and their local user profiles have consumed all available space.
Solution: You will need to Powerwash the Chromebook before it can be used for NAPLAN testing.
FOR SCHOOLS MANAGING THEIR OWN GOOGLE DOMAIN:
If your school's Chromebooks are enrolled in an alternate domain that the school manages, you are responsible for deploying the correct LDB. Please refer to the Chrome OS Locked Down Browser User Guide, which can be found at ACARA's Assessform webpage.
Apple Macs
The latest version of the locked down browser is v5.7.1 (Updated: 9-Jan-2024).
Apple Macs in schools should be managed by Jamf Pro. To assist schools with using their Jamf Pro-managed compatible Apple Mac devices for NAPLAN testing, the department has released a self-service deployment option for the NAP Locked Down Browser (LDB).
If the managed Mac device is running Mac OS Catalina (10.15.6) or later, the NAP LDB program will appear as an option in the Jamf Self Service app. Selecting the option will deploy the LDB to the Mac automatically.
For schools with multiple compatible managed Macs, it is possible to create a Jamf Pro policy to deploy the NAPLAN locked down browser automatically to selected or all enrolled Mac devices. The Jamf Pro console manager at your school can follow the step-by-step guide to create the necessary local policy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Rosetta 2 is required to run the locked down browser on Mac devices with M1 or M2 processors. If Rosetta 2 is not installed on the MacOS device, the user will be automatically prompted to install it the first time the LDB is run.
Schools with unmanaged Apple Macs should visit the NAP Technology page to access the latest version.
Apple iPad
The latest version of the locked down browser is v5.6.30 (Updated: 30-Nov-2023).
On iPad, a NAPLAN locked down browser App can be installed. A minimum of iOS 15 is required. See the NAP Technology page to access the latest version. If your devices are managed using JAMF Pro follow this step by step guide to push the browser out to all your devices and set any necessary settings. If you are having any difficulty with this process contact your local Apple Champ via EDConnect.
Non-managed devices
For other school-owned, non-managed devices, please visit the NAP technology page.
Bring your own device
Schools may adopt a 'bring your own device' (BYO device) policy, allowing students to use their own devices to sit NAPLAN. Each device will require the installation of the locked down browser application. This can be downloaded from the NAP technology page.
The use of a personal Windows or Mac computer or tablet for national tests is supported by ACARA, provided the device meets the technical requirements for NAPLAN. BYO Chromebooks are NOT supported. Please read more in the Chromebooks section above. Schools will be responsible for managing the installation of the locked down browser on supported BYO devices.
Questions or issues relating to device testing and preparation?
Please call EDConnect on 1300 32 32 32 option 5 and pass on all details about your query. There is also a NAPLAN Team community on Yammer that is available for asking questions and getting advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do schools have enough devices or bandwidth to deliver NAPLAN?
Technical readiness activities identified schools that required additional resources, such as devices, bandwidth, and Wi-Fi. As a result, there was significant investment in network infrastructure and bandwidth speed to prepare school for the move to online testing.
Can iPads or tablets be used?
Yes. Some iPads and tablets can be used, providing they meet the technical requirements. For further information, check the Device requirements page on the Assessform website.
Do students need headphones or earphones to complete NAPLAN?
Yes. Headphones or earphones are required for each student to complete NAPLAN. For example, the spelling test includes audio delivery of words that students are required to type in.
Will students need a mouse when using laptops?
No. A mouse is not necessary for successful interaction with the online items, although they can be used if a school prefers this approach.
What happens if a computer experiences issues during a test session?
No student is disadvantaged if their device stops working during the NAPLAN assessments. In the case of interruptions, tests can be paused and resumed as required with no time lost. If a device stops working, all responses will have been saved and the student can usually complete their test in a rescheduled session.
Getting ready for NAPLAN
For other advice relating to preparing the school for running NAPLAN testing sessions, please visit the department’s NAPLAN site.