Device and system specifications for eExams
Computer requirements
You need a laptop to sit your eExam. Chromebooks, tablets and mobile phones can’t be used to sit eExams. 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 supervised online exam.
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.
Your device must:
- have a webcam
- 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
- (for off-campus eExams) be connected to a power source for the duration of your exam.
Recommended minimum laptop specifications
We recommend that your laptop have the following minimum specifications.
Windows | macOS | |
---|---|---|
Processor | i5 2.2GHz /AMD A6 1.8Ghz | 1.2GHz dual-core m3 |
Operating system | Windows 10 | macOS 10.14 Mojave |
Memory | 8GB | 8GB |
Hard drive | 120GB SSD (solid state drive) | 120GB SSD (solid state drive) |
Display | 14" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution | 13" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution |
Battery life | 4 hours under normal use | 4 hours under normal use |
Wi-fi | 802.11ac or better | 802.11ac or better |
Webcam | User facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers | User facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers |
Test your device to run eExams
You can use our secure device test to check whether your computer can run a Monash eExam. The testing program will check the processor, screen, storage, operating system, battery health and memory of your computer. If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, you might encounter some technical issues during your eExam.
If you have an eExam with online supervision, you should also check that your webcam, microphone and speakers are working before exam day (the current version of the testing program doesn’t test these features). If you need help, contact eExams IT Support.
To test your device:
- Download the testing program to your device:
- When prompted, allow the testing program permission to run on your computer (so it can generate a report on your computer’s system capabilities).
- Launch the Monash Device Checker application.
- Click the Start device test button to run the test.
The diagnostic report (.txt file) will save automatically to your computer so you can share it with the eExam IT Support team (if required). - If the test shows that you could encounter some issues running a Monash eExam on your computer, contact the eExam IT Support team for advice (they may ask to see the diagnostic report).
eExams IT Support
Australia: +61 3 9905 4300
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm (Melbourne time)
Privacy and data security
Your personal data won’t be accessed, collected or stored during the testing process, and no changes will be made to your device.
Need a computer?
Australia students
In-semester assessments: If your laptop doesn't meet the recommended specifications for your in-semester online assessments, you'll need to source your own alternative device.
Final assessments: Loan devices are limited, so if your device 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 device.
Loan devices are only available as replacements for primary exam devices. You’ll need to source your own alternative secondary device if your assessment allows you to have one.
If you're approved for a loan device, you'll need to collect it on exam day from the Exams Support Hub (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 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.
Setting up your browser
On the latest version of Google Chrome:
- enable pop-ups (or disable pop-up blocker)
- ensure any system or application notifications are disabled so they don’t distract you during your eExam.
Chrome in Incognito mode must be used for all eExams.
Safe Exam Browser
If your eExam requires Safe Exam Browser, see eExams using Safe Exam Browser.
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.
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.
Webcam, earbuds and headphones
For supervised eExams, you’ll need a functioning webcam and headset, earbuds or headphones with a working microphone to communicate with your online supervisor. 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.
If you’ve got an on-campus eExam without supervision, you might like to use noise cancelling headphones, earbuds or earplugs to minimise distractions.
Smartphones
Your smartphone must be fully charged and have:
- the Okta Verify app or Google Authenticator
- a working camera
- a QR code app
- wi-fi-enabled or data connectivity.
For instructions on setting up multi-factor authentication, see multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Photographing your exam room: recommended specifications
If you have a supervised eExam, 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.
Mobile device specifications
Android | iOS | |
---|---|---|
Operating system version |
4.1 or above (released July 2012) |
11.0 or above (released September 2017) |
Compatible browser |
Chrome version 55+ (released December 2016) |
Safari version 13+ (released September 2019) |
QR code scanner |
Inbuilt or QR code app (ensure the scanner or app is enabled) |
Set up your phone to photograph your exam room
- In Chrome, tap Site Settings.
- Adjust the following settings:
- Cookies: ALLOW COOKIES
- Camera: ENABLED
- Motion sensors: ENABLED
- JavaScript: ENABLED
- In Chrome, tap Settings and enable notifications.
- Ensure the cache is cleared.
- Tap Settings > Safari.
- Adjust the following settings:
- Block Pop-ups: ON
- Block All Cookies: OFF
- Camera: ALLOW
- Tap Advanced > JavaScript: ON
- In Chrome, tap Site Settings.
- Adjust the following settings:
- Cookies: ALLOW COOKIES
- Camera: ENABLED
- Motion sensors: ENABLED
- JavaScript: ENABLED
- In Chrome, tap Settings and enable notifications.
- Ensure the cache is cleared.
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