What are the current versions of the Questar Secure Browsers on each allowable testing device for CBT? – Computer Based Testing

January 13, 2020: This article has been updated for the 2019-20 school year.

Questar has notified us that the current Questar Secure Browsers available now on Nextera Admin are the Secure Browsers versions that New York State schools will use for the 2020 test administration.

Below is guidance on maintaining current Questar Secure Browsers on student testing devices followed by Secure Browser release notes to highlight what's new with the current versions.

Districts and schools can now begin updating Questar Secure Browsers on student testing devices to prepare for the 2020 test administration. Students should be familiar with using the Nextera Test Delivery System (TDS) online tools and navigation within the most recent Secure Browser versions.

We HIGHLY recommend that all schools develop an uninstall and re-install process for the Questar Secure Browsers every year at the end of January to ensure that all student testing devices have been properly updated and received any Secure Browser updates delivered automatically to the application. This is a technical best practice for CBT.
Please check on Nextera Admin in the Help>Downloads section to confirm that your school has the latest Secure Browsers and go through the uninstall and re-install process if your student testing devices need to be updated to current Secure Browser versions.
Some districts/schools may need to allow for automatic updates of the Questar Secure Browser through their multiple device management (MDM) systems to ensure that they have the most up-to-date Secure Browsers.
Note that the Nextera Setup & Installation Guide includes all supported operating systems and device versions as well as other system information in Appendix B for “System Requirements.”

Questar Secure Browser Release Notes

Device Type	Browser Version	Release Notes 2020
Chromebook	2.6.0	Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience, such as: Update to the latest Electron code version Additional device information logging capabilities Enhanced detection of loss of focus to retain security and end testing session We recommend an uninstall & re-install process for all Secure Browsers to ensure that automatic updates have been successfully delivered to all student testing devices. This Secure Browser version was released in Fall 2019.
iPad	2.0.2	Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience, such as: Update to the latest Electron code version Additional device information logging capabilities Enhanced detection of loss of focus to retain security and end testing session Allow 3rd party virtual keyboards in permissive mode for accommodated students. This Secure Browser version was released in Fall 2019.
Macintosh	4.1.19	Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience, such as: Update to the latest Electron code version Additional device information logging capabilities Enhanced detection of loss of focus to retain security and end testing session Allow 3rd party virtual keyboards in permissive mode for accommodated students. Mac devices do not update automatically. You must go through the uninstall & re-install process for all Secure Browsers to ensure that automatic updates have been successfully delivered to all student testing devices. This Secure Browser version was released in Fall 2019.
Windows	4.2.0	Upgraded from a NW.js to an Electron Framework, allowing for the following: More robust Kiosk mode More efficient development framework Added MST file as port of installation (which fixed an issue caused during mass installations) Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience, such as: Update to the latest Electron code version Additional device information logging capabilities Enhanced detection of loss of focus to retain security and end testing session Allow 3rd party virtual keyboards in permissive mode for accommodated students. Windows devices do not update automatically. You must go through the uninstall & re-install process for all Secure Browsers to ensure that automatic updates have been successfully delivered to all student testing devices. This Secure Browser version was released in January 2020.

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