Time-Limits

Why use time limits?

Time limits allow you to control how long a test-taker can spend on the entire test, a specific section, or an individual page. This enables more structured pacing, ensures fairness across participants, and supports a wide range of testing formats—from casual quizzes to high-stakes assessments.

Where to find it:

Test-level time limit: Test Settings → Features tab → Time Limit

Section-level time limit: Section Settings → Time Limit

Page-level time limit: Page Settings → Time Limit

Configurable timer levels

Time limits can be applied independently at three levels. Each timer operates separately and shows a countdown to the test-taker when enabled.

Test-level time limit

Applies to the entire test session. Once the time expires, the test is automatically submitted, and no further actions can be taken.

Use case: setting an overall duration for the test.

Section-level time limit

Limits how much time can be spent on a specific section. Once time runs out, the section is locked, and test-takers cannot return to it.

Use case: allocating different durations to different sections (e.g., 15 minutes for grammar, 10 minutes for listening).

Page-level time limit

Applies a timer to a specific page. When time expires, the test-taker is forced to move to the next page.

Use case: controlling time per question or activity, useful for fast-paced or live challenges.

How timers work

Timers are visible in the top-right corner of the screen for any part of the test where a time limit is set (test, section, or page).

Once a timer expires, the corresponding section or page is locked, and answers cannot be submitted.

Restarting timed sessions

If a session is paused or reinstated:

You can manually assign the remaining time based on elapsed duration or use the Reinstatement Assistant which automatically calculates and reassigns the correct remaining time.