Formswrite supports timed exams for both Google Forms and Formswrite Forms. A countdown timer is shown to respondents, and the form auto-submits when time expires.
Setting up a timed exam
- Convert your document to a form as usual
- In the Conversion Modal, enable Timed Exam
- Set the duration in minutes (default: 30 minutes)
- Complete the conversion
The timer starts when the respondent opens the form.
How it works
- A visible countdown timer appears at the top of the form
- As time runs low, the timer provides a visual warning
- When time expires, the form automatically submits with whatever answers have been entered
- Late responses are not accepted after the timer expires
When creating a Formswrite Form (not Google Forms), you get additional exam security options:
| Setting | Description |
|---|
| Collect email | Require respondents to enter their email address |
| Email verification | Send a verification email before allowing form access |
| Limit one response | Each email address can only submit once |
| Timed exam | Enable countdown timer with auto-submit |
Combining email verification with one response per email prevents students from submitting multiple times or sharing forms.
Best practices for timed exams
- Give students enough time — as a rule of thumb, allow 1-2 minutes per multiple choice question
- Test the timer yourself before sharing with students
- Communicate the time limit to students before they start
- Consider adding a few extra minutes as buffer for technical issues
