A timed test shows “Time limit:” and the length of time on its start page. Your instructor sets the time limit, and only your instructor can change it.

Before you start

When you click Start, XYZ Homework asks you to confirm: “This assessment has a time limit. Once you start the assessment, the timer will not pause for any reason. Are you sure you are ready to start?” Click Start in that box to begin. You see the same box when you click Resume later.

The timer keeps running if you close the tab, lose your connection or leave the test. So start only when:

  • you have the whole time free,
  • your device is charged, and
  • your internet connection is steady.

If the start page says “Because of the upcoming due date, your time limit will expire at the due date”, you get less than the full time: the test closes at the due date. Start earlier next time if you can.

The timer

  • The timer sits at the top of the test and shows the time left, in hours and minutes, then in minutes and seconds for the last five minutes.
  • Click the timer to hide the numbers, and click it again to show them. If you hide it, it comes back on its own shortly before time runs out.
  • If you reopen a timed test that is still running, the start page says “Your current assessment time limit expires at” a date and time. Click Resume to go back in.
  • Some instructors allow a little overtime after the time limit, which the start page calls a grace period (this isn’t the free-trial grace period). The start page then says “with a grace period of” a length of time, and may mention a penalty. When the main time runs out, the timer shows “Overtime” and counts down the grace period.

Submit before the time runs out

  1. Leave yourself a minute or two at the end.

  2. On a test with Submit and End at the top, click it and confirm. On homework-style timed work, click Submit on each question.

  3. Wait until your work is recorded. After Submit and End, wait for the summary page (if your instructor asks for your work, a page to add it comes first). The summary page shows your score, or says “Your assessment has been submitted.” On homework-style work, wait until each question you submit shows its score or “Question submitted.” Don’t close the tab or your laptop before that.

When the time runs out

  • If the test is open on your screen, you see “Timelimit has expired. Submitting now.” and XYZ Homework starts submitting the answers on the page. Keep the page open and wait for the submission result. If a connection error appears, follow its instructions and tell your instructor if the attempt stays unsubmitted.
  • If the test wasn’t open, it doesn’t submit itself. When you open it again, you see “Your current assessment time limit expired at” a date and time, with a Submit it now button. If the due date has also passed, you see “This assessment was due” a date and “You have an unsubmitted assessment attempt whose time limit has expired.” instead, with the same Submit it now button. That button submits the answers that were saved.
  • On homework-style timed work (a Submit button under each question), you may see “The timelimit has expired on this assessment.” instead. Questions you already submitted still count.
  • If you want more time instead, ask your instructor before you click Submit it now. Once it’s submitted, you can’t change your answers yourself. See My work didn’t save, or my test still says it’s in progress.

A LatePass doesn't add time

A LatePass moves the due date only. It doesn’t extend or pause a time limit. See Using a LatePass.

Need more time?

Extra time is your instructor’s decision.