Location verification
For your upcoming exam, PSI Secure Browser will confirm the location you're testing from during check-in. It only takes a moment if your computer is set up beforehand.
Why we check your location
Required by your test sponsor
Some exams can only be taken from certain places, such as specific countries or US states. Your test sponsor sets these rules.
Protects your results
Confirming where an exam is taken helps protect the value of your credential.
Checked at check-in only
Your location is checked when you start Secure Browser and during check-in. It is not tracked while you take your exam.
Open your location settings
An overview of the process
Before test day, turn on location services
Turn on location services on your computer before you open Secure Browser. If location is off when Secure Browser starts, it will close, and you'll need to turn location on and launch again.
Allow Secure Browser to use your location
On a Mac, select Allow when asked. On Windows, there's no pop-up; location just needs to be turned on in Settings.
Confirm your location at check-in
On the Location Services Enablement screen, select Check Location. When your status shows Permitted, select Continue.
What you will need
A supported computer
Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. See our system requirements.
Location services turned on
Turned on before you open Secure Browser. Steps are below.
Wi-Fi, if you have it
Wi-Fi isn’t required, and a wired connection works. If your computer has Wi-Fi, turn it on.
No VPN
Disconnect from any VPN before you open Secure Browser.
How to turn on location services: Windows
Windows 11
Each setting depends on the one before it, so turn them on in this order.
Open Settings, then select Privacy & security, then Location.
Turn on Location services.
Turn on Let apps access your location.
Select the arrow next to Let apps access your location to open the list of apps. Scroll to the bottom of the list and turn on Let desktop apps access your location.
You don’t need to turn on any of the individual apps in the list. Secure Browser is a desktop app, so step 4 covers it.
Windows 10
Open Settings, then select Privacy.
In the menu on the left, under App permissions, select Location.
Under Allow access to location on this device, check that location is on. If it's off, select Change and turn the switch on.
Turn on Allow apps to access your location.
Scroll down past the list of apps and turn on Allow desktop apps to access your location.
You don’t need to turn on any of the individual apps in the list. Secure Browser is a desktop app, so step 5 covers it.
Note for Windows: Windows won’t ask you for permission when Secure Browser starts. Location must already be on. If your computer is managed by your employer or school, location may be turned off by your organization. Use a personal computer instead.
How to turn on location services: Mac
macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later.
Open System Settings, then select Privacy & Security, then Location Services.
Turn on Location Services.
When you start Secure Browser, a message will ask to let PSI Bridge Secure Browser use your location. Select Allow. Respond right away; the request times out after a few seconds.
If you selected Don’t Allow before: your Mac won’t ask again. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, find PSI Bridge Secure Browser in the list, and turn it on.
What you'll see during check-in
After the security check, you’ll see the Location Services Enablement screen.
Allow Location Access
Opens your computer’s location settings, if you need to change them.
Check Location
Checks your location. It can take a few seconds.
Status
Shows Permitted when your location is confirmed. Then select Continue.
Network connection
Shows whether a VPN was detected. If it says VPN or proxy detected, disconnect your VPN and select Check Location again.
If something goes wrong
Find what happened, then follow the fix. If the problem continues, contact PSI Support.
If Secure Browser closes when you start your exam
If Secure Browser shows a message about your location and then closes, it couldn’t get your computer’s location. Turn on location services (Windows steps, Mac steps) and disconnect from any VPN, then go back to your exam link and launch your exam again. For the quick version of these steps, go to psiexams.com/geo.
If Secure Browser says your location isn't permitted
Your exam can’t be taken from where you are. Your test sponsor sets these rules, and they can’t be changed or overridden during check-in. Contact your test sponsor or PSI Support.
Messages you might see:
- “You are trying to access the test from a blocked location” (when Secure Browser starts)
- “This exam session cannot proceed from your current location” (during check-in)
If the location check doesn't work during check-in
On the Location Services Enablement screen:
- Make sure location services are on and any VPN is disconnected. If your computer has Wi-Fi, turn it on.
- If Secure Browser doesn’t have permission, select Allow Location Access to open your computer’s settings and turn it on.
- Select Check Location again. It can take a few seconds.
If it keeps happening, contact PSI Support.
Messages you might see:
- “We couldn’t detect your location…”
- “This exam requires access to your device’s location to continue…”
- “We can’t confirm your location is permitted for this exam…”
- “We’re unable to verify your location, which is required to begin this exam…”
If Secure Browser says your computer isn't supported
Use a different computer that meets the system requirements.
Message you might see:
- “Your device doesn’t support the location check required for this exam”
These messages currently appear in English.
Your privacy
What we collect
Your computer’s location (as reported by its location services), how accurate that location is, and whether a VPN connection is active.
When
When you start Secure Browser and during check-in. Your location is not tracked while you take your exam.
Why
To confirm you’re testing from a location your test sponsor permits.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my exam includes a location check?
Check with your test sponsor. If you aren’t sure, follow the setup steps on this page before test day. Exams without a location check don’t need these steps.
Is my location tracked during my exam?
No. It’s checked when you start Secure Browser and during check-in, and again only if you need to relaunch.
Can I use a VPN?
No. Disconnect from any VPN before you open Secure Browser.
I live near a state or country border. Will that be a problem?
Computer location isn’t always exact. Take your exam from a location well inside the permitted area.
My computer doesn't have Wi-Fi.
That’s fine. Secure Browser can find your location over a wired connection. Make sure location services are on and any VPN is disconnected.
I selected Don't Allow on my Mac.
The location pop-up on my Mac disappeared before I could answer.
Select Check Location again, or launch your exam again, and select Allow right away.
Can a proctor or PSI support let me continue if my location isn't permitted?
No. Location rules are set by your test sponsor and can’t be overridden during check-in.
Will the location check affect my score?
No. It only decides whether you can start your exam.
We're here to help
Whatever your testing needs, our friendly, experienced team is here to provide guidance and answer your questions.