UPDATE: The issues has been resolved as of 5:53 PM EDT. We apologize for any disruption this may have caused.
We are currently addressing a technical issue that is causing errors in quizzes for the following courses:
Our team is actively working on a resolution. We thank you for your patience while we correct the problem.
As the new academic year rapidly approaches at many training centers, administrators in managed computer environments are reminded to prioritize updating Respondus LockDown Browser to the latest version. This proactive step is crucial for ensuring a seamless and secure online assessment experience for both students and instructors from day one.
Maintaining the most current version of LockDown Browser ensures compatibility with learning management systems and incorporates the latest security enhancements and feature improvements. Outdated versions can lead to technical difficulties, impacting the flow of online exams and potentially causing frustration for users.
Taking the time to deploy the newest version across your managed devices before the start of the semester will minimize potential disruptions and contribute to a stable and reliable testing environment.
For detailed instructions on how to update the LockDown Browser within your environment, please refer to the following article: LockDown Browser Lab Edition
During a routine system update on 6/24/2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern, we identified a database migration that stalled during the release process causing subsequent healthcheck failures and resulting in the decision to rollback. The rollback was completed without issue and the TMS is back online as of 1:08 PM Eastern. There was no disruption to the LMS during this time period. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
MFA problems? Add a 2nd (or 3rd!) method of receiving your MFA code to bulletproof your login experience.
The electrical training ALLIANCE is excited to announce that the Training Essentials Catalogs for Inside Wiremen and Linemen programs for the 2025–26 school year are now available!
Want a sneak peek at what’s new? Flip to the first few pages of the catalog to see all the updates and fresh additions we’ve lined up for the upcoming school year.
🗓️ Reminder: All pricing and content go into effect July 1, 2025.
Highlights include:
🔗 Download the catalog through the Bookstore and start planning for the new school year today! Printed copies will be mailed to training locations. For additional printed copies, place your order through the bookstore.
Let’s power up 2025–26!
The Respondus LockDown Browser, which is required when administering exams via the new Test Platform & Process (TPP), has the following system compatibilities (current 11/4/2024):
PC: Windows 10 and 11. Excluding S Mode and SE versions. (more…)
Instructors play a vital role in keeping both new and seasoned apprentices updated on our ever-changing industry. To help, ECmag.com has launched the Apprentice Center. The Apprentice Center at ECmag.com with tailored newsletters, a free monthly magazine, and access to the latest industry trends and insights is the ultimate resource to (more…)
After much anticipation….
The New Testing Platform and Process (TPP) is all new and shares nothing with its predecessor. It is built on the same platform as the quiz engine that has been used by the PTSI Learning Management System courses since the debut of the OLS almost a decade ago.
Overview
Test delivery will be through a lockdown browser called Respondus (full details at web.respondus.com). Respondus Lockdown Browser disables keyboard shortcuts, right-click menus, and more. It also makes opening new windows and applications impossible during a test. It forces students to focus on the test simplifying proctoring. Proctors are not tied to their computer, but free to walk around and monitor progress or answer questions.
Note: A link to download Respondus will be provided on the LMS under the EXAMS section 
TPP only allows online tests. No paper tests will be available using the new system. TPP will scramble the question order, but students in a group will all see the same questions.
Use of either local program computers or student personal computers is at the discretion of the local program.
Test Availability Timeline
The New Testing Platform and Process and existing testing platform will coexist, and individuals who prepare and/or administer tests will need to be fluent in both. Here is a breakdown:
Still Have Questions?
Details about preparing and administering tests using the new system will be covered in a webinar scheduled for July 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern.
Can there ever be enough acronyms and abbreviations? My take, yes, but the addition of the SMS option to the TMS and LMS is needed and has been at long last added to the ProTech Skills Institute Online Learning System. Please see important details below.
The two existing MFA methods for receiving the
authentication code, E-mail and Authenticator Application, have been joined by a third, SMS text message. Existing LMS users can access this new MFA option by clicking on their name in the upper right corner and selecting Login Preferences. When Text Message is selected, the user will be asked to input the cell number where they want the authentication code delivered and hit save. All MFA codes from that point forward will be delivered to the number provided.
New LMS users still, and always, need to initially authenticate using E-mail, but after that they can choose to select from Authenticator Application or Text Message if preferred.
E-mail remains the default MFA method unless changed by the user. Users can change their MFA method at any time.
TMS users will also see this as an option. Once logged into the TMS, click on your name in the upper right corner to choose SMS Verification if desired.
Last Thing:
There are online resources that do not require MFA to be used each time you log in and then some that allow you to select how secure you prefer to be by allowing you to choose how often you must verify. In our cases as ERISA governed organizations, we are held to a very high security compliance level. It’s also something to note that using systems that send automatic messages charge by the quantity of messages. With email or with SMS, the number of messages the system sends equates to a charge. We monitor these charges to watch for concerns and will communicate those if they arise. While we, and you, are required to have these measures in place we try very hard to make them as user-friendly as we can, meet the required security benchmarks, and keep the costs down.
Thanks for reading!