Securing closed book exams in the digital era
The transformation from traditional paper-based exams to digital assessments is not only about convenience or providing up-to-date, authentic capabilities for students. It’s about efficiency, maintaining a seamless digital chain, and ensuring GDPR and privacy compliance. Institutions worldwide are embracing technology to streamline processes, improve accessibility, and enhance the student experience.
One of the areas that is widely expected to prove challenging is closed book exams. These assessments demand strict security and integrity, and replicating that in a digital environment is no small feat.
The challenge: Maintaining exam integrity online
Closed book exams are designed to test knowledge without, with limited, or with specially appointed external aids. In a physical setting, invigilators ensure compliance by monitoring students and controlling access to materials. Moving this model online introduces new risks:
Access to unauthorised resources such as websites, notes, or communication tools.
Device switching between permitted and non-permitted environments.
Difficulty in monitoring behaviour remotely without compromising privacy.
Securing the devices themselves, especially in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment.
Institutions need solutions that uphold academic integrity while respecting the digital experience students expect - and that means solutions that deliver authentic, modern capabilities without breaking the digital chain.
The UNIwise approach: Integrated security with WISEflow
At UNIwise, we understand these challenges and have developed tools that make secure digital closed book exams not only possible but efficient and scalable. Our solutions are fully integrated into WISEflow, ensuring institutions benefit from a complete digital workflow, from exam creation to submission and grading, while maintaining authenticity and compliance at every step.
Lock down browser: FLOWlock and FLOWmulti
Our lock down browser creates a controlled environment by restricting access to external applications, websites, and system functions during the exam. Students remain focused on the assessment without the temptation or possibility of digital shortcuts.
Key capabilities include:
Whitelisting resources: Allow access to approved websites or materials when needed.
Support for specialised applications: Enable tools such as coding environments, LaTeX editors, drawing tools, and more, ensuring students can demonstrate authentic skills.
File uploads and image capture: Students can submit files or take pictures as part of their responses without breaking security protocols.
Customisable settings: Institutions can tailor restrictions to match the exam’s requirements.
FLOWlock and FLOWmulti ensure flexibility for different exam formats while maintaining robust security and preserving the digital chain.
WISEflow Device Monitor - an alternative for complex needs
In some cases, exams require desktop applications or open access to certain resources, like coding environments or design tools, while still enforcing closed book principles. Here, the challenge is preventing collusion, unauthorised communication, or misuse of resources.
WISEflow Device Monitor offers an alternative approach by:
Monitoring device activity during the exam.
Detecting suspicious behaviour without intrusive surveillance.
Allowing institutions to maintain integrity even when full lockdown is not feasible.
This option is ideal for scenarios where flexibility is essential but security cannot be compromised - again ensuring authentic capabilities for students without sacrificing integrity.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Digitalisation means institutions must secure computers, and UNIwise has embraced a BYOD-first strategy for over 13 years ago. Why? Because students perform best on devices they know. Concerns about whether students have a laptop or if it’s “good enough” have been proven wrong time and again. Our platform supports virtually all student-owned devices, ensuring inclusivity and efficiency while maintaining GDPR compliance and a seamless digital workflow.
For institutions that prefer controlled environments, we also support computer labs, but BYOD remains the most effective and scalable approach.
From paper to digital
Digitalisation isn’t just about replicating the old model. It’s about unlocking new possibilities:
Flexible exam delivery across locations and devices.
Enhanced accessibility for students with diverse needs.
Data-driven insights for continuous improvement in assessment design.
Compliance and trust, ensuring GDPR and privacy standards are met.
Authentic learning experiences, supported by modern tools and workflows.
By combining robust security with innovative technology, UNIwise empowers institutions to move beyond the limitations of paper-based exams and embrace a future where integrity, convenience, and authenticity coexist.
An alternative: WISEflow Paper Submission module
At the same time, UNIwise recognises that you cannot transform everything or everything at once. WISEflow offers an alternative and flexibility for institutions and subjects that still rely on paper-based components. Whether it’s STEM disciplines requiring handwritten calculations or institutions taking a gradual approach to digital transformation, WISEflow supports hybrid workflows through our Paper Submission module.
WISEflow Paper Submission module supports paper-based submissions or appendices, through smart scanning, sorting and upload without any special paper or applications, thus securing the full digital chain of the exam workflow. This ensures a smooth onboarding process and a tailored path towards fully digital closed book exams.
A safe pair of hands
WISEflkow and our solutions are designed with educators in mind:
Scalable and reliable for institutions of all sizes.
User-friendly for both students, faculty and administrators.
Proven track record in supporting secure, high-stakes assessments across Europe.
Secure and compliant with European GDPR, data privacy and accessibility standards.
Ready to transform your closed book exams?
Reach out to us, and hear how UNIwise can help you deliver secure, digital assessments without compromise.