Online Exam Clock

What “online” means here

You first visit Exam Room Clock over the web. There is no registration, browser extension or desktop installer required to run it. The interactive clock executes on the computer displaying the page, rather than asking a server for every update.

That distinction is useful when a classroom network is unreliable. A temporary connection failure does not stop a loaded clock from calculating the current time or the exam’s remaining time.

Prepare for an offline reload

Keeping an already-open tab running is different from being able to reload it offline. For offline reloads, the browser needs a local copy of the display page, scripts and styles. Wait until the configuration screen says “Ready offline”, then disconnect the network and reload the display as a rehearsal.

Prepare the same browser profile and device that will be used in the room. A cache in your office browser is not available on the hall’s computer. Clearing site data can remove both offline files and the saved exam.

Browsers may reclaim stored files. Private browsing, institutional policies and restricted storage can also limit offline preparation. If the ready message does not appear, resolve that before relying on offline operation.

Installation is optional

On a supporting browser, “Install clock” opens the browser’s installation prompt. A standalone window can help separate the exam display from other browser tabs. Installation does not grant the clock independent time accuracy or override the computer’s sleep policy.

On iPhone or iPad, use Safari’s share menu and choose Add to Home Screen where available. On desktop browsers, look for an install action in the address bar or application menu. Availability varies; the regular browser display remains usable without installation.

What is saved on the device?

The latest exam’s times and display preferences are saved locally where browser storage is available. The generated display URL also contains the fixed schedule. There is no account to recover and no server-side backup of your exam presets.

If the browser refuses local storage, the active display can still run and its URL can still restore the exam. Always read the date and time shown after restoring a previous session.

Device time remains the reference

The clock uses the computer’s system time. Check it against the institution’s accepted reference before candidates enter, and verify that automatic clock settings are appropriate. Background throttling can delay a screen repaint, but it does not accumulate countdown drift: the next repaint recalculates from the current timestamp.

Read the setup checklist before first use and keep your institution’s fallback arrangements ready.