How to download, install, or update NWEA Secure Testing Browser for Mac, Windows, and other devices

For more information on the Secure Testing Browser for Chromebooks, see About the NWEA Secure Testing app for Chromebooks

For more information on the Secure Testing Browser for iPads, see About the NWEA Secure Testing app for iPad

How to download the NWEA Secure Testing Browser:

On the MAP site:

1. Log in to the start.mapnwea.org - Start Page (mapnwea.org).
2. Click on the MAP Growth dropdown menu.
3. Under the Resources section select Technical Resources .
4. Click MAP Growth PC Secure Browser or MAP Growth Mac Secure Browser to download the installer to your computer.

If you do not have a MAP login:

1. Navigate to the Technical Resources page in NWEA Connection.
2. Click MAP Grown PC Secure Browser or MAP Growth Mac Secure Browser to download the installer to your computer.

 
How to install the NWEA Secure Testing Browser:

To install the NWEA Secure Testing Browser on an individual computer:

1. Open the installer application. On Windows, this will be Setup Lockdown Browser.exe. On a Mac, this will be Lockdown Browser.dmg.
   • Depending on your browser and computer settings, your computer may open the installer application for you.
2. Complete the installation:
   • Windows: Continue through the InstallShield wizard to complete the installation.
   • Mac: Drag the NWEA Secure Testing Browser icon to the Applications folder icon to complete the installation.

 
Installing on all computers:
You may also install the NWEA Secure Testing Browser using software deployment tools or by including it on a standard image for the computer. Windows users can extract the MSI from the installer EXE. See MSI for NWEA Secure Testing Browser. These are considered advanced installation techniques and NWEA Partner Support may not be able to assist you with the installation.

Note: We are unable to provide a pkg file for installing the NWEA Secure Testing Browser on Mac devices.

 
How to update the NWEA Secure Testing Browser:

To update, check that you have the current version. If it is not current, download and install the newest version. The new installation will overwrite your previous installation. The most current versions are:

• Windows PC: Version 5.4.442.0 released 5/13/2025 (required as of July 2025)
• Mac: Version 6.0.34.0- released 6/2/2024 in the Apple app store (requires OS 13.3.1 or higher)
• Mac: optional version 5.5.4.5 (beneficial for districts that use MDMs) released September 2023

New STBs are posted in NWEA Connection Technical Resources

For all currently supported versions, see About the NWEA Secure Testing Browser for Mac and Windows.

 
How to determine which version is installed:

During testing; Windows or Mac:

1. On the student's computer, use the keyboard command to interrupt the test.
2. The version number is displayed at the bottom of the Paused Test screen that appears.
3. To resume the test, enter the Proctor Pin, found in the upper-right corner of the proctor's Test Students screen, then select Resume Test. The student will get a new test item.

 
Windows:
If you have previously installed the testing browser, you can check the version number by starting the lockdown browser and typing: Ctrl+Alt+V.

You can also check the lockdown browser version using the following steps:

1. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\NWEA\NWEA Secure Testing Browser\
   • If you are testing on an earlier version of Windows, check in C:\Program Files\NWEA\NWEA Secure Testing Browser\
   • If you are using an older version of the testing browser, called Lockdown Browser, check in C:\Program Files (x86)\NWEA\NWEA Secure Testing Browser\
2. Right-click on the file NWEA Secure Testing Browser.
3. Select Properties.
4. Select the Details tab. The File Version is listed under Description.

 
Mac:
You can check the testing browser version using the following steps:

1. Open the Finder and click on Applications.
2. Navigate to NWEA Secure Testing Browser.app and click to highlight.
3. Check the application details on the right. The version number is at the bottom of the list.

 
Can I install the NWEA Secure Testing Browser on a networked drive?

No, the NWEA Secure Testing Browser must be installed locally. If the browser is installed and launched from a network location, students may experience extremely long load times.

 
How to verify the NWEA Secure Testing Browser is ready for testing:

Prior to testing, proctors or system administrators should perform a Workstation Readiness Check by launching the NWEA Secure Testing Browser. If the browser successfully launches to the testing session log in screen, the computer has passed the check. More information is available in the System and Technology Guide.