Set up iPad and Mac to give tests and assessments

Apps by approved developers can use assessment mode by adopting the Automatic Assessment Configuration framework to lock and configure iPad or Mac automatically for online assessments.

With assessment mode, apps can disable certain hardware and software features to meet the requirements for a secure test environment, as well as prevent a test taker from using other apps and invalidating test results.

Use an app with assessment mode built in

Securing iPad or Mac for testing with a supported app requires no additional setup or management, such as a device management service. Apps with assessment mode lock iPad or Mac into the single app automatically. While assessment mode is active, users can't switch to another app.

Check with your assessment provider to make sure that their app uses the Automatic Assessment Configuration framework.

Assessment mode in iPadOS

Assessment mode is supported in iPadOS 9.3.2 or later. When assessment mode is active in iPadOS, these features are disabled by default:

• Autocorrect and spell checker*

• Predictive keyboard*

• Dictionary definition lookup

• Keyboard shortcuts*

• Sharing

• Universal Clipboard

• Dictation*

• Remote observation with Classroom

• Screen recording and screenshots

• Speak selected text*

• Auto-capitalization

• Siri

• Password Autofill*

If you turn on Single App Mode or Guided Access in iPadOS, that feature supersedes assessment mode restrictions.

Assessment mode in macOS

Assessment mode is supported in macOS Catalina 10.15.4 or later. When assessment mode is active in macOS, these features are disabled:

• Dock

• Menu bar

• Exposé and Spaces

• Mission Control

• Application launches from function keys

• Notification Center and notifications

• Music app (formerly iTunes)

• Handoff

• Universal Clipboard

• Continuity Camera

• Screen sharing and mirroring

• Screen capturing and screenshots

• Remote Login

• Siri

• Dictation

• Emoji keyboard

• Trackpad lookup gesture

Autocorrect and spell checker aren't restricted in macOS automatically. They can be controlled through restrictive attributes on web content.

Lock iPad in to a single testing app with Single App Mode

If your app doesn't support assessment mode, or you use an app for diagnostic, classroom, or formative assessment purposes, you can use a device management service to set up your iPad for Single App Mode. Your device management service installs a profile that identifies the selected app and forces it to open on the device, preventing students from using other apps. In the profile, you can specify additional features that you don't want students to use.

If you want to restrict keyboard and dictionary functions, you must restrict those features separately. Learn more about restricting keyboard and dictionary functions.