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

January 18, 2019: This article has been updated for the 2018-19 school year.

Questar is advising that the Questar Secure Browsers available now on Nextera Admin are the current Secure Browsers New York State schools will use for the 2019 test administration. Annually, we will provide additional guidance in January of each year about the final Questar Secure Browser versions for the spring CBT administration.

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

Districts and schools can begin now to update Questar Secure Browsers on student testing devices to prepare for the 2019 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

Reminder: In early January of every school year, we will review the Secure Browsers to verify final updates/versions. At the end of January, NYSED will advise all schools when the new school year's Secure Browsers are finalized for the spring CBT administration. 

Device Type Browser Version Release Notes 2019
Chromebook 2.5.1
  • Allow key combination to change keyboard to alternate language.
    • Please Note: this update will support alternate language response entry when Google allows foreign language keyboard support in Kiosk mode. Alternate language keyboards are not fully supported for Chromebooks.
  • Added Screen Magnifier API (supports pinch zoom), this is currently disabled

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 September 2018.
iPad 1.2.2

No updates at this time. (This is the same Secure Browser version used for the 2018 CBT administration.)
Macintosh 4.0.7
  • Implemented AAC (Automatic Assessment Configuration) support:
    • Bulk/Mass Installation requires the use of the .mobileconfig file. (Provided by Apple to enable rights for mass install).
    • Bulk/Mass installation requires MacOS 10.12 – 10.13.3 to upgrade to 10.13.4 or later (Apple requirement).
    • MacOS 10.12 – 10.13 can still use the new Secure Browser, but it will need to be installed individually on each device.
  • Added “Siri is enabled” detection:
    • The detection of enabled Siri when launching the browser. If it is enabled, an error message is delivered to disable Siri and re-launch (the error message is included in the Questar Setup & Installation Guide). 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
    • Fixed issue: When Siri is flagged as enabled even when disabled with a managed profile (mobile.config)
    • Fixed issue where the user could continue to use tab navigation through questions and select answers when the Secure Browser error pop-up is present on screen (user should not be able to navigate through the test once the Secure Browser error pop-up is present).

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. 
Windows 4.0.7
  • 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
  • Fixed issue where the user could continue to use tab navigation through questions and select answers when the Secure Browser error pop-up is present on screen (user should not be able to navigate through the test once the Secure Browser error pop-up is present).

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. 

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