Moodle Timed Test Taking Tips
Apart from studying the course material, follow these general tips to minimise technical issues that
may arise before or during an end of semester Moodle Test (using the Quiz tool).
Before commencing a Moodle Test
Take some time to plan ahead and ensure your computer is ready.
1. Plan ahead!
You will likely be given a time limit (e.g. 1, 2 or 3 hours) to have one attempt a Moodle Test, and
this will be within a specified test window (e.g. 24 hours). So, when the details are announced,
start organising when you can take the Moodle Test without interruptions or distractions.
2. Use the recommended browser
The recommended browser for taking a Moodle Test is an up-to-date version of Chrome or
Firefox. We do not recommend using Safari, Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
3. Maximise your Internet connectivity
If you lose your Internet connection whilst taking a Moodle Test, you may lose data or be unable
to continue or submit. To reduce the risk your connection dropping out, we recommend you use
a wired Internet connection during test taking.
We do not recommend using a Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) connection as it is usually weaker and
less reliable and can be affected by interference from other devices or if you are in motion. We
also strongly recommend that you do not use a public Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) connection such
as at a coffee shop.
4. Use a desktop or laptop computer
It is strongly recommended that you use a full charged, or better yet, plugged-in laptop or
desktop computer to take a Moodle Test. We do not recommend using mobile devices such as
Smart Phones or Tablets as they rely on a Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) connection.
5. Close ALL other programs and applications on your computer
You should only have one Internet browser (e.g. Chrome) open when taking a Moodle Test.
Close all other programs and applications e.g. music, videos, email, instant messaging, word
processing or other web browsers.
Once you commence your Moodle Test
Ensure you spend your time wisely and navigate your Moodle Test properly.
6. Timing
• The Test window period is a minimum of 24 hours (or greater) in which your end of
semester Moodle Test is available. You can start and finish your test at any time during this
period. If you are not finished when the test window period expires, your test will be
automatically submitted with whatever answers you have provided.
• The Time limit is the amount of time (e.g. 1, 2 or 3 hours) in which have to commence and
complete your Moodle Test. Once you start, a timer in the test navigation block will count
down until it expires. It is not possible to pause the timer and/or resume the test later.
• The Moodle test clock operates independently of the clock on your computer. Resetting
your computer clock will not affect the test window, time limit or countdown timer.
• If you are not finished the test when the time limit expires, your end of semester Moodle
test will be automatically submitted with whatever answers you have provided.
7. Answering short answer and essay type questions.
Type your answer directly into the textbox provided. Your answers will be automatically saved as
you progress through the Test. Do not try to type your answer in a word processing program
(e.g. Word) and copy and paste into Moodle.
8. Navigation
• Enable Popups.
• Your Moodle Test is likely to have multiple pages of questions. Click on the Next page button
to progress. Your answers will be automatically saved as you progress through the Test.
• The navigation method is likely to be ‘sequential,’ meaning you cannot go back to previous
pages to change your answers. Do not use your Internet browser’s back button to try to
return to a previous page.
• Do not try to click outside or try to navigate away from the Moodle Test window to visit
other websites, check email, or use messaging, chat, or open any other browser windows.
• Do not close the Moodle Test browser window. Doing this may result in your answers being
submitted prematurely.
• Once you have answered the final question, click on the Finish Attempt button. You will be
taken to a summary of your attempt. Click on the Submit all and finish button.
What if there is a problem?
9. Don’t panic!
Once you have commenced if you encounter a problem where you are unable to complete your
Moodle Test, and your Internet connection is still available, provide as many of the following
details as possible via an email to your Course Coordinator and request further instructions.
• The Course code and title
• The date and time the problem occurred.
• The name of test you were taking.
• The question number you were on.
• The Internet browser (i.e. Chrome or Firefox) and the computer operating system (i.e. PC or
Mac) you were using to take the test.
• If you receive an error message, write it down word-for-word and describe the surrounding
circumstances.
If you encounter a problem and your Internet connection is no longer available, collect as many of
the above details as possible and provide them via an email to your Course Coordinator as soon as
possible.