Test Overview



Online Tests


Online tests, like paper-and-pencil tests, can contain a variety of question types such as multiple choice, short answer, or matching.


The technology of online tests enables instructors to allow multiple attempts, set time limits, auto-grade, include multimedia in questions, schedule date/time ranges for testing, or even require a password to start the assessment.


Tips for Online Test Taking


  • Identify whether there is a due date.
  • Read the instructions!
  • Read the questions carefully and double-check answers.
  • Schedule time to take online tests on a computer with a secure and reliable Internet connection that is located in a quiet environment. (Wired connections are typically more reliable than wireless).
  • If the test you are taking has a time limit, make sure you do not begin taking it until you are ready!
  • If you need special accommodations for a test, contact your instructor at the beginning of the term and prior to each test.
  • You may be able to take a test multiple times. If you have multiple attempts, your instructor will control how the grade is calculated.
  • For multiple choice questions with multiple answers, your instructor controls whether you are penalized for incorrect choices--and if so, how much. Make sure you read these questions carefully and select only the answers you believe to be correct.
  • Do not refresh the page, close the window, or use the back button during the test.
  • If you experience any problems during your test, contact your instructor immediately.

Starting a Test


Navigate to the test or survey and select the title. On the next page, select Begin. Your instructor might require that you type a password to begin; if so, type the password and select Submit. The system will continue to prompt for a valid password until you provide the correct one.


Test Options


At the top of each test or survey, you can view the information about multiple attempts, the timer, navigation, and any optional description and instructions. You're also informed if you must complete the test or survey in one sitting after you open it. Select the arrows next to the information section to collapse or expand it.


  • Timed tests: If your test or survey is timed, you're informed of the instructor's choice. The timer status bar keeps you updated on how much time you have left.
  • Auto-submit: The test or survey saves and submits automatically when time expires. The Submitted page appears.
  • Continue beyond the time limit: You receive no automatic penalty if you continue beyond the time limit. However, final scoring decisions are made by your instructor. If you save and exit, the timer continues to run. For example, you start on Tuesday, save and exit, and then complete the test on Thursday. The timer will show that you took 48 hours to complete.
  • View completed questions. The Question Completion Status section displays a saved icon for each question you have answered. You can select a question number to jump to that question. Select the arrows next to the status section to collapse or expand it.
  • Auto-saved Answers: Your answers are saved automatically. You can also select Save Answer next to each question or Save All Answers as you work. When you save an answer, Saved appears in the question's row.
  • Finish: Ready to submit? When you're finished, select Save and Submit. If all questions are auto-graded, and your instructor releases this information, you may see your score immediately. However, if your test includes question types like essay, your instructor will need to grade those manually.