Taking a test
The instructions page
Before you start, the page shows the Total Duration, No. of Questions, Total Marks, the Pass Mark if there is one, and the Sections (Objective and Theory).
- If the test has not started, a countdown shows Test Starts In. The start button unlocks when it reaches zero.
- If you arrive late, Entry closes in counts down the time left to join. You still get the full test time once you begin.
- If you started before, it says you have an uncompleted session. You continue from where you stopped.
Tick I have read and understood all the instructions and click Start Test. Quick Tour shows you around the test screen first.
The test screen
- The question panel shows every question as a coloured box: Answered, Not Answered, Marked for Review, Answered & Marked and Not Visited. Click one to go to it. Switch between Grid and List.
- Save & Next saves your answer and moves on. Answers are also saved automatically.
- Mark for Review flags a question to come back to.
- Clear Answer removes your answer.
- If the test has two sections, switch between Objective and Theory at the top.
Tools
| Tool | What it is |
|---|---|
| Calculator | An on-screen calculator, if your teacher allows it |
| Tables | 4-figure mathematical tables, if allowed |
| Jotter | A private notepad for rough work. Nobody else sees it, and it is not submitted. |
| Accessibility | Bigger text, high contrast, or have the question read aloud |
Keyboard shortcuts
| Key | Does |
|---|---|
| ← and → | Previous and next question |
| M | Mark for review |
| X | Clear answer |
| R | Read the question aloud |
| ? | Open accessibility |
Something wrong with a question?
Click Report Question and say what is wrong. Your teacher reviews it.
Asking for a break
In a supervised lab, click Request a Break, explain why, and click Send Request. Your timer keeps running until the break is approved. Once approved, your timer stops and your answers are saved. You can Cancel a request that is still waiting.
Rules during the test
- Some tests must be taken on a desktop or laptop: phones show Desktop Required.
- If you leave full-screen, it is recorded. Click Return to Fullscreen.
- Do not refresh or close the window.
Finishing
Click Finish Test. Surepass shows how many questions you have answered, not answered and marked for review. Nothing is submitted until you confirm.
When time runs out, the test is submitted for you with your answers so far: Time's Up!
If submitting fails, stay on the page and try again.