Creating Timed Exams
Learn how to create and configure timers for your Tally forms with all available options.
Creating a New Timer
- From your dashboard, click 'New Timer' or go to Timers > Add New
- Select one of your connected Tally forms
- Configure the timer settings (see below)
- Preview and save your timer
Timer Configuration Options
Basic Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | A descriptive name for your timer (e.g., 'Midterm Exam 2024') |
| Description | Optional notes about the timer (only visible to you) |
| Duration | How long respondents have to complete the exam (1-480 minutes) |
| Warning Time | When to show a warning that time is running out (default: 5 minutes) |
Display Styles
Choose how the countdown timer appears to respondents:
Top Bar
A fixed bar at the top of the page showing time remaining. Most visible option.
Floating Pill
A compact pill in the bottom-right corner. Less intrusive while still visible.
Minimal Circle
A small circular progress indicator. Most minimal option.
Scheduling
Control when your exam is available:
- Always Active: The exam is available anytime the timer is activated
- Scheduled: Set specific start and end dates/times
For scheduled exams:
- Before the start time: Respondents see a countdown to when the exam opens
- During the window: Respondents can start and complete the exam
- After the end time: The exam is no longer accessible
Access Control
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Access Code | Optional password required to start the exam |
| Require Name | Ask respondents for their name before starting |
| Require Email | Ask respondents for their email before starting |
| Require ID | Ask respondents for a student/employee ID before starting |
Custom Instructions
Add instructions that appear on the pre-exam page. Use this for:
- Exam rules and expectations
- Allowed materials
- Contact information for support
- Any other information respondents need before starting
Timer Status
Timers have four possible statuses:
| Status | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Draft | Timer is being set up. Not accessible to respondents. | Edit, Activate |
| Active | Timer is live and accepting submissions. | Pause, Close |
| Paused | Temporarily disabled. Can be resumed. | Resume, Close |
| Closed | Permanently closed. No new submissions. | Reopen, Delete |
Sharing Your Exam
Once your timer is active, share the exam URL with respondents:
- Go to your timer's detail page
- Find the 'Share Link' section
- Copy the URL and distribute it to your respondents
warning
Always test your exam with the 'Test' button before sharing with respondents to ensure everything works correctly.