Test Taker System Requirements
PSI Secure Browser and Chrome Extension system requirements
Click the below links to access the system requirements for secure browser and Chrome Extension:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unsupported operating systems and Chromebooks (only supported for Chrome Extension users) can be used during testing; however, PSI does not guarantee they will work with our proctoring platforms and no troubleshooting can occur if they do not function as expected.
Best practices for your online test
- Make sure you have thoroughly reviewed the system requirements prior to taking the exam.
- Run a system compatibility check, using the latest version of the Chrome browser.
- Take the tutorial prior to test day. Tutorial tests give you a chance to walk through the proctoring process, including checks for any prohibited programs, prior to test day.
- Make sure you are using a computer that you have administrative rights – try to use a personal computer instead of a work computer.
- Restart your computer prior to launching the test.
- We recommend having 50% free memory prior to launching the test.
- Lower your screen resolution to the recommended size of 1920 x 1080.
- If you are using a macOS computer – please disable Bluetooth prior to launching the test.
- Ensure you have an adequate internet connection prior to launching the test – other individuals streaming shows or using the internet during the test can affect your connection.
- Close any programs not being used for the test prior to launching the test.
- If you have multiple cameras or microphones, please unplug or disable any microphones or cameras not being used during the testing session.
- Make sure you are testing in a secure/private environment and that you are dressed as though you will be taking the test in public
- Adjust your lighting to ensure the proctor can see you during the test.
- Make sure your desk/workspace is free from clutter during testing – anything not needed for testing is required to be out of reach during the test.
- No individuals are allowed in the testing area during the test – this includes infants/babies/children and pets.
- If you are using an Ubuntu computer – do not launch the browser from the console. You will need to “run as a program” from the desktop.
PSI Secure Browser system requirements
System minimum requirements
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unsupported operating systems and Chromebooks (only supported for Chrome Extension users) can be used during the testing session, however, PSI does not guarantee they will work with our proctoring platform and no troubleshooting can occur if they do not function as expected.
Operating Systems
Note: New operating systems will be supported within 30 days of a new operating system's official public release date.
Beta versions of new operating systems are not supported.
Windows
Supported:
- Windows 10 (64-bit only)
- Windows 11 (64-bit only)
Unsupported:
- Windows with Snapdragon
- Windows 10s
- Windows 10 in S-Mode
- Windows 11 in S-Mode
- Windows Education
- Windows Enterprise (all versions)
MacOS
Supported:
- macOS Tahoe (26.x)
- macOS Sequoia (15.x)
- macOS Sonoma (14.x)
- Support for macOS Ventura (13.x) is expected to end in November/December 2025.
Unsupported:
- macOS Monterey (12.x)
Ubuntu
Supported:
- Ubuntu 22.04
- Ubuntu 24.04
NOTE: The display server Wayland is NOT supported. Test takers must use X11 (Xorg).
Unsupported:
- Support for Ubuntu 20.04 has ended.
- All normal releases (13.04 and later – odd-year releases) are only supported by Ubuntu for 9 Months.
- All LTS releases (Long Term Support) (12.04 and later – even year releases) are supported by Ubuntu for five years.
It is PSI’s policy to support only the LTS releases due to the transient nature of support for the normal releases. This is why PSI only supports the LTS versions of Ubuntu.
General Requirements
Screen Resolution
Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color.
Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or higher in 32-bit color.
RAM
16 GB is recommended; 8 GB minimum
Disk Storage
The Secure Browser requires 500 MB of available disk storage to download and install.
Internet Connection
Broadband (DSL, cable, fiber optic, or LAN/WAN) minimum 750 kbps, 3 Mbps or higher is recommended. Check the connection through video-diagnostics.twilio.com
Network Security
Workplace firewalls and other security measures such as VPNs often block the required secure connection. Please take your test in a setting without a corporate firewall.
Microphone
- The microphone must be functional and turned on for the entire exam, including security check, check-in, and during the exam.
- DO NOT use a headset or earbuds because most exams do not allow them.
- If you have multiple microphones, disable, or unplug any microphones that are NOT going to be used during the testing session. Some microphones have independent drivers which can cause interruption with the PSI Secure Browser when not in use.
Speakers and Headphones
- Audio may be required for your exam. We recommend using your computer’s installed speakers.
- You should NOT use headphones or ear buds and you may be required to remove them and that could delay the start of your exam.
Camera
- Your camera must be capable of a 360-degree scan of the test room.
- Your camera must also be available, functional, and turned on for the entire exam, including security check, check-in, and during the exam.
- DO NOT unplug your camera while the secure browser is open because this will end your session attempt and you will need to relaunch the exam.
- If you are using a laptop computer’s built-in webcam, you will need to direct the laptop with a camera around the room.
- If you are using a desktop computer, you will need an external camera that can be directed around the room.
- If you have multiple cameras, disable, or unplug any cameras that are NOT going to be used during the testing session. Some cameras have independent drivers which can cause interruption with the PSI secure browser when not in use.
- Mobile devices are allowed for Photo Identification capture. Mobile devices are NOT allowed to be used during the room scan or as a webcam unless specifically allowed by your testing organization.
Monitors
Only one monitor is allowed during the test.
Systems not supported
- Most Tablets
- ONLY Surface Pro is supported-must have a forward-facing camera.
- Mobile devices
- Chromebooks
- Virtual Machines
PSI Secure Browser troubleshooting tips
Having performance issues or your exam will not launch?
Try disabling active Anti-virus scanning while taking an exam. Some antivirus software can cause performance issues.
The Secure Browser reports that you do not have enough Internet bandwidth
Check the connection through video-diagnostics.twilio.com.
You can also check your connection speed using speed.cloudflare.com
Minimum upload and download speed is 3 Mbps.
The Secure Browser cannot detect your microphone
The Secure Browser cannot detect your camera
Windows Device
Go to webcamtests.com to run an online camera test.
- For Surface Pro 6/7 with 2 cameras, disable the rear camera so that the front camera is the only active camera.
- HP/Dell/Acer devices purchased before 2015, please make sure the camera drivers are up to date. For releases 2018-2020, please ensure the auto-update driver function is active.
- Lenovo devices, check the Lenovo Vantage application for software updates. Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad, please disable the touch capability.
Windows Desktop
Please ensure no extra peripherals are connected to the desktop, such as extra monitors, microphones, or cameras.
macOS
Access video-diagnostics.twilio.com and the default FaceTime application.
Linux
To test the camera, please locate the default camera application, Cheese. You may also test the camera functionality online through onlinemictest.com/webcam-test/.
PSI Chrome Extension system requirements
System minimum requirements
Operating Systems
Note: New operating systems will be supported within 30 days of a new operating system's official public release date.
Beta versions of new operating systems are not supported.
Windows
Supported:
- Windows 10 (64-bit only)
- Windows 11 (64-bit only)
Unsupported:
- Windows with Snapdragon
- Windows 10s
- Windows 10 in S-Mode
- Windows 11 in S-Mode
- Windows Education
- Windows Enterprise (all versions)
Support for Windows 8.1 has ended.
MacOS
Supported:
- macOS Tahoe (26.x)
- macOS Sequoia (15.x)
- macOS Sonoma (14.x)
- macOS Ventura (13.x)
Unsupported:
- macOS Monterey (12.x)
Ubuntu
Supported:
- Ubuntu 22.04
- Ubuntu 24.04
NOTE: The display server Wayland is NOT supported. Test takers must use X11 (Xorg).
Unsupported:
- Support for Ubuntu 20.04 has ended.
- All normal releases (13.04 and later – odd-year releases) are only supported by Ubuntu for 9 Months.
- All LTS releases (Long Term Support) (12.04 and later – even year releases) are supported by Ubuntu for five years.
It is PSI’s policy to support only the LTS releases due to the transient nature of support for the normal releases. This is why PSI only supports the LTS versions of Ubuntu.
Chromebooks
Supported:
- Chrome OS
General Requirements
Browser
Google Chrome (latest)
Screen Resolution
Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color.
Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or higher in 32-bit color.
RAM
16 GB is recommended; 8 GB minimum
Internet Connection
Broadband (DSL, cable, fiber optic, or LAN/WAN) minimum 750 kbps, 3 Mbps or higher is recommended. Check the connection through video-diagnostics.twilio.com
Network Security
Workplace firewalls and other security measures such as VPNs often block the required secure connection. Please take your test in a setting without a corporate firewall.
Microphone
- The microphone must be functional and turned on for the entire exam, including security check, check-in, and during the exam.
- DO NOT use a headset or earbuds because most exams do not allow them.
- If you have multiple microphones, disable, or unplug any microphones that are NOT going to be used during the testing session. Some microphones have independent drivers which can cause interruption with the PSI Chrome Extension when not in use.
Speakers and Headphones
- Audio may be required for your exam. We recommend using your computer’s installed speakers.
- You should NOT use headphones or ear buds and you may be required to remove them and that could delay the start of your exam.
Camera
- Your camera must be capable of a 360-degree scan of the test room.
- Your camera must also be available, functional, and turned on for the entire exam, including security check, check-in, and during the exam.
- DO NOT unplug your camera while the secure browser is open because this will end your session attempt and you will need to relaunch the exam.
- If you are using a laptop computer’s built-in webcam, you will need to direct the laptop with a camera around the room.
- If you are using a desktop computer, you will need an external camera that can be directed around the room.
- If you have multiple cameras, disable, or unplug any cameras that are NOT going to be used during the testing session. Some cameras have independent drivers which can cause interruption with the PSI Chrome Extension when not in use.
Monitors
Only one monitor is allowed during the test.
Systems not supported
- Most Tablets
- ONLY Surface Pro is supported-must have a forward-facing camera.
- Mobile devices
- Virtual Machines
PSI Chrome Extension troubleshooting tips
Having performance issues or your exam will not launch?
Try disabling active Anti-virus scanning while taking an exam. Some antivirus software can cause performance issues.
Chrome Extension reports that you do not have enough Internet bandwidth
Check the connection through video-diagnostics.twilio.com.
You can also check your connection speed using speed.cloudflare.com
Minimum upload and download speed is 3 Mbps.
Chrome Extension cannot detect your microphone
Chrome Extension cannot detect your camera
Windows Device
Go to webcamtests.com to run an online camera test.
- For Surface Pro 6/7 with 2 cameras, disable the rear camera so that the front camera is the only active camera.
- HP/Dell/Acer devices purchased before 2015, please make sure the camera drivers are up to date. For releases 2018-2020, please ensure the auto-update driver function is active.
- Lenovo devices, check the Lenovo Vantage application for software updates. Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad, please disable the touch capability.
Windows Desktop
Please ensure no extra peripherals are connected to the desktop, such as extra monitors, microphones, or cameras.
macOS
Access video-diagnostics.twilio.com and the default FaceTime application.
Linux
To test the camera, please locate the default camera application, Cheese. You may also test the camera functionality online through onlinemictest.com/webcam-test/.