Individual start and end times are optional candidate fields that provide complete flexibility to manage test deadlines differently for one or more candidates. This feature is particularly useful for scenarios like thesis submissions with separate deadlines or as an alternative to calculating extra time. 

This article explains how to enable and manage individual start times and end times, and outlines the implications for marking candidates with individual end times.

Understanding individual start and end times

This feature allows Planners to set specific start and/or end times for individual candidates that override the standard test times. This means a candidate's personal test window can differ from the rest of the cohort. Individual start and end times can be set individually or in batch in both Deliver and Monitor modules.

1. How individual start time works 

   This feature is currently in Open Beta and requires activation. 

   Individual start time defines the exact time a specific candidate can begin their test, overriding the standard test start time. You can set an Individual start time as a batch operation by selecting several candidates in either Deliver or Monitor.

   When defined, the individual start time (date and timestamp) overrides the standard start time for that candidate. If an individual start time is not set (or is removed), the standard test start time applies as normal.

2. How individual end time works 

   This feature requires activation. Please contact the Service Desk to activate it for your Inspera Assessment tenancy.

   Individual end time allows you to define a specific deadline for a candidate, overriding the standard test end time. This provides flexibility to configure any length of submission window for an individual candidate. An Individual end time can be set individually or in batch in Monitor.

   When defined, the individual end time (date and timestamp) overrides the standard end time for a given candidate. This applies even to individual deadlines that are set before the standard test end time. If an Individual end time is not set (or is removed), the standard test end time applies as normal.

   • Interaction with extra time: Any planned or incident-related extra time is added to the Individual end time. Editing the Individual end time will not make any changes to extra time; rather, the extra time will adjust to the new individual end time.
   • Auto submission: For tests with the auto submission setting enabled, the individual deadline cannot be set to more than 5 months after the standard end time.
   • Group submissions: Individual end times can also be used on group submissions. In such cases, the latest deadline within a group is applied to all members of the group and automatically updated whenever members are added or removed. In tests with auto-submit enabled, responses are automatically submitted when the individual end time has passed.
   • Integration Note for Norwegian Customers (FS): Norwegian customers with an integration with FS must set the individual deadline in FS. The fields to set this deadline will not be available in tests that have an active connection to FS. Individual deadlines are continuously synchronized, even after the test has started.

Instructions

1. How to enable individual start time

   Individual start time can be set individually and in batch in Deliver and Monitor

   1. Find the candidates in the test setup, and click Manage.
   2. Select the candidate(s) you want to assign an Individual start time to.
   3. At the bottom of the page, in the candidate options menu, click Individual start time.
   4. Select Set date and time and choose a date and time. The individual start time must be after the standard test start time and before the standard test end time.
   5. Click Done.

2. How to enable individual end time

   1. Go to the Monitor module
   2. Select the candidate(s) you want to assign an Individual end time to.
   3. At the bottom of the page, in the Candidate options menu, click Individual end time.
   4. Select Set date and time and choose a date and time.
   5. Click Done.

Marking candidates with individual end time

Sharing and Confirming answers 

If there are unsubmitted candidates in a test (those who haven't submitted yet), or if some candidates are still able to submit multiple times within their individual end time window, a warning is displayed in the header when Graders try to share or confirm their answer. 

If a Grader tries to Confirm or Share grades before a candidate has submitted their test, they are prompted with a message informing them that they can come back later, or continue with the incomplete candidate list. 

Candidate dashboard

• If a candidate has an Individual start time defined, this timestamp replaces the standard test start time in their candidate dashboard and during the test itself. No other visual changes take effect on the dashboard. 

  

• If a candidate has a set individual end time, the timestamp in their candidate dashboard will reflect that time rather than the standard test finish time. No other visual changes take effect. 

  

Known limitations

• Multiple Attempts: Individual Start and End Time is not compatible with Multiple Attempts. Even if an Individual End Time is granted to a specific candidate, they will be unable to start any new attempts once the parent test end time has passed. The parent test end time acts as a cutoff for all activity.