Secure Browsers and Technology Updates for 2023-2024
7/18/2023
For the 2023-2024 school year, desktop and laptop devices running a supported version of Windows, Linux, or macOS 13 require a new Secure Browser – version 16. These are now available to download from the Secure Browsers page of the test portal. Supported versions of iPads will also require a new Secure Browser – version 8.1. This is expected to be available in the Apple store by the end of July.
For these operating systems, the newest version of the Secure Browser is the only version that can be used beginning Sept. 1. Older versions of the Secure Browser installed on these devices cannot be used for student testing beginning Sept. 1. The temporary overlap period when both the old and new versions can be used is intended to give districts flexibility in updating devices at a convenient time.
Version 15.0 of the Secure Browser will continue to be available only for desktops and laptops running macOS 11.6+ and 12.6+.
Supported versions of Chromebooks will continue to use version 8 of the Secure Browser for the 2023-2024 school year. The minimum versions of ChromeOS for 2023-2024 are the following:
- LTC (Long Term Support Candidate) Channel – Version 114 and up
- LTS (Long Term Support) Channel – Version 108 and up
- Stable Channel – Version 113 and up
As a reminder, the LTC and LTS channels were introduced by Google last year to simplify device management for schools and are recommended by Cambium Assessment as the preferred options.
The Technology Guide has complete details on supported versions, installation instructions, and network settings.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Resources to Add to Allowlists page has been updated with new URLs for TAs and Student Testing Sites that must be added for 2023-2024. The use of wildcards on allowlists has also been clarified.