This guide outlines Formative’s recommended workflow for assigning secure, proctored assessments in Canvas using Respondus LockDown Browser.
Following these steps ensures students can only access the test in a controlled environment while still benefiting from grade passback and Canvas integration.
Overview
When you use the Formative app in Canvas with LockDown Browser enabled, students are launched directly into a secure testing environment.
They can’t open new tabs, switch apps, or access other resources until the assessment is submitted.
To use this feature, your district must have:
A Formative District License with Respondus LockDown Browser enabled
The Formative app installed in Canvas (LTI 1.3)
Student devices with the Respondus LockDown Browser installed
Prepare Devices
To ensure a smooth test day, we recommend:
Verifying LockDown Browser is installed on all student devices
Having students complete a short practice quiz in Formative with LockDown Browser enabled
Asking students to restart devices and close all other apps before testing
From the Secure Testing Guide:
“Remind students that any attempt to access other apps, websites, or communicate answers constitutes cheating.”
Create Assignment
Step 1: Create the Assignment in Canvas
In Canvas, open your course.
Go to Assignments → + Assignment.
Under Submission Type, select External Tool.
Click Find, then select Formative.
In the picker that opens, either:
Choose an existing Formative, or
Click Create New Formative to start a new assessment.
(Optional) Check Launch in New Tab for easier navigation.
Adjust Canvas assignment settings as needed (points, display grade as, assign to sections, etc.).
Click Save and Publish.
Once saved, your assignment link in Canvas is now connected to that Formative assessment.
Step 2: Open the Assignment in Canvas
From your Canvas course, click the Formative assignment you just created.
This will launch Formative directly within Canvas, taking you straight to the linked assessment.
From here, you can:
Create or edit content within the assessment, or
Proceed to Assign to your classes if content is already ready.
If needed, you can return to Canvas later to update grading options or point values — the link between Canvas ↔ Formative will remain intact.
Step 3: Configure Secure Settings
In the Assign → Additional Settings panel, configure the following options for a secure testing experience:
Open/Close Dates and optional Time Limit
After Submission → Make Hidden to remove the test after students submit
Display Each Item as a Separate Page
Random Order and/or Shuffle Answer Choices
Secure Browser (Respondus LockDown Browser) → Toggle ON
Choose High Security (recommended)
Set a Quit Password (for emergencies or approved breaks)
Set an Entry Password (and update it once testing begins)
Enable any needed accommodations (e.g., Text-to-Speech, Extended Time, Answer Choice Reduction)
💡 Tip: Keep these settings consistent across your classes for a smooth student experience.
Reference:LockDown Browser Guide
Step 4: Assign to Your Canvas Class
Still in the Formative window (inside Canvas), click Assign.
Select your Canvas-linked class(es).
Make sure Require Canvas Launch is enabled — this ensures grades are sent back to Canvas.
Click Assign, then return to Canvas and click Save & Publish on the assignment.
Step 5: Student Experience
When students open the Canvas assignment:
The Formative assessment launches automatically in LockDown Browser.
Students enter the Entry Password to begin.
During testing:
Switching apps or tabs will pause the test and flag the attempt.
Students stay locked in until submission or until a teacher enters the Quit Password.
From the Secure Testing Guide:
“Remind students that leaving the browser or switching apps pauses their test and flags you.”
Step 6: Proctoring During the Test
Seat students so screens are visible but private.
Have them clear desks and turn off secondary devices.
Monitor both the physical classroom and the Responses tab in Formative for “Paused” or “Swipe Away” alerts.
Use the Quit Password only if a student needs to exit for an approved reason.
Step 7: Submissions and Grade Passback
When students submit, their scores appear in Formative immediately. If Automatic Grade Passback is enabled, the scores will be passed into Canvas at this point without any additional actions (see linked article for prerequisites for automatic grade passback)
To manually sync grades back to Canvas (if automatic grade passback is not supported/enabled):
Open the Canvas assignment.
In the Formative window, click the ⋯ (triple-dot) menu → Grade Passback.
Confirm that the student’s score now appears in the Canvas Gradebook.
Alternate Option: Assign in Formative First
You can also assign the assessment directly in Formative before linking it in Canvas.
However, for secure testing and reliable grade passback, we recommend assigning directly from Canvas using the steps above.
If you do assign first in Formative:
Do not enable “Require Canvas Launch.”
Add the assessment to Canvas as an External Tool assignment → choose Formative → select the assigned formative.
Grade passback still works if students launch from Canvas.
After the Assessment
In Formative’s Responses tab:
Review score distributions and timestamps
Check for copy-paste or pause flags
Investigate any anomalies immediately
Collect and verify any physical materials used during the test.
For class review, you can temporarily set Return Correct Answers → After Submission, then revert to Don’t Show once done.