Exams and Quizzes
Canvas quizzes may look a little different depending on which quiz tool your teacher used: Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes. If the quiz looks different from the video or guide, your teacher may be using the other quiz type.
Depending on the quiz settings, questions may appear all on one page or one at a time, and in some cases you may be able to leave and return later.
Some features and settings differ between Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes, so it is helpful to check both videos below and/or the linked instructions.
Note: Canvas also notes that using multiple browser tabs during a quiz can cause problems.
If your exam is in Inspera, see the Inspera instructions for students.
See also the advice on taking quizzes in Canvas further down the page.
Taking a Quiz in Canvas
Before you open a quiz, make sure your computer, browser, and internet connection are ready.
Use an updated browser supported by Canvas, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Make sure cookies and JavaScript are enabled.
Before you start
Use a stable internet connection. A wired connection is safer than Wi-Fi.
Close other browser tabs, windows, and programs you do not need.
Do not stream video, download large files, or run other activities that may affect your internet connection.
Open the quiz on one device only and in one browser window only.
Do not open the same quiz on more than one computer, or both on a computer and in the Canvas app. This can cause problems with saved answers. For example, answers written on one device may not be submitted if the quiz is completed from another device. This is especially important for essay questions and longer written answers.
During the quiz
If the quiz has a time limit, Canvas shows a timer. The time continues to run even if you leave the quiz page.
Answer the questions carefully and check your answers before submitting. Do not click Submit until you have finished the quiz.
If something goes wrong
If the browser closes, the computer restarts, or the connection is interrupted, open Canvas again and return to the quiz as soon as possible.
If the quiz is still available, you may be able to continue. In New Quizzes, use Resume if that option appears.
Before leaving a quiz, check that your latest answers have been saved. If available, check the Last saved at timestamp.
Report technical problems immediately
Contact your teacher as soon as possible if a technical problem affects your quiz. Include the course name, quiz name, time of the problem, device and browser used, a clear description of what happened, and a screenshot if possible.