Honorlock Application - Test Taker Experience

For some exams, you will need to install the Honorlock Application. This one-time desktop app installation works with the Honorlock Chrome extension to secure your exam.

Administrator rights are required for installation. You can remove the Honorlock Application after the exam. If this feature is enabled, the following messages will populate your screen.

Honorlock Desktop App Download & Installation

Upon agreeing to the Terms & Conditions, the test taker is prompted to download and install the Honorlock Application (if not already installed).

The Honorlock Desktop Application must be installed and running in order to proceed with the exam

Mac Users: When the Honorlock application is installed, the first time it is used, it must be opened from the applications on your Mac. After the initial use, any time the application is required, it will automatically launch.

Version Check: The system performs a mandatory version check. If you are on v1.0, you will be required to update to v2.0+ to proceed.

The Honorlock Desktop Application will automatically check for the latest updates. You must update to the latest version to proceed with your exam.

Secure Chrome Relaunch

Once the App is installed and running, it will prompt you to trigger a “Secure Relaunch” of your Chrome Browser.

**Note: You can also use the App ahead of their exam to launch the Secure Chrome version directly and skip this step.

What happens:

Chrome closes and immediately re-opens in a secure state.
The browser retains the existing profile (keeping your logins and bookmarks)
The secure state prevents the use of native browser AI Tools like Google Lens and Gemini.

Authentication Process

Now running the Secure Chrome instance, you will proceed through standard Honorlock authentication
The App scans the desktop environment for disallowed processes (e.g., ChatGPT, Discord, Spotify, etc.) and requires them to be closed before the exam can begin.

Honorlock displays the list of all open applications you must close before the exam begins. Confirm by choosing” Close All.”

The exam begins, and the Honorlock Desktop Application shows “Test in progress.” The application will terminate any applications that are not allowed during the exam.

If you navigate away from the exam window during the exam, you will receive the following message.

End Exam

After the exam, you can close the Secure Chrome window. Any subsequent launch of Chrome will restore your default Chrome state.

The Honorlock Desktop Application automatically closes when the exam ends.

Note: The Honorlock Application works on Windows and Mac. The Honorlock Application does not work on Chromebooks.

Uninstalling the Honorlock Application

Windows

Open the Start Menu and click on Settings.
Go to Apps > Apps & features.
Find Honorlock Allowed Applications from the list.
Click on the application and then click Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Mac

Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in the Dock (the blue smiley face).
Navigate to Applications: In the Finder sidebar, click on "Applications".
Locate the app: Find Honorlock Allowed Applications.
Drag to Trash: Drag the app's icon to the Trash icon at the end of the Dock.
Empty Trash: Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash" to permanently delete the app.

Troubleshooting the Honorlock Application

If the Honorlock Application closes while in an exam, a pop-up message will display in the lower left corner of the screen. It will state “The Honorlock app was closed unexpectedly”. The exam will pause, and the application will need to be relaunched. Click on the blue “Relaunch Desktop App” button to launch the application again.

***Mac users only***

If the exam continues to pause due to the application closing, ensure the permissions are set for the application to work as intended during your exam. The accessibility, screen recording, and system events must be toggled on.

Q: I'm stuck in a loop asking me to update.

A: Ensure you have Administrator privileges on your computer. If the update fails, uninstall the current "Honorlock Application" from your system settings, then download the fresh installer from the exam start page.

Q: Why is the "Secure Relaunch" necessary?

A: Standard browser extensions cannot easily disable features that are built into the browser's own code. Relaunching the browser allows us to apply specific flags that turn these features off at the application level, providing a much higher level of security.

Q: Why did my Chrome browser close and reopen?

A: The Honorlock Desktop App relaunches Chrome in a secure mode that disables built-in AI tools.

Q: Do I need to reinstall the app for every exam?

A: No. Once installed, the App will automatically check for updates. If a new version is required, you will be prompted to update before the exam begins.