> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://synap.ac/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://synap.ac/docs/platform/learner-experience/exams-and-the-exam-hall.md).

# Exams and the exam hall

Students normally find their exams on the **Exams** page or open them from a link you provide. Opening an exam takes them to the **Exam Hall**: the page that explains the assessment, shows whether it is available and guides them through any steps required before they begin.

### Finding and opening an exam

An exam may appear before a student is allowed to start it. The Exam Hall explains its current state, for example **Pending**, **Open**, **In progress**, **Locked**, **Submitted**, **Closed** or **Revoked**. The exact wording and actions depend on the exam and attempt state.

| What the student sees               | What usually controls it                                                        |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Whether the exam is listed          | Registration, access and the Exams page configuration.                          |
| When it can be started              | Fixed or relative scheduling, attempt dates and any manual lock.                |
| Exam name, description and duration | Exam details, timing and any additional time given through Access arrangements. |
| Instructions                        | The exam's instructions and text variables.                                     |
| Start or resume action              | Schedule, attempt status, resume rules and security restrictions.               |

### Checks before the exam

Depending on your settings, students may need to complete one or more steps before the start button becomes available:

* read and accept legal terms;
* enter an exam passcode;
* allow camera, microphone or screen-sharing permissions;
* complete a browser and device requirements check;
* launch a supported proctoring service or the Synoptic desktop application; or
* wait for an administrator or proctor to unlock the attempt.

The Exam Hall keeps these requirements together, so a student can see what remains to be completed. If a check fails, the page may offer a retry action or explain what must change before the exam can start.

### During the assessment

Once the exam begins, the Quiz player presents the questions and tools enabled for that exam. Students may see a timer, question or section navigation, a calculator, breaks and controls for reviewing or flagging questions. Here, flagging means marking a question to return to during the attempt; reporting a problem with a question is a separate feature.

The exam's experience settings determine whether students can move freely between questions, return to earlier sections or change answers. The time shown is specific to that attempt and includes any approved additional time.

{% hint style="warning" %}
A setting that looks small in the administration area can significantly change the experience under time pressure. Complete a full test attempt using the same navigation, timing, security and proctoring settings as the live exam.
{% endhint %}

### Submission and results

Students can submit when the exam allows it. Synap can also submit an attempt when its time ends. A submitted attempt may still require manual marking, moderation or finalisation before a result is ready.

After submission, the student may see only a confirmation, or they may see a score, grade, feedback, correct answers and certificate. These are controlled separately by the exam's marking and results settings. Releasing results is therefore not the same action as completing the marking.

If resits are enabled, the Exam Hall can also show the next available attempt and whether it can be started immediately or only within a later window.


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