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, and 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 Mobile Device Management (MDM). Apps with assessment mode lock iPad or Mac into the single app automatically, which means that, while assessment mode is active, users can't switch to another app.
Check with your assessment provider to make sure their app uses the Automatic Assessment Configuration framework.
Assessment mode in iOS
Assessment mode is supported in iOS 9.3.2 or later. When assessment mode is active in iOS, these features are disabled by default:
Auto-correct and spell checker*
Predictive keyboard*
Dictionary definition lookup
Keyboard shortcuts*
Sharing
Universal Clipboard
Dictation*
Remote observation with Classroom
Screen recording
Speak selected text*
Auto-capitalisation
Siri
Password Autofill*
In iOS 14 and later, developers can enable the features marked with an asterisk.
If you turn on Single App Mode or Guided Access in iOS, that feature supersedes assessment mode restrictions.
Assessment mode on macOS
Assessment mode is supported on macOS Catalina 10.15.4 or later. When assessment mode is active on macOS, these features are disabled:
Dock
Menu bar
Exposé and Spaces
Mission Control
Application launches from function keys
Notification Centre 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
Auto-correct and spell check aren't restricted on macOS automatically. They can be controlled through restrictive attributes on web content.
Lock iPad into a single testing app with Single App Mode
If your app doesn't support assessment mode, or you're using an app for diagnostic, classroom or formative assessment purposes, you can use MDM software to set up your iPad for Single App Mode. Your MDM software 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. Find out more about restricting keyboard and dictionary functions.