Bring your own device

The Schoolyear software makes it possible to securely take a digital exam on your own laptop. It ensures that your exam runs full screen and blocks all other programs and websites during the exam. More information about Schoolyear.

To prepare properly for your exam, make sure to go through the following steps:

1. Run the laptopcheck at home and make sure your laptop is up to date. Do this well in advance. Want to be sure your laptop passed the check? Visit this page.
2. Make sure your laptop is fully charged and bring your charger just in case. Also don’t forget your (wireless) mouse if you prefer working with one.
3. Check rooster.hva.nl/schedule for your exam location and arrive on time.
4. Bring a valid ID.
5. Connect to the AUAS wifi network before your exam starts.
6. Open the exam application (such as Ans) to start the exam. Don’t worry if your laptop restarts automatically; this is part of the process and only takes a minute. For more information on what to expect, check the manual.

Most laptops will work with Schoolyear. Here you can find the minimum requirements for your laptop.

Note: Schoolyear does not run on Chromebooks, and if you own a MacBook, you can’t use Safari. However, Schoolyear does work with browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

If your laptop doesn’t meet the requirements, you can request a loan laptop. Read more below.

On October 28, 2025, Google released a new Chrome update (version 142 and higher) for both Windows and MacBook.
This update has changed the Schoolyear installation process and requires an additional authentication step to complete the installation.
This additional step causes more problems for MacBook users than for Windows users.

What has changed?

During installation, Chrome now requests access to the local network.
You must explicitly grant permission for this via a pop-up.
• Not seeing the pop-up?
• Did you accidentally decline or block it?
If so, authentication cannot be completed and you will receive an error message.

Advise

For Schoolyear, we currently recommend using Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
The installation steps for these browsers remain unchanged and work without additional workarounds.
By installing at least one of these browsers in addition to Chrome, you will always have an alternative available.
This makes it easier to switch quickly in the future if problems arise again.

Still want to use Chrome?

Then follow the specific instructions via the Schoolyear Help Center:

MacBook

Error message in the Authentication check (macOS) – Schoolyear Help Center

Windows

Schoolyear does not start after downloading and installing (Windows) – Schoolyear Help Center

If you don’t have a laptop, or if yours doesn’t pass the laptop check, you can request a loan laptop from your faculty.

➡️ Loan laptop request form (toggle for English)

Important: You must request a loan laptop well in time before your exam. The number of loan laptops is limited.

Yes. During the laptop check, Schoolyear will download the software on your laptop. This is very straightforward, the program will guide you step by step. Make sure to do this well in advance.

➡️ You can find more information about adjusting your sound, wifi, keyboard and language settings.

Check the Schoolyear website for solutions to common problems. Still not working? Then you can request a loan laptop from your faculty’s exam or education office (see contact details).
Important: Request it at least two weeks before the exam. Numbers are limited, so be on time. Don’t forget to explain why you need one.

Yes, you can always remove Schoolyear from your laptop.

Schoolyear only processes personal data that’s needed to securely run your exam. Because it’s only used as blocking software on AUAS locations, it never makes audio, webcam or screen recordings. AUAS has a data processing agreement with Schoolyear to guarantee the security of your data.

Privacy Statement Schoolyear

No, Schoolyear does not make any screen, webcam, or audio recordings. Check: “How does Schoolyear handle privacy?

For more information, see the general Privacy Statement by the AUAS.