Supported operating systems, browsers, and related requirements are listed on this page. All specifications apply to the 2022–23 school year.
Warning: Check Updates Before Upgrading
Only operating systems listed below are supported. Don't upgrade to new operating systems on computers that will be used for digital testing without making sure updates meet required specifications.
Desktops and Laptops
Supported operating systems, browsers, and hardware requirements are listed below.
Use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox browser. Remember to disable pop-up blockers.
Minimum supported operating systems:
- Windows 8.1 (Professional and Enterprise)
- Windows 10
- Windows 11 (Version 21H2)
- Server 2012 R2, 2016 R2 (thin client)
Note: S mode isn't supported
Minimum hardware requirements:
- 1 GHZ 64-bit Processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 20 GB hard drive
Recommended hardware requirements for improved performance:
- 1.4 GHZ 64-bit Processor
- 2+ GB RAM
- 20+ GB hard drive
Use the latest version of the Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser. Remember to disable pop-up blockers.
Minimum supported operating systems:
- macOS 10.15
- macOS 11.6
- macOS 12.4
- macOS 13
Minimum hardware requirements:
- 1 GHZ 64-bit Processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 20 GB hard drive
Recommended hardware requirements for improved performance:
- 1.4 GHZ 64-bit Processor
- 2+ GB RAM
- 20+ GB hard drive
Use the latest version of the Chrome or Firefox browser. Remember to disable pop-up blockers.
Minimum supported operating systems:
- Fedora 34 LTS (Gnome)
- Fedora 35 LTS (Gnome)
- Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Gnome)
- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Gnome)
ARM-powered devices such as the Raspberry Pi aren't supported.
Minimum hardware requirements:
- 1 GHZ 64-bit Processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 20 GB hard drive
Recommended hardware requirements for improved performance:
- 1.4 GHZ 64-bit Processor
- 2+ GB RAM
- 20+ GB hard drive
iPad
Use the latest version of the Safari browser. Remember to disable pop-up blockers.
Minimum supported operating systems on iPads 9.7" or larger:
- iPadOS 14.8
- iPadOS 15.4
- iPadOS 16
Chromebooks and Chromebases
Use the latest version of the Chrome browser. Remember to disable pop-up blockers.
Chrome OS 102 is supported.
The SecureTestBrowser kiosk application must be installed on Google devices for students to access the secure browser. Students can no longer test on Chromebooks manufactured in 2017 or later without an Enterprise or Education license. Google no longer allows users without these licenses to set up kiosk mode, which is necessary to run the secure browser.
To launch these devices in kiosk mode, they must be configured to be managed through the school's Google Admin Console. Further details on how to do this can be found on the Google support page.
CAI only supports versions of Chrome OS™ released on the Google stable channel. For a full list of supported Chromebooks, see support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366.
We recommend disabling auto-updates or limiting auto-updates to a version used successfully before testing begins. This will prevent updates that pose a potential risk to student testing. It's safer to wait until CAI reviews new versions and lists them as supported.
Auto-update settings are configured in the Google admin console.
Chrome OS includes a feature called tablet mode, which offers a touchscreen environment for supported Chromebooks and for Chrome OS tablets. CAI doesn't support the use of tablet mode for testing but does support touchscreen features on Chromebooks.