Focus Lock Information
Focus Lock is a test security feature that impacts all Workplace Readiness Skills testing. Focus Lock can detect when a test taker navigates away from the testing screen or clicks on a notification. Focus Lock is an automatically added feature of the testing environment, is not optional, and does not require any user action or software modification prior to use. It works with all browsers. Focus Lock adds integrity to the testing experience and overall credibility for online assessments.
CTECS provides documentation about Focus Lock on this webpage. It is essential that test site administrators, test proctors, and IT personnel at the testing location review this information before student testing begins. It is also important that teachers and staff are informed about Focus Lock.
Test proctors should inform students at the start of each testing session that the Focus Lock security feature prevents leaving full-screen mode and keeps them in the testing window. Information about Focus Lock displays on each student’s screen as soon as the test is accessed.
Focus Lock Documents
The E-SESS Focus Lock Feature Guide contains information about how Focus Lock works so that test site administrators and test proctors are informed of its behavior and how to respond.
The Focus_Lock_IT_Admin_Guide contains mitigation strategies to prevent unintentional Focus Lock triggers such as disabling automatic updates, closing unnecessary applications, and turning off notifications. Following the procedures will minimize or prevent interruptions entirely.
Warnings During Testing
If Focus Lock is triggered during a testing session, the student will see the following warning and must click the “Click here” button to go back to the test.
W A R N I N G
DO NOT leave the testing screen for any reason. YOUR TEST WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SUBMITTED AFTER 2 VIOLATIONS! You will have only seconds to go back to the testing screen.
Once the test submits, you will NOT be able to access the test again.
Click here to indicate you have read and understand this warning.
CTECS Incident Response Policy
If a test is ended (submitted for grading) by Focus Lock, refer to this information:
Test Ended by Focus Lock for Inadvertent Student Violations: The incident is reported by the proctor to the test site administrator. Depending on the details surrounding the incident, it may be possible to add time back to the test to allow the student to finish. The test site administrator can decide whether or not to contact CTECS Tech Support to request that time lost be added back to allow the student to finish the assessment.
Note! If this request is made, it should be on the same day the test was started.
Test Ended by Focus Lock for Malicious Student Violations: The incident is reported by the proctor to the test site administrator. In the case of malicious intent, the test site administrator must report details of the incident by completing the CTECS Testing Irregularity Form. Email Robyn Marshall rmarshall@ctecs.org, CTECS Computer Applications Specialist, to request a link to the form.