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Technology 4 Learning

Technology 4 Learning

Telephone1300 323 232

Emailt4linnovations@det.nsw.edu.au (General enquiries)

NAPLAN – Checking your devices

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: 

  1. Verify your devices meet NAPLAN’s technical requirements
  2. Review the instructions for the different supported devices listed below to verify the browser is installed on each device
  3. Configure your device settings
  4. Ensure sufficient headsets, keyboards and mice are available and that all mobile devices are fully charged on test day(s)
  5. Confirm that a demonstration test works properly in the Locked Down Browser
  6. 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.

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 computer or tablet for national tests is supported by ACARA, provided the device meets the technical requirements for NAPLAN. Schools will be responsible for managing the installation of the locked down browser on 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.

Getting ready for NAPLAN

For other advice relating to preparing the school for running NAPLAN testing sessions, please visit the department’s NAPLAN site.