A VS Code extension for securely delivering and sitting encrypted exams distributed as .exam files.
What It Does
Opens encrypted .exam files directly inside VS Code using a built-in custom editor
Prompts for a password to unlock the exam — wrong passwords are rejected without exposing the content
Renders theory questions (multiple choice, short answer, essay) and coding assignments with live answer capture
Auto-saves student answers back into the .exam file as work progresses
Submits the completed exam with a cryptographic record of the submission time
Supports kiosk mode for high-stakes exams: hides the VS Code UI chrome, blocks common keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Tab, Alt+Tab combos), and logs focus-loss events to AssessME FLOW
Faculty-approved reference links embedded in the exam open in an isolated browser window during kiosk sessions
Setup
No extra installation steps. The extension activates automatically when a .exam file is opened.
If your institution uses the AssessME AI Assistant, the shared settings below are already configured:
Open the .exam file provided by your instructor — VS Code will detect it automatically.
Enter the exam password when prompted.
Answer all questions. Your answers are saved automatically as you type.
Click Submit Exam when done. A submission record is written into the file.
Kiosk Mode
When the exam is configured for kiosk delivery:
The VS Code sidebar, panel, and activity bar are hidden automatically on unlock.
Common switching shortcuts are blocked inside the exam webview.
Any time the exam window loses focus is logged to AssessME FLOW.
The UI is restored automatically when you submit or close the exam.
Privacy
The extension reads only the .exam file you open. It records exam events (unlock, question visits, submission, focus changes) to AssessME FLOW using your enrollment code. It never reads other files, browser history, clipboard, or network traffic.
Requirements
Visual Studio Code 1.85 or later
An .exam file distributed by your instructor
Internet access to reach the AssessME backend (for FLOW event logging)
