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SPECIFICTION
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Safe Exam Browser

safeexambrowser.org

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What it is

Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a browser environment for e-assessments that restricts a device to exam use. It runs locally and connects over the internet or a LAN to a learning management system or web-based exam system. Listed compatible systems include Moodle, ILIAS, OpenOlat, Open edX, Canvas, and Inspera Assessment. SEB supports encrypted exam configurations, URL filtering, restricted browser windows, and detection of virtual machines or jailbroken devices.

Controls vary by platform. On Windows, process monitoring can hide or terminate disallowed programs, while administrators can permit selected third-party applications. On iOS, Assessment Mode blocks app switching, unauthorized websites, notifications, calls, and screenshots; activation requires a SEB Quit Password. SEB has no central server or cloud service, though an optional open-source server can be self-hosted. Optional audio or video proctoring is disabled by default and requires candidate consent when configured. SEB is freeware for Windows, macOS, and iOS. The security module for application integrity verification is distributed only as a binary, not as open source.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Safe Exam Browser is a browser environment for e-assessments that temporarily turns a computer into a secure workstation and restricts access to unauthorized system functions, websites and applications.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Intended users
SEB is designed for secure exams on both students’ unmanaged computers and institution-managed Windows, macOS and iOS devices.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Platforms
The official download page lists current clients for Windows, macOS and iOS/iPadOS.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Privacy
SEB says it does not send personal information to a centralized server or use web analytics, user tracking or clickstream analytics; local log files may contain device and usage details.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Support
SEB support is generally for exam system administrators, while students are directed to their school or exam-system provider for help.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Founded
2009Read 23 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Exam controls
Features include encrypted exam configuration files, URL filtering, fullscreen or restricted browser windows, and detection of virtual machines or jailbroken devices.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
How it works
SEB runs locally and connects to a learning management system or web-based exam system over the internet or a LAN.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
iOS controls
SEB for iOS uses the operating system’s Assessment Mode to block app switching, unauthorized websites, notifications, calls and screenshots; a SEB Quit Password is required to activate that mode.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
LMS compatibility
The site lists Moodle, ILIAS, OpenOlat, Open edX, Canvas integrations and Inspera Assessment among compatible systems, and says SEB can work with basically any web-based examination system.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Optional proctoring
Video or audio proctoring through a video-conferencing service is optional, disabled by default, and requires candidate consent when configured.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Optional server
SEB does not use a central server or cloud service; SEB Server is an optional open-source component that can be installed on a self-operated server.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Security limitation
The site says current versions contain a security module for application integrity verification, but that module is distributed only as a binary and is not open source.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org
Windows controls
On Windows, process monitoring can hide or terminate disallowed processes, and administrators can allow selected third-party applications to run during an exam.Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org

Plans and prices

Safe Exam Browser Free Released as freeware · Windows, macOS and iOS clients Read 29 Sep 2026 · safeexambrowser.org

Every Safe Exam Browser plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free clients for Windows, macOS, and iOS.
  • Supports multiple named learning systems.
  • Blocks app switching on iOS.
  • Optional server can be self-hosted.
  • Optional proctoring requires candidate consent.

Limits

  • Integrity-verification module is not open source.
  • iOS Assessment Mode requires a SEB Quit Password.
  • Students are directed to their school for support.

Who it suits

SEB is designed for exam administrators running assessments on students’ unmanaged computers or institution-managed Windows, macOS, and iOS devices. Students seeking help are directed to their school or exam-system provider.

Verdict

SEB offers local exam controls across Windows, macOS, and iOS, with no central cloud service. Administrators should note the non-open-source integrity module and platform-specific setup requirements.

Where Specifiction places it

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