Skip to content
English
Visit edly.io
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Enable Timed Exams in Open edX Studio

Configure Time-Limited Assessments for Learners in Open edX Courses

 

Overview

Timed exams allow you to set a specific duration for a quiz or assessment. Once a learner starts the exam, a timer begins counting down, and the learner must submit their answers before the time expires.

Note: Ensure you are logged into Open edX Studio as a Staff or Admin user before proceeding.

Step 1: Enable Timed Exams in Advanced Settings

Before you can apply a timer to a specific subsection, you must enable the feature at the course level.

  1. Open your course in Studio.

  2. From the Settings menu in the top navigation bar, select Advanced Settings.

  3. In the search box at the top, type "Enable Timed Exams" to find the field quickly.

  4. Set the value for Enable Timed Exams to true.

  5. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

Screenshot 2026-05-11 at 4.24.59 PM

Step 2: Configure a Subsection as a Timed Exam

Timed settings are applied at the Subsection level. Any units and components within that subsection will be part of the timed exam.

  1. Navigate to the Course Outline.

  2. Locate the Subsection you wish to set as an exam, or create a new one.

  3. Click the three dots icon (⋮), and then Configure next to the subsection name.

  4. In the modal that appears, select the Advanced tab.

  5. Under Set as a Special Exam, select the Timed radio button.

  6. Time Limit: Enter the allowed time using the HH:MM format (e.g., 01:30 for one hour and thirty minutes).

  7. Click Save.

 
Screenshot 2026-05-13 at 2.18.57 PM
Screenshot 2026-05-13 at 2.22.32 PM
 

Step 3: Learner Experience in the LMS

Once configured and published, the subsection will appear in the LMS with a "Timed Exam" label.

  • Start Page: Before beginning, learners will see an introductory page explaining the time limit and rules.

  • The Timer: Once the learner clicks "I am ready to start this timed exam," the timer appears in the sidebar and remains visible as they navigate through the exam units.

  • Submission: If the timer reaches zero, the exam is automatically submitted.

 

Best Practices

  • Proctoring: If you require identity verification or browser locking, you can select "Proctored" instead of "Timed" in the Advanced tab (this requires additional platform configuration).

  • Clear Instructions: Always include a "Unit" at the start of your exam subsection that provides clear instructions before the learner triggers the timer.

  • Accommodations: If specific learners need extra time (e.g., for disability accommodations), you can grant "Special Allowance" via the Instructor Dashboard in the LMS.