Device and system set-up
Computer requirements
You’ll 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.
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 on-campus eExams) have enough battery life for the duration of your eExam as you may not have access to power in the exam room. Portable battery packs are highly recommended
- (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 | OS X 10.13 |
Memory | 8GB | 8GB |
Hard drive | 250GB SSD (solid state drive) | 250GB SSD (solid state drive) |
Display | 14" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution | 13" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution |
Battery life | 8 hours under normal use | 8 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 |
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.
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 the eExams Support Hotline on +603 55145600 – 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 and headphones
For supervised eExams, you’ll need a functioning webcam, headphones and audio connection 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.
Smartphones
Your smartphone must be fully charged and have:
- the Okta Verify app or Google Authenticator
- a working camera
- a QR code app
- wifi enabled or data connectivity.
For instructions on setting up multi-factor authentication, see multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Photographing your exam room: recommended device specifications
Photographing your exam room: recommended device specifications If you have a supervised eExam that you’re sitting from home, we recommend that your mobile device have 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) | |
Chrome settings
- 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.
Safari settings
- Tap Settings > Safari.
- Adjust the following settings:
- Block All Cookies: off
- Camera: allow
- Block Pop-ups: on.
- Tap Advanced > JavaScript: on.