How to Take Online Quizzes and Exams (Tips and Strategies)

TL;DR

Prepare your environment (quiet space, charged laptop, strong WiFi), read all questions before answering, manage your time carefully, and for open-note exams — organize your notes BEFORE the test so you can find things fast. Never rely on being able to "look everything up."

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Online Exams Are Different

Online quizzes and exams are standard in college now. They come in several flavors:

• Timed, closed-note (most traditional — just like in-person but on your computer)
• Timed, open-note (you can use notes, but time pressure is the challenge)
• Proctored (software monitors you via webcam — Respondus LockDown Browser, Honorlock, etc.)
• Untimed/self-paced (rare, but some take-home exams work this way)

Each type requires different preparation strategies.

Before the Exam

1. Test Your Tech

• Make sure your computer is charged (or plugged in)
• Test your internet connection (use an ethernet cable if WiFi is spotty)
• Close all unnecessary tabs and apps
• If proctored: install the proctoring software in advance and do a system check
• Have a backup plan (phone hotspot, library computer)

2. Prepare Your Space

• Quiet room where you won't be interrupted
• Clear desk (some proctoring software scans your workspace)
• Water and snacks within reach
• Phone out of sight (especially for proctored exams)

3. For Open-Note Exams: Organize Your Notes

The trap of open-note exams: students think they don't need to study because they can "look everything up." Wrong. If you're spending 3 minutes searching for every answer, you'll run out of time.

Before an open-note exam:

• Create a 1-2 page study sheet with key concepts organized by topic
• Know where information is in your notes (use tabs, bookmarks, or a table of contents)
• Still study — you should KNOW the material and use notes as backup, not primary reference

4. Study Like It's Closed-Note

Even for open-note exams, study as if you can't use notes. Students who study this way AND have notes available score significantly higher than students who rely on notes alone.

During the Exam

Time Management

• Note the total time and number of questions
• Calculate how much time per question (e.g., 60 minutes ÷ 30 questions = 2 minutes each)
• Set milestones ("I should be at question 15 by the 30-minute mark")
• Don't get stuck — flag hard questions and come back

Reading Questions Carefully

Online exam questions can be tricky:

• Read the ENTIRE question before looking at answers
• Watch for "NOT" and "EXCEPT" — these flip the question
• Don't rush — misreading costs more time than reading carefully

Avoiding Accidental Submissions

• On some platforms, clicking "Next" submits your answer permanently
• On others, you can go back and change answers
• KNOW your platform's rules before the exam starts
• If there's a "Submit" button at the end — DON'T click it until you've reviewed everything

For Proctored Exams

• Look at your screen (not around the room)
• Don't talk or whisper
• Keep your hands visible
• Don't switch tabs or open other programs
• Follow all the rules in the proctoring agreement

Common Online Exam Mistakes

1. Poor WiFi — Your connection drops mid-exam and you panic. Use ethernet or sit near your router.
2. Not reading instructions — Each quiz may have different rules about time limits, attempts, and navigation.
3. Running out of time — Online exams feel less urgent because you're at home. Set a timer.
4. Over-relying on notes — Looking things up takes longer than you think.
5. Accidentally submitting early — Always double-check before the final submit click.

Let Gradily Help You Prepare

The best strategy for online exams is thorough preparation. Gradily helps you study effectively so you walk into every quiz with confidence.

[Try Gradily for Free →]

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Online exams are here to stay. Prepare your tech, prepare your space, prepare your brain, and you'll do just fine. 💻