Remote Administration System Requirements

Last Updated on July 31, 2026

Important: This page applies only to sites administering in-home remote testing using student-owned testing devices.

If your site administers testing on-site or using managed devices, this content does not apply. You should reference the following instead:

Device/Operating System Type

Student:

A desktop or laptop running a supported operating system version of Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS.

Important notes:

  • Chromebook models with two cameras are not supported
  • iPadOS and Linux devices are not supported for remote testing.
  • To deploy the DRC INSIGHT Secure Application on Chromebooks, all Chromebook devices must be enrolled in a managed Google Admin Console organizational unit.

Test Administrator (TA)

Any desktop or laptop running a supported version (see next section) of Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux.

Supported Operating System Versions

Student

  • ChromeOS: minimum version 144
  • Windows OS
    • Fully Supported: Windows 11 23H2, 24H2 and 25H2
    • Incoming Best Effort Support: N/A
    • Outgoing Best Effort Support: Windows 11 22H2, Windows 11 in SE Mode
    • Outgoing Best Effort Support: N/A
  • macOS
    • Fully Supported: macOS 14.x, macOS 15.x, and 26.x
    • Outgoing Best Effort Support: N/A

TA

Same as Student, plus Linux Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04, and 26.04 LTS with Gnome Shell: Fully Supported

Required Readiness Checks

Student

Run a Remote Readiness System Scan and ensure all results are in a passing status.

Additionally, students must complete other technology checks as directed by the Test Administrator.

For personally-owned devices: During the DRC INSIGHT installation process, run a DRC INSIGHT System Readiness Check and ensure all results are in a passing status.

System Specifications

The Hardware requirements differ by Operating System (OS) as some OS’s are more lightweight than others. All testing devices should meet the minimum system requirements for a supported operating system. DRC recommends using the recommended system requirements for each OS as your device’s specifications for testing.

DRC no longer uses the CPU benchmark rating for determining supported devices and operating systems. When purchasing testing devices, make sure the device you’re considering meets the recommended hardware specifications for DRC INSIGHT and high-volume testing with media-rich and/or network-intensive content.

These hardware requirements apply to all device types and operating systems unless noted.

Both Roles

Network/Internet Connection

Both Roles:

  • Connection type: Wired or secure wireless network
  • Bandwidth: 10 Mbps minimum. Note: Perform a speed check during a similar time of day and under similar circumstances as test day.

Resolution/Scale Settings

Both Roles

  • Actual screen resolution: 1024 x 768 or better

Student

  • Scale/display size: 100% (Windows/ChromeOS), Default (macOS)

TA

  • Scale/display size: Any. 100% scale recommended, but Test Administrators may zoom in or out depending on preference.

Software/Account Access

Student

  • Install: DRC INSIGHT Secure Application v17.x.
    • Note (for Chromebook devices only): If a previous version is installed on the testing device, the new Chromebook Progressive Web App (PWA) must be installed, and the previous kiosk version must be uninstalled. See Quick Tour: Installing and Deploying the DRC INSIGHT Secure App to Chrome Devices in Volume III: DRC INSIGHT of your site’s Technology User Guide for more information.

TA

  • Use: A supported web browser to access the DRC INSIGHT Portal and Test Monitoring. DRC recommends using the most recent version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.

Device Accessories

Student

Required:

  • Any built-in or plug-in webcam
  • Any built-in or plug-in microphone/headset/headphones
    • Note: Wired headphones are recommended for test security. If Bluetooth headphones or earbuds are used, the student’s parent/guardian must ensure that they are connected only to the testing device prior to testing.
  • Physical keyboard and trackpad/mouse (no touch screen–only devices)
    • Testing devices may have touch screen capabilities, but students should not use the touch screen during testing. Students must use a keyboard and trackpad/mouse.
    • A wireless keyboard and mouse are allowed but must be tested ahead of time and connected only to the testing device.
  • Device must be plugged into a power supply

Allowed:

  • An external monitor
    • If using multiple monitors, DRC INSIGHT displays on the primary monitor, and all other screens go blank. To use a larger monitor, set it as the primary display before launching DRC INSIGHT. If using a separate monitor, ensure a webcam is correctly positioned at the top of that monitor. The external monitor and webcam setup should be tested ahead of time.

TA

Same as Student requirements, except:

  • Test Administrators may use multiple external monitors. A larger screen can display student video tiles at a larger size, depending on the monitor’s resolution settings.
  • Recommended: If Test Administrators will be utilizing a video conferencing solution that supports simultaneous connection (Microsoft Teams), Test Administrators should use two monitors to allow them to monitor the Test Monitoring Dashboard and Pre-Test Meetingsimultaneously.
  • Test Administrators may also use a second separate device (e.g. two laptops) in order to perform simultaneous monitoring. If using two separate devices, using Microsoft Teams for the Pre-Test Meeting is not required.

Security Setup

Both Roles

  • Network Allowlisting: Technology Coordinators must ensure for school-managed and personally-owned testing devices and TA devices:
    • URLs are allowlisted on network content filters, firewalls, and antivirus software.
    • For personally-owned devices, if website access is restricted on the student’s or Test Administrator’s home network, the same URLs must be allowlisted.

Student

  • Disabling Device Software and Unapproved Tools: Technology Coordinators must ensure for both school-managed and personally-owned testing devices:
    • Unapproved tools and software are temporarily disabled (e.g., Grammarly, ChromeVox, screen capture software, AI assistants, etc.)
    • Automatic system updates and background processes are temporarily disabled.

Additional Notes

  • Test Administrators and students need to use videoconferencing software to deliver or receive pre-test instructions on the day of testing during the Pre-Test Meeting. Microsoft Teams is the only platform that supports simultaneous video/audio connection between the Pre-Test Meeting and the DRC INSIGHT Test Monitoring Dashboard. Other platforms will NOT work for simultaneous monitoring. Refer to the Quick Guide/Overview and Test Administrator Guide for Remote Administration for options around this restriction.
  • Home internet connection speeds vary depending on the time of day and the number of devices using the network at that time. As a best practice, it is recommended to check the connection speed using the Remote Readiness System Scan at a similar time of day and under similar circumstances to those of test day.
  • System settings on testing devices must allow the DRC INSIGHT app permission to access the microphone and camera.

Related Topics