Fullscreen mode
When you start a CBT exam, the browser enters fullscreen mode. This removes distractions and ensures you’re focused on the exam.- The exam interface fills your entire screen
- Browser toolbars, tabs, and other elements are hidden
- If you exit fullscreen, your exam is automatically submitted
Tab-switch policy
The CBT system monitors whether you navigate away from the exam. This includes:- Switching to another browser tab
- Opening a new browser window
- Clicking on the taskbar or dock
- Using Alt+Tab or Cmd+Tab to switch applications
- Minimizing the browser
How it works
- Each time you switch away from the exam, a counter increments
- When you return, you see a warning message showing how many switches you’ve used
- If you reach the tab-switch limit set by your teacher, the exam is automatically submitted
Tab-switch limits
The limit varies by exam (set by your teacher):| Limit setting | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0 switches | No tab switching allowed — any switch triggers auto-submission |
| 3 switches | You get 3 chances before auto-submission (recommended setting) |
| 5 switches | More lenient — 5 switches before auto-submission |
| Unlimited | No restriction on tab switching |
Auto-submission
Your exam can be automatically submitted (without you clicking Submit) in these situations:| Trigger | What happens |
|---|---|
| Time expires | The duration runs out and the exam is submitted with your current answers |
| Tab-switch limit exceeded | You switch away from the exam too many times |
| Exiting fullscreen | You exit fullscreen mode (e.g., pressing Escape) — the exam is submitted immediately |
| Opening developer tools | You open your browser’s developer tools — a countdown appears, and the exam is submitted if you don’t close them in time |
- All answers you’ve selected up to that point are saved and submitted
- Your score is calculated based on the answers you provided
- The submission is marked as auto-submitted in your results
Auto-submitted exams are final. Your teacher can see whether you submitted
manually or were auto-submitted.
Time limits
Every CBT exam has a time limit set by the teacher (e.g., 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes).How the timer works
- The timer starts when you click Begin
- It counts down continuously — it does not pause if you leave the page or lose internet
- The remaining time is always visible on screen
- When time runs out, the exam is auto-submitted
Exam window vs duration
These are two different things:| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exam window | The time range during which you can start the exam (e.g., 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) |
| Duration | How long you have once you begin the exam (e.g., 60 minutes) |
Allowed attempts
Your teacher sets how many times you can take the exam:| Setting | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 attempt | You can take the exam only once (most common for formal exams) |
| Multiple attempts | You can retake the exam up to the allowed number |
Preparing for your exam
Follow these tips to avoid issues during your CBT exam:Close everything else
Close all other browser tabs, applications, and background programs.
This prevents accidental tab switches. Your desktop should show only
your browser.
Use a supported browser
Use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Safari
may have limited fullscreen support. Verify your browser is up to date
in its settings.
Check your internet
Make sure you have a stable internet connection. If possible, use a
wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Test by loading a web page to confirm
connectivity.
Disable notifications
Turn off system notifications, pop-ups, and alerts that might pull you
away from the exam. Your notification center should be empty or in Do
Not Disturb mode.
Disable browser extensions
Some extensions can interfere with fullscreen mode or trigger tab-switch
detection. Disable them before the exam. You can re-enable them
afterward.
Related guides
- Taking an Exam — step-by-step guide to taking a CBT exam
- CBT Troubleshooting — solutions to common CBT issues
- Creating an Exam — how teachers configure exam rules