Google Forms is a versatile tool for creating surveys and quizzes. And over the years, Forms has adopted a number of different features and plugins. From uploading files to limiting response types, he’s broadened his horizons a lot. However, when it comes to quizzes, Forms doesn’t have a native way to set a timer for quizzes and tests.
Fortunately, this is not the end of the road. You can set a timer for tests in Google Forms with the help of several plugins. The best part is that configuring them is easy and doesn’t take much time.
The first plugin we will explore is the aptly named Form Scheduler, and the second is called Extended Forms.
Let’s take a quick look at how to install these plugins and enable them in Google Forms.
How to Set Up Timer Using Form Scheduler in Google Forms
Stage 1: To add a Form Scheduler to your Google Forms, open a form and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Add-ons from the list that will take you to the Google Workplace Marketplace.
Search and install Form Timer.
step 2: After creating the questions in your test, disable the following options from the Settings page,
- Edit after posting
- Show link to post another reply
Stage 3: When done, click on the Add-ons icon on the top ribbon and select Configure.
This will open a small window in the lower right corner. Then select the Enable > Resume Form Scheduler link.
Note that this will redirect you to the Form Scheduler setup page for further configuration.
note: If you don’t see the Configuration option, refresh the page.
Step 4: On the Form Scheduler page, click Setup > Test Configuration to enter the duration of your test. Note that the maximum duration of the exam can be 180 minutes.
You can also add the Start Date and End Time via the Timer Controls.
Form Scheduler also lets you notify your respondents about the time factor. It also allows you to customize the message and font color.
Once everything is set, click the Save button (you guessed it right) to save your settings.
Now all you have to do is copy the link to your quiz and click the Test Link button to share it.
Note that respondents can use their Google account or email address to sign in to try the test. When the test starts, the timer will be displayed at the top of the page.
Limitations of the Form Scheduler
Like any other app, Form Timer isn’t perfect and has a few limitations.
First, the form is not submitted automatically when the timer stops. The responder must send manually before the timer stops. Again, the candidate who took the exam before cannot take the exam a second time.
In such a case, you will first need to delete the candidate’s entry from the Form Timer page.
How to Add a Scheduler Using Extended Forms in Google Forms
Another plugin that lets you add timers to quizzes in Google Forms is Extended Forms. This works similarly, but Extended Forms offers a clean and simpler interface.
It also allows forms to be submitted automatically when the timer runs out.
Stage 1: On the Google Forms page, click the three-dot menu and select Add-ons and search for Extended Forms to install.
Step 2: Once you’ve done that, set up the quiz questions. At this point, disable the ‘Required’ option. Otherwise, the AutoSend feature will not work as expected.
Stage 3: Now click on the Plugin icon, select Extended Forms and click on Configuration.
You will see a small window open in the lower right corner. Now all you have to do is toggle the ‘Connect to’ button switch.
Configuration takes a few minutes. Once done, you will see all the options for Forms like Time limit and Trial limit.
Save the settings after adding the required parameter. Now all you have to do is share the form link with the respondents.
Unlike Form Scheduler, Extended Forms does not allow you to add a customized message at the beginning of the test. But given the simple interface, the compromise seems worth it.
Right time
Timing is key in many exams and these plugins will help you better manage such exams. Naturally, both plugins have their pros and cons and require a lot of self-testing to arrive at the perfect solution. Note that if you’re scheduling batch exams, you may need to get a paid plan.
So, which of these add-ons will you go for?
