Examination Mode - KnowledgeCheckr

Overview

Examination Mode provides a formal, timed assessment environment designed for evaluating user knowledge under controlled conditions. Unlike practice mode, examinations are high-stakes, time-limited, and provide results only after completion.

Examination mode is ideal for certifications, course finals, competency assessments, and any scenario requiring formal evaluation.

Configuring Examination Mode

Examination mode offers comprehensive control over assessment conditions:

settings: {
  examination: {
    enableExaminations: boolean,
    startDate: Date,
    endDate: Date | null,
    questionOrder: 'create-order' | 'random',
    answerOrder: 'create-order' | 'random',
    allowAnonymous: boolean,
    allowFreeNavigation: boolean,
    examTimeFrameSeconds: number,
    examinationAttemptCount: number
  }
}

Core Settings

Enable/Disable Examinations

Control whether examination mode is available:

{
  "examination": {
    "enableExaminations": true
  }
}

Enabled (default)
Disabled

When enableExaminations is true, users can take formal timed assessments. The “Start Exam” button appears on the knowledge check page.Use when:

You need formal assessment capabilities
Measuring competency or mastery
Issuing certificates or credentials
Tracking official results

When enableExaminations is false, only practice mode (if enabled) is available. No formal assessment option is presented.Use when:

Content is purely educational
Only self-paced learning is needed
Assessment isn’t required
Still developing the knowledge check

Examination Window

Define when users can take exams:

Start Date

The earliest date users can begin an examination:

{
  "examination": {
    "startDate": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z"
  }
}

Must be a valid date
Defaults to current date/time
Users cannot start exams before this date
Useful for scheduled assessments

End Date

The last date users can begin an examination:

{
  "examination": {
    "endDate": "2026-12-31T23:59:59Z"
  }
}

Can be null for indefinite availability
Must be after startDate
Once passed, “Start Exam” button becomes disabled
Creates urgency for time-sensitive assessments

If a user starts an exam before the end date, they can complete it even after the end date passes.

Time Limit

Set the maximum duration for completing an exam:

examTimeFrameSeconds: number  // 60 to 18,001 seconds (1 min to 5 hours)

{
  "examination": {
    "examTimeFrameSeconds": 3600
  }
}

Quick Assessment

30 minutes

{ "examTimeFrameSeconds": 1800 }

For short quizzes with 10-20 questions

Standard Exam

1 hour (default)

{ "examTimeFrameSeconds": 3600 }

For comprehensive assessments with 30-50 questions

Extended Exam

3 hours

{ "examTimeFrameSeconds": 10800 }

For complex exams with many open-ended questions

Minimum: 60 seconds (1 minute)
Maximum: 18,001 seconds (just over 5 hours)
Choose a realistic time that doesn’t rush users but maintains focus
Consider question count and complexity when setting duration

Attempt Limits

Control how many times users can take the exam:

examinationAttemptCount: number  // Minimum: 1

{
  "examination": {
    "examinationAttemptCount": 3
  }
}

Single Attempt
Multiple Attempts
Unlimited Attempts

{ "examinationAttemptCount": 1 }

Best for:

High-stakes certifications
Final exams
One-time assessments
Maximum integrity requirements

Users get one chance - makes it critical they’re prepared.

{ "examinationAttemptCount": 3 }

Best for:

Learning assessments with evaluation component
Reducing test anxiety
Allowing improvement over time
Progressive mastery approaches

Users can retake if they don’t pass, with diminishing returns.

Unlimited exam attempts aren’t supported. If you need unlimited attempts, use Practice Mode instead with allowedPracticeCount: null.

Question and Answer Ordering

Question Order

Control the sequence questions appear:

questionOrder: 'create-order' | 'random'

Create Order

Questions appear in the order you created them.

{ "questionOrder": "create-order" }

Use when:

Building progressive difficulty
Following a logical flow
Teaching sequential concepts
Questions depend on each other

Random

Questions shuffle for each exam attempt.

{ "questionOrder": "random" }

Use when:

Preventing cheating
Reducing pattern memorization
Questions are independent
Ensuring fair assessment

Answer Order

Control how answer options are displayed:

answerOrder: 'create-order' | 'random'

Create Order

Answers appear in the order you created them.

{ "answerOrder": "create-order" }

Use when:

Answers have logical ordering (e.g., chronological)
“None of the above” should always be last
Consistent presentation is important

Random

Answers shuffle for each exam attempt.

{ "answerOrder": "random" }

Use when:

Preventing position bias
Reducing memorization of answer locations
Enhancing security

Random ordering applies to single-choice and multiple-choice questions. Drag-drop questions always start randomized, and open-ended questions have no answer options.

Access Control

Anonymous Access

Control whether unauthenticated users can take exams:

allowAnonymous: boolean

Allow Anonymous (default)
Require Authentication

{ "allowAnonymous": true }

Anonymous users can take the exam without logging in.Advantages:

Lower barrier to entry
Wider reach and accessibility
No registration friction
Better for public assessments

Considerations:

Limited attempt tracking
No persistent progress history
Difficult to prevent multiple attempts
Cannot issue verified certificates

{ "allowAnonymous": false }

Users must be logged in to access exams.Advantages:

Accurate attempt tracking
Verified identity
Persistent results history
Can issue certificates
Better security and integrity

Considerations:

Requires user registration
May reduce participation
Adds authentication complexity

Control how users move through the exam:

allowFreeNavigation: boolean

Free Navigation (default)
Linear Navigation

{ "allowFreeNavigation": true }

Users can jump between questions in any order.Users can:

Skip questions and return later
Review previous answers
Navigate via question list/menu
Mark questions for review

Best for:

Longer exams (30+ questions)
Mixed difficulty levels
Reducing anxiety
Allowing strategic time management

{ "allowFreeNavigation": false }

Users must answer questions in sequence and cannot go back.Users must:

Answer questions in presented order
Cannot change previous answers
Move forward only
Commit to each answer before proceeding

Best for:

Short exams (< 20 questions)
Preventing overthinking
Simulating time pressure
Higher security needs

Linear navigation can increase user stress. Use carefully and communicate clearly that users cannot return to previous questions.

User Experience Flow

Starting an Examination

Access Knowledge Check

User navigates to the knowledge check page and sees:

Exam name and description
Time limit clearly displayed
Remaining attempts count
Start date/end date status
“Start Exam” button (if eligible)

Pre-Exam Confirmation

Clicking “Start Exam” shows a confirmation dialog:

Exam duration reminder
Number of questions
Attempt count warning
Navigation policy (free or linear)
“I understand” acknowledgment

Exam Begins

Timer starts immediately:

Countdown timer visible at all times
Questions loaded based on questionOrder setting
Progress indicator shows completion status
Navigation controls based on allowFreeNavigation

During the Examination

What users see:

Timer Display: Prominent countdown showing remaining time
Question Counter: “Question 5 of 30” progress indicator
Question Content: The question text and answer options
Navigation Controls:
- Next/Previous buttons (if free navigation)
- Submit button for final submission
- Question menu/list (if free navigation)
Warning Indicators: Visual alerts when time is running low

User actions:

Select answers based on question type
Navigate between questions (if allowed)
Mark questions for review
Submit exam before time expires

If time expires before submission, the exam auto-submits with all current answers. Users cannot retrieve or modify answers after time runs out.

After Completion

Once submitted or time expires:

Immediate Results

Users see:

Final score and percentage
Pass/fail status (if configured)
Time taken
Questions answered
Category performance breakdown

Detailed Review

Users may access:

Question-by-question review
Correct vs. incorrect answers
Points earned per question
Correct answers revealed

You can configure whether users see detailed results or just their score. This prevents sharing specific questions.

Retry Option

If attempts remain:

“Retake Exam” button appears
Shows attempts remaining
Previous attempt scores visible

If no attempts remain:

Button disabled
Shows “No attempts remaining” message
Historical attempt data still accessible

Configuration Examples

Example 1: Certification Exam

{
  "examination": {
    "enableExaminations": true,
    "startDate": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z",
    "endDate": null,
    "questionOrder": "random",
    "answerOrder": "random",
    "allowAnonymous": false,
    "allowFreeNavigation": true,
    "examTimeFrameSeconds": 7200,
    "examinationAttemptCount": 1
  }
}

Characteristics:

High security (random ordering, no anonymous)
Single attempt (high stakes)
2-hour duration
Free navigation (user comfort)
No end date (available indefinitely)

Example 2: Course Final

{
  "examination": {
    "enableExaminations": true,
    "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00Z",
    "endDate": "2026-06-15T23:59:59Z",
    "questionOrder": "create-order",
    "answerOrder": "random",
    "allowAnonymous": false,
    "allowFreeNavigation": true,
    "examTimeFrameSeconds": 5400,
    "examinationAttemptCount": 2
  }
}

Characteristics:

Time-bound (2-week window)
Two attempts (reduces anxiety)
90-minute duration
Progressive difficulty (create-order questions)
Requires authentication

Example 3: Public Quiz

{
  "examination": {
    "enableExaminations": true,
    "startDate": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z",
    "endDate": null,
    "questionOrder": "random",
    "answerOrder": "random",
    "allowAnonymous": true,
    "allowFreeNavigation": true,
    "examTimeFrameSeconds": 1800,
    "examinationAttemptCount": 3
  }
}

Characteristics:

Open access (anonymous allowed)
Multiple attempts (low stakes)
30-minute duration
Randomized for variety
Indefinite availability

Best Practices

Setting Time Limits

A good rule of thumb: allow 1-2 minutes per multiple-choice question, 3-5 minutes per complex question, and 5-15 minutes per open-ended question.

Consider:

Question count and types
Complexity and reading time
Target audience skill level
Adding 10-15% buffer time
Accessibility needs

Choosing Attempt Counts

1 Attempt

Use for:

Certifications
Final exams
High-stakes assessment
Maximum integrity

2-3 Attempts

Use for:

Balanced approach
Allowing improvement
Reducing anxiety
Progressive mastery

4+ Attempts

Use for:

Learning focus
Skill building
Consider practice mode instead

Security Considerations

For high-integrity exams:

Randomize Everything: Both questions and answers
Require Authentication: No anonymous access
Limit Attempts: One or two maximum
Hide Detailed Results: Show only pass/fail
Use Exam-Only Questions: Prevent practice exposure
Set Examination Window: Time-bound availability
Consider Linear Navigation: For maximum security

Accessibility Considerations

Ensure your examination settings accommodate diverse user needs while maintaining integrity.

Provide adequate time for reading and comprehension
Allow free navigation for users who need to pace themselves
Clearly communicate time limits and attempt counts
Consider offering accommodations for users with disabilities
Test your exam with representative users before deployment

Monitoring and Analytics

Track examination performance to improve your assessments:

Completion Rates: Percentage of started exams finished
Average Scores: Overall performance trends
Time Usage: How long users typically take
Attempt Patterns: First attempt vs. retry performance
Question Difficulty: Items with high failure rates
Drop-off Points: Where users abandon exams

Troubleshooting

Start Exam Button Disabled

Check:

enableExaminations is true
Current date is between startDate and endDate
User hasn’t exceeded examinationAttemptCount
If allowAnonymous is false, user is logged in
Knowledge check openDate has passed
Knowledge check closeDate hasn’t passed

Exam Auto-Submitted Too Early

Verify:

examTimeFrameSeconds is set correctly
Server and client clocks are synchronized
No browser extensions interfering with timers
Users aren’t experiencing network disconnections

Questions Not Randomizing

Ensure:

questionOrder is set to 'random'
Browser cache is cleared
Multiple questions exist (can’t randomize one question)
Different attempts are actually new sessions

Anonymous Users Can't Access

If allowAnonymous is true but users still can’t access:

Check knowledge check-level openDate and closeDate
Verify shareAccessibility or share_key is configured
Ensure examination window (startDate/endDate) is active

Combining with Practice Mode

Most knowledge checks benefit from both modes:

{
  "settings": {
    "practice": {
      "enablePracticing": true,
      "allowedPracticeCount": null
    },
    "examination": {
      "enableExaminations": true,
      "examinationAttemptCount": 2,
      "examTimeFrameSeconds": 3600
    }
  }
}

Workflow:

Users practice unlimited times to learn
When ready, they take the formal exam (2 attempts)
Practice questions help prepare for exam questions
Different question pools prevent over-familiarity

Use accessibility settings to create separate question pools: practice-only questions for learning, exam-only for formal assessment, and all for both.

Next Steps

Practice Mode

Learn about practice mode for learning-focused assessments

Question Types

Understand the four question types available

Knowledge Checks

Back to knowledge check overview

Getting Started

Core Features

User Guide

Configuration

​Overview

​Configuring Examination Mode

​Core Settings

​Enable/Disable Examinations

​Examination Window

​Time Limit

Quick Assessment

Standard Exam

Extended Exam

​Attempt Limits

​Question and Answer Ordering

​Question Order

Create Order

Random

​Answer Order

Create Order

Random

​Access Control

​Anonymous Access

​Navigation Control

​User Experience Flow

​Starting an Examination

​During the Examination

​After Completion

​Configuration Examples

​Example 1: Certification Exam

​Example 2: Course Final

​Example 3: Public Quiz

​Best Practices

​Setting Time Limits

​Choosing Attempt Counts

1 Attempt

2-3 Attempts

4+ Attempts

​Security Considerations

​Accessibility Considerations

​Monitoring and Analytics

​Troubleshooting

​Combining with Practice Mode

​Next Steps

Practice Mode

Question Types

Categories

Knowledge Checks

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Overview

Configuring Examination Mode

Core Settings

Enable/Disable Examinations

Examination Window

Time Limit

Attempt Limits

Question and Answer Ordering

Question Order

Answer Order

Access Control

Anonymous Access

Navigation Control

User Experience Flow

Starting an Examination

During the Examination

After Completion

Configuration Examples

Example 1: Certification Exam

Example 2: Course Final

Example 3: Public Quiz

Best Practices

Setting Time Limits

Choosing Attempt Counts

Security Considerations

Accessibility Considerations

Monitoring and Analytics

Troubleshooting

Combining with Practice Mode

Next Steps