Elsevier Secure Browser Training

The new Elsevier Secure Browser has been updated (July 2024) with a major security enhancement for HESI exams. This faculty guide will provide you with the key information you need to know about how HESI exams function with the Elsevier Secure Browser, including what to expect, how to prepare testing devices, troubleshooting steps, and common FAQs, so you know how to prepare for success with this new, advanced technology. A student training guide is also available in the Additional Resources section of this page.

Secure Browser Installation

To prepare for HESI exams, the Elsevier Secure Browser must be installed on the testing devices (either students’ personal devices or the institution’s). Faculty and proctors do not need to install the browser on their devices. Installation is only needed once per device. Listed below are the key steps that need to be completed to ensure a complete, successful installation of the Elsevier Secure Browser.

The faculty orientation video will also provide an overview to familiarize faculty and administrators with the download and installation process.

1. Download and install the Elsevier Secure Browser.
2. Return to the download instructions page and click the “Check Compatibility” button to run the compatibility check.
3. Complete the mock exam to ensure the device can properly display all HESI item types.

Review the sections below for step-by-step installation instructions for each device type and learn more details about how to sufficiently prepare testing devices.

Device Preparation

The Elsevier Secure Browser works on Mac and Windows desktops, iPads, and Chromebooks. It can be installed on both institution-owned and student-owned (personal) devices.  The installation process varies by device. Review the step-by-step instructions for each device type by clicking the links below.

If your students will be using personal devices, they are responsible for preparing their own devices for testing. They can download the secure browser and run the compatibility check at test time, but we highly recommend completing these steps before test day to avoid issues.

If your students will be using lab or institution-owned devices, review the Lab or Institution-Owned Devices Installation faculty training page for steps to prepare those devices.

Important Note: If your lab uses virtual machines, contact your Elsevier Customer Success Manager (CSM) immediately for configuration assistance.

Remote Desktop Software and Remote Proctoring

Remote Desktop Software

Remote desktop software is not permitted and will automatically be blocked by the Elsevier Secure Browser. It is important to note:

  • It cannot be used to enter access codes for students or monitor exams during testing.
  • If you need access to remote desktop software to assist your students, an update to your proctoring and exam administration practices is required. Please contact your Elsevier Customer Success Manager if you would like advice or consultation on proctoring best practices.

Remote Proctoring

Special configuration is in place to support testing with remote proctor vendors using the Elsevier Secure Browser. If your school uses remote proctoring, this will be applied automatically.

Preparation is the same as for onsite exams: students must download and test the Elsevier Secure Browser on their device before the exam. All other remote proctoring steps remain unchanged.

What to Expect

  • Better Accessibility

    To increase and decrease font size or zoom in and out, use the following keyboard controls:

    • Windows: CTRL + (plus) and CTRL – (minus)
    • Mac: Command + (plus) and Command – (minus)
    • Chromebook: CTRL and Search/Launcher M

  • Increased Load Time

    The secure browser may take more time to load than the prior version. The more apps or processes that are running, the longer it will take, as the secure browser systematically disables and hides every application or process not needed for test taking.

    • We recommend students restart their computer before testing in order to have a “clean” machine with as few applications running as possible for the smoothest experience.

Enhanced Security

  • Screensharing is not allowed (the screen will show as black) and clipboard use is not allowed (copy/paste).
  • Screen recording and screenshots are blocked, in addition to remote testing and proxy testing software.
  • Testers cannot navigate away from the exam to interact with other applications or devices until they exit the secure browser.
  • If students attempt a prohibited activity (e.g. using a blocked app or keyboard control), they will be alerted and disconnected from the exam.
  • Background apps are not allowed and will be hidden or disabled. If the secure browser cannot hide or disable an app, it will send an error message noting the app preventing the launch. That app will need to be manually closed to proceed.
  • Additional monitors and devices (including Bluetooth) are blocked. Bluetooth-linked headphones and mice are allowed but must be connected before launching the secure browser. Mice connected via USB are also allowed.

Tips, Troubleshooting, and FAQs

This section will include best practices and tips for preparation, troubleshooting steps for common scenarios, frequently asked questions for computer lab (institution-owned) devices, additional training resources, and Support contact information. If you encounter technical difficulties or have questions about installation, it is best practice to review this information prior to reaching out to your CSM for additional assistance.

Tips

1. We highly recommend students arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam to launch the secure browser and enter the exam waiting room. This allows time to resolve any issues before the exam begins.
2. Have students complete the Compatibility Check before test day — it’s critical for avoiding issues during the exam. Work it into class time if possible.
3. Warn students early that McAfee antivirus may block the secure browser as it can mistakenly flag it as malware. McAfee updates its virus definitions unpredictably, so it may work one day and fail the next. If issues occur, follow the troubleshooting steps or contact HESI Support.

To increase or decrease font size, zoom in and out using keyboard controls:
•  Windows: CTRL + (plus) and CTRL – (minus)
•  Mac: Command + (plus) and Command – (minus)
•  Chromebook: CTRL and Search/Launcher M

Troubleshooting Student Issues

If a student cannot open the exam in the secure browser,  try the following steps:
1.  If the secure browser isn’t opening at all, ensure pop-ups are allowed for https://hesisecurebrowser.elsevier.com/.
2.  Restart the device.
Note: If restarting on Mac, deselect the option to reopen windows and applications upon restart – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204005
3. Uninstall and reinstall the secure browser.
•  Windows: Go to Settings -> Add or Remove Programs. Find “Elsevier Secure Browser” and click the 3 dots to uninstall. Then, follow the installation instructions from the HESI screen to download and re-install the browser.
•  Mac: Move the file into the trash. Then, follow the installation instructions from the HESI screen to download and re-install the browser. Drag the application to the Applications folder from the desktop.
4. Windows – If you get the message “Sb is already running” that means you need to click “Okay” on the installation success message, which may be hiding behind another window.
5. Windows – If the browser is stuck loading at 40%, something on the device (such as anti-virus software) may be blocking it. If restarting doesn’t fix the issue, try taking the steps to resolve anti-virus issues below, or contact HESI Support.
6. If the secure browser won’t open and the student uses McAfee antivirus, this may be the cause. Have the student allow the secure browser file in McAfee if possible. Open McAfee and navigate to “PC Security” or “Virus & Threat Protection.” Find the “Quarantine” section and locate the secure browser files. Select and restore the files. If this doesn’t work, disable the antivirus – or if the student is willing, temporarily delete McAffee from their device. If you have any trouble with this, contact HESI Support.
7. If a security violation occurs, the student will be disconnected and shown the blocked app or action. Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to close that app before restarting the exam.
8. A virtual machine error means the system detected either a virtual environment or a remote device, both of which are blocked for security. If the error occurs at exam launch, the student is likely using a virtual machine (not allowed). If it happens after loading, a remote device like a virtual mouse was detected. These setups are often used for proxy testing and are not permitted for HESI exams.

If a student needs to exit the secure browser and there is no exit button (for example: on the loading screen), they can use the following keyboard controls:
•  Windows: CTRL SHIFT Q
•  Mac: CTRL SHIFT Q
•  Chromebook: SHIFT SEARCH ESC

If the browser is stuck loading at 40% or 60%, as illustrated by the photo on the right, this means something is getting hung up behind the scenes. For example, anti-virus software on the device is preventingthe secure browser from running, or the secure browser is unable to secure the device due to other applications running on the machine. If a restart does not resolve the issue, please contact HESI Support.

Computer Lab FAQs

Included below are frequently asked questions about downloading Elsevier Secure Browser on lab or institution-owned devices. If you have questions about installing or running the secure browser on these devices, please review this information prior to contacting Support or your Customer Success Manager. Click the questions to expand their sections and review the corresponding answers.

If you have not already reviewed the Institution-Owned Devices Installation page, you can visit the training page by clicking here. If you have further questions or need additional support, please contact your CSM for assistance.

Any faculty or exam administrators who are proctoring the exams do not need to install the secure browser onto the device(s) they will be using to administer the exams. The secure browser only needs to be installed on testing devices.

Windows: At this time, the ClickOnce installer is only designed to install for one user at a time (the user doing the install). However, we do have an MSI file available for mass installs. Please see the question in the FAQ, “Can the secure browser be installed via an MSI installer?” 

Mac: The Mac application can be deployed through MDMs however, the app needs to be distributed in the zip container in order to maintain the extended attributes.

Windows: The browser can be installed with admin rights, but it is not required. However, ClickOnce requires the user’s profile to be the one used at the time of the install.

Mac: Yes.

Windows: Yes, we have an MSI install option available. Follow the instructions below to complete the install. 

  1. Navigate to the direct link. Open your web browser and navigate to:  https://hesicdn-public.hesiinet.com/customer_notification/resources/ElsevierSecureBrowser.msi
  2. Download and launch the MSI file. Download the MSI file from the link. Once the download is complete, locate the file in your downloads. folder and double-click to launch it.
    Note: Although the file is signed, the browser may indicate that it is suspicious. This is because the file needs to go through a trial period with Microsoft before it is accepted. We assure you that the file is safe.
  3. Continue through the setup wizard. Follow the prompts in the setup wizard to proceed with the installation.
  4. Choose a target folder. When prompted to choose a target folder, select a location where the user has execute, read, and write permissions such as `C:/Users/<username>/Elsevier Secure Browser`
  5. Continue through the setup wizard. Continue following the prompts in the setup wizard and confirm the installation. 
  6. Close the setup wizard. Once the installation is complete, close the setup wizard. 

Important Notes
 •  Update Rights: Ensure that the installation allows update rights otherwise you are taking on a liability. The sites must not block the executable or any other components required for updates. If you do not allow update rights, an error message will be shown stating the secure browser doesn’t have rights to update itself.
•  Do not move the secure browser from the installed directory or it will not launch.  

Mac: Not applicable.

Virtual machines need to be enabled for you in advance. Please note, we can only enable your institution for virtual machines if:
1. All testing is done on-site on the institution-owned devices (i.e. there is no testing on student personal devices, nor remotely).
2. There are no other options (e.g. labs with physical machines).

If you meet this criteria, let us know and we can check to make sure you are enabled if you are not already.

Note: Virtual machines are enabled at the institution level, which opens up the possibility for proxy testing. We trust your computer labs are secure and that you adhere to our secure testing policies.

No, all remote desktop applications are blocked by the Elsevier Secure Browser. The secure browser blocks remoting technology and does not distinguish between “good” and “bad” use cases. Please reach out to your Customer Success Manager if you have further questions or concerns.

Windows: You must have Microsoft Edge Chromium or the WebView2 runtime to be installed on Windows devices.

Mac: No, there are no additional installation requirements.

Ideally, the application is installed as a persistent application and is able to be retained between users. If not, so long as there is not an admin key required to download and run the application, and you have ensured the devices are compatible with the secure browser in advance, there should be no issue with downloading the secure browser each time it is to be used.

If you can share that key with your users, then the users can download the secure browser themselves each time they test. If this is not possible, you are unable to secure other devices for testing that do not require an admin key, and you are not able to install the application in any way such that it persists across user profiles, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager as soon as possible for further assistance.

Older versions of JAWS may have issues with the new browser. It is not a requirement to have JAWS installed on the device to use the secure browser, however, we acknowledge that many users prefer JAWS, or that schools may have institutional contracts. We do have a built-in text-to-speech tool within the secure browser to accommodate accessibility needs.

Support Information and Common FAQs

Included below are key resources to help supplement your preparation for the new Elsevier Secure Browser. Click the sections to expand and review asynchronous training materials, common FAQs, and support contact information.

If you have further questions or need additional support, please contact your Customer Success Manager for assistance.

For any issues with exam scheduling, results, or remediation, please contact HESI Support.

HESI Support Center
HESI Testing Emergency Line (Faculty) – 1-844-960-4374
HESI Testing Support Line (General) – 1-800-222-9570

On-Demand Training

Elsevier Secure Browser | iPads

Elsevier Secure Browser Faculty Guide: Student Testing on iPads
Elsevier Secure Browser | Personal Devices | Institution-Owned Devices | ESB Chromebooks | iPads

Elsevier Secure Browser Faculty Guide: Orientation Video

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