Chromebook Installation

Students can use Bluebook™ on school-managed Chromebooks that meet device requirements.

Keeping Bluebook Up to Date

Testing requires the latest version of Bluebook. If deployed properly, Bluebook performs routine updates when students launch it but releases occasionally require a new deployment. If Bluebook cannot auto-update, a message displays that reinstallation is needed before students can test.

Find out if you need to update Bluebook.

Installation Instructions

Bluebook runs in kiosk mode, so it’s available only on Chromebooks managed through the Admin console in Google Workspace.

To configure the app, you’ll use the Admin console to add an application URL and then an extension. When you’re finished, Bluebook will appear on school-managed Chromebooks in the apps toolbar on the login screen.

Before You Start

Check device requirements to make sure your Chromebooks can support testing on Bluebook.

For Chromebooks Running ChromeOS 113 or Lower

You’ll need to take a few extra steps to safeguard student answers if you’re installing Bluebook on Chromebooks not running version 114+.

Here’s why: Starting with ChromeOS 114+, Bluebook saves its local cache and restores it if a device loses Wi-Fi or power during an exam—even if the device is set to erase local user data.

Keyboard Layout 

To make sure all special characters work as expected, check the Sign in keyboard setting in your Admin console and change it to US International layout if necessary. 

For Students Who Need Accessibility Features

Because Bluebook is a kiosk app, the floating accessibility menu is not available by default. Use your Admin console to change this device setting for students approved to use accessibility features during the test.

Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Device Settings > Kiosk floating accessibility menu and select the configuration option to show the menu in kiosk mode.

For more details, go to How do I enable accessibility features on Chromebooks?

Powerwashing Recommendation

Before testing: We recommend resetting Chromebooks before test day to free up space.

After testing: Use caution when resetting Chromebooks after test day because student answers will be erased. Check with your test coordinator first to make sure all student answers were submitted to College Board.

Part 1: Open Apps & Extensions in Your Admin Console

1. Use your administrator account to sign in to your Admin console at admin.google.com.
2. Open the Devices menu and go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions > Kiosks.

Tip: If you’re using shared devices, you can free up space and memory by clearing user profiles you no longer need.

Part 2: Uninstall Old Testing Apps

Skip this step if Bluebook, the CB Digital Exams app, or the 2021 Digital AP Exams app were never installed.

1. Select the appropriate organizational unit.
2. If an old version of Bluebook, the CB Digital Exams app, or the 2021 Digital AP Exams app is listed, click it and then click the Trash Can icon.

Note: If your students took a digital AP Exam or a digital SAT last year and you do not uninstall the old app, they’ll see “CB Digital Exams” in addition to “Bluebook.”

Part 3: Add Application URL

1. Select the lowest-level organizational unit that includes all testing devices. If you choose a higher level, the app will appear on other devices as well.
2. Hover over the Plus icon and click the Add by URL icon.
3. Enter the application URL into the Add by URL window.
   Application URL: https://bluebook-chromebook.app.collegeboard.org
4. Click Save.

Part 4: Add Extension

1. Click Bluebook in the Apps list to view its kiosk settings.
2. Scroll down and click ADD EXTENSION > Add from a custom URL.
3. In the window that opens, change the default setting to From a custom URL.
4. Add the extension ID and URL.
   Extension ID: joaneffahikmmipmidpkeedopejmhbbm
   Extension URL: https://bluebook.app.collegeboard.org/downloads/chromebook-extension/update.xml
5. Click CONFIRM.
6. Click SAVE in the upper right corner of the screen.
7. Optional: Open Bluebook on some of your testing devices and click Test Your Device on the sign-in screen to find out if the device meets minimum requirements.

Note: Don't forget to click SAVE after you click CONFIRM.

Note: If your Chromebooks are running 114+, stop here. Otherwise, continue with parts 5 and 6.

Part 5: Protect Student Test Data
(ChromeOS 113 or lower only)

Critical: If these steps are not completed correctly, student answers will be deleted.

1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings.
2. Click the Device Settings tab.
3. Select the organizational unit that includes all testing devices loaded with Bluebook.
4. Scroll to Sign-in settings > User data.
5. Select Do not erase local user data. 

Part 6: Validate Configuration
(ChromeOS 113 or lower only)

1. Open one of the Chromebooks you deployed to in the previous steps.
2. In the lower left corner of the screen, select Apps > Bluebook.
3. Sign in with your College Board account.
4. Select the Restart Your Device button.
5. Open Bluebook and sign in again.
6. If you can access the Bluebook homepage without seeing the restart button again, you’ve correctly installed the latest version of Bluebook.

Note: Managed Chromebooks won’t block forced updates—you don’t need to enable them.

Troubleshooting

• If you see the Restart Your Device button again, you’ve installed Bluebook without protecting student test data. Return to your Google Admin console and complete the steps in Part 5.
• If you open Bluebook and you’re told to install a new version, you’ve opened a deprecated version. Return to your Google Admin console and complete the steps in Part 2 above to uninstall it.

Student Instructions

Now that you’ve configured Bluebook, students can launch it on their school-managed Chromebooks. They will:

1. Power on the device, but not log in.
2. In the lower left corner of the screen, they’ll select Apps > Bluebook.
3. They should then see the Bluebook login screen.