Safe Exam Browser vs TAO

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.

TAO is an online platform for creating, delivering and managing digital assessments. Authors can build tests manually, convert existing exam files, use AI-assisted drafting or import QTI packages. Question formats include Choice, Extended Text, File Upload, Hotspot and Text Entry. Scoring supports automatic and manual methods, partial credit, weighted responses and cut scores, with branching logic also available. Results can be reviewed through session and test-taker reports, custom reports, CSV results, Data Explorer and TAO Insights. TAO supports QTI 2.2 and QTI 3.0, and promotes interoperability through QTI and LTI. Delivery options include online, LMS via LTI, test centers, local proctoring, and cloud-hosted or self-hosted configurations. TAO Cloud offers shared or private hosting using providers including AWS, Google Cloud and Linode. Starter is free for one author and 50 learner attempts monthly; Community Edition is a free, self-hosted open-source option. Paid plans include TAO Author at $149 a month and TAO Ignite at $990 a month; custom plans are also listed.