1. Assessment Laptop
Students must have and maintain a device that meets the Device Requirements outlined below and install the required software for electronic examinations and various educational activities1. Students may elect to have additional devices for their personal use.
Device Requirements
Assessment Laptops must meet or exceed the following criteria:
Windows | macOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | 64-bit Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2) | Sequoia or Tahoe |
| Processor (CPU) | x86, ARM | Apple Silicon (A18+ or M series) |
| Memory (RAM) | Recommended 16GB RAM (8GB RAM minimum) | Recommended 16GB RAM (8GB RAM minimum) |
| Storage (HD/SSD) | Recommended 512 GB (256 GB Minimum) Must maintain at least 20% free space. | Recommended 512 GB (256 GB Minimum) Must maintain at least 20% free space. |
| Wireless Card | Supports 802.11ac protocols and WPA3 | Supports 802.11ac protocols and WPA3 |
| Battery | 6-hour battery life | 6-hour battery life |
| Resolution (Display) | 1024 x 768 pixels (scaling set to 100%) | 1024 x 768 pixels (scaling set to 100%) |
| Web Camera | Recommend integrated web camera, but an external device may be used. | Recommend integrated web camera, but an external device may be used. |
Required Software Installation
Students must install the following software on their Assessment Laptop:
- Examplify by ExamSoft (electronic examination software)
- Respondus Lockdown Browser
- Additional software, as specified by the college or course instructors, that is used for educational purposes (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Poll Everywhere, Kahoot, Zoom)
Required Device Maintenance & Settings
Students must ensure their Assessment Laptop functions appropriately, which includes:
- Keeping the system Date & Time settings accurate and set to local time.
- Keeping Examplify and other required software current by installing updates when prompted.
- Maintaining at least 20% free storage space.
- Maintaining operating system compatibility with Examplify and other software.
Prohibited Software
Students are prohibited from installing virtual machine software (e.g., Parallels, VMware, VirtualBox) or software designed to anonymize or mask network activity (e.g., Tor, ngrok, proxy rotators) on the Assessment Laptop.
2. Privacy Screen
Students must have a privacy screen that fits the Assessment Laptop and has a restricted viewing angle of 60 degrees at the brightest setting. Privacy screens must be utilized during examinations and per instructor request.
3. Tl-30Xa Scientific Calculator
Students must have a Tl-30Xa scientific calculator for in-class and homework purposes. This is the only model permitted during examinations.
1Students may request financial aid funds to assist with a laptop purchase at the University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid: https://financialaid.uiowa.edu
Updated 07/24/2026