Exam Special Access, Reviews, & Respondus

This page describes how to:

    • Add "special access" for students with accommodations.

    • Create an exam review session so students can see results and feedback after completing an exam.

    • Add a requirement for the Respondus LockDown Browser and Webcam Monitor.

For general information about D2L Quizzes and Exams, and how to create questions, please return to the New Semester Tools, and select the D2L Quizzes & Exams article.

Section 1: Add Special Access to a Quiz or Exam

Some students may require a different set of options for an online quiz or exam. These can include:

    • additional time because of an accommodation

    • another attempt because of a technology problem

    • a different availability window because of an absence or illness

    • and many other individual circumstances


These different options can be created in the "Special Access" area at the bottom of the "Restrictions" tab for a quiz or exam.


Follow these steps to get to the Special Access area:

    • Click on the Assessments tab, then click Quizzes.

    • Click the down-arrow next to the title of a quiz or exam, then click Edit.

    • Click on the "Restrictions" tab.

    • Scroll down to the "Special Access" area.

In the “Special Access” area:

  • Select “Allow selected users special access” when all students will be taking the exam, but some students will have special accommodations.

  • Select “Allow only users with special access” to allow only students with accommodations to take the exam. (Students without accommodations will not be able to access the exam if this option is selected.)


Click the box for “Add Users to Special Access,” and adjust one or more of the setting described below.

Adjust the Availability Dates

Assign a different availability period if the student is not able to complete the exam during the normal time period. This is useful for students who need to make up a missed exam.

Adjust the Exam Time Limit

Assign a different time limit for the exam. This is useful for students with accommodations who require time-and-a-half or double time.

Adjust the Attempts

Allow a different number of attempts. This is useful for students who have technology problems and need an additional attempt to complete the exam.


After adjusting one or more of the exam settings illustrated above, select the students who will have "special access."


Add a checkmark next to the students’ name, and click the blue “Add Special Access” when done.


Note: If different students require a different set of "special access" options, you'll have to assign "special access" to each one separately. Select more than one student here if they have the same "special access."

When all "special access" settings on the “Restrictions” tab are complete, click “Save and Close” at the bottom of the page.

Section 2: Create an Exam Review Session

An Exam Review Session allows instructors to provide feedback to students, and it allows students to review their answers on the exam. This option is not enabled by default. Instructors will need to enable review options for each quiz or exam.

To enable an Exam Review Session:

  • Click on the Assessments tab, then click Quizzes.

  • Click the down-arrow next to the title of a quiz or exam, then click Edit.

  • Click on the "Submission Views” tab.

The “Default View” shows what students are able to see after they submit an exam. By default, students can view only their exam score; they cannot view any instructor feedback or their answers.

Create an “Additional View” to enable students to see the instructor feedback and their answers. Begin by clicking on the box for “Add Additional View.



On the new page for the Additional View:

  • Add a Name for this “additional view,” and add an optional Description in the text box as a reminder of what this view shows.

  • In the “View Restrictions” area, select the Date and Time when the Review Session will become available. (Consider whether students should see exam results before their next attempt, before all students have completed an attempt, or after all students have completed all of their attempts.)

  • In the “Limited Duration” area, add a checkmark and specify the number of minutes students are able to review the exam, or leave it blank to allow an unlimited amount of time for review.



In the “View Details” area:

  • Select "Yes" to enable students to view exam questions.

  • Then, select one of the four options on which type of questions students can view. Options include:

      • questions answered incorrectly

      • questions answered correctly

      • skipped questions

      • completed questions

  • Indicate whether students can see their answers and the correct answer.


Click “Save” when finished.







The new view will appear at the bottom of the page on the “Submission Views” tab.


Click “Save and Close” when finished.

Section 3: Enable Respondus LockDown Browser and Webcam Monitor

Prairie State has access to enhanced online exam security through the Respondus Browser and the Respondus Monitor. Respondus can be added to any quiz or exam, and it can help ensure academic integrity in an online exam.

To add Respondus to an exam:

  • Click on the Assessments tab, then click Quizzes.

  • In the Quizzes area, select the link for “LockDown Browser" (near the Assessment tab).


In the LockLown Browser area, there are many tutorials and resources you can view.

Click “Continue to LockDown Browser” (on the bottom right) to continue setting up the Respondus exam requirements.



From the LockDown Browser area, click on the down-arrow next to the exam title, and select “Settings.”

LockDown Browser Settings


From the “LockDown Browser Settings,” select “Require Respondus LockDown Browser.” The LockDown Browser requires students to download the Respondus internet browser, which has limited tools and prevents students from using other programs on their computer.

In the “Advanced Settings,” consider selecting:

    • “Lock students into the browser until exam is complete.”

    • “Allow students to take this exam with an iPad.”

    • “Allow access to specific external web domains,” if students will be required to access specific external websites during the exam.

    • “Enable Calculator.”

Respondus Monitor (Webcam) Settings


In the section for “Monitor Webcam Settings,” select “Require Respondus Monitor” to enable the Respondus Monitor.


The Respondus Monitor requires students to appear in a webcam while they are taking an exam. Respondus Monitor does not prevent students from engaging in academic dishonesty, nor does it stop their exam. The software records the whole exam session, and instructors can review the recorded video to determine if academic dishonesty has occurred.

Review requirements in the “Startup Sequence.” When requiring Respondus Monitor, it is common to ask students to show an ID and to perform an environment check (where they use the webcam to show what's on their desk).

Also review requirements in the “Facial Detection Options,” which may prevent the exam from starting if Respondus cannot detect the student’s face in the webcam or notify students during the exam if a student moves out of the frame.

Click the “Save + Close” button at the bottom when done.

The requirement for Respondus LockDown Browser and Webcam will appear next to the name of the quiz or exam. The requirement for Respondus LockDown Browser and Webcam will also appear in the list of quizzes and exams in the “Manage Quizzes” area.


If your course requires students to use the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, consider creating a practice quiz where students can verify that they have downloaded the Respondus software correctly. Students can also find a Practice Quizzes with the Respondus LockDown Browser and the Respondus Monitor Webcam in the Student Resource Center on D2L.

For more information and support, contact Online Learning.