Taking breaks in the test driver

NOTE: You can enable breaks for timed sections in Edit Test Form > Test Form Rules. For more information, read Adding scheduled breaks to a test form.

If enabled, you can take breaks during a test. During the break, the test timer is paused and you cannot view or interact with the test content. Scheduled breaks occur automatically at the end of sections and can be cancellable (meaning you can return to the test at any point) or mandatory (you must wait until the break timer expires before returning to the test).

This article explains how you can take breaks in the Surpass test driver.

Taking a scheduled break

Scheduled breaks can occur automatically at the end of sections. Sections with scheduled breaks are indicated by a coffee cup (). Scheduled breaks can be set as Fixed Time or Pooled Time.

Fixed Time breaks

Fixed Time breaks have individual timers. For example, if you cancel a five minute break after two minutes, the remaining three minutes are lost.

When you have completed a section with a scheduled break, you can see your total break time in the Scheduled Break Time Remaining field. Select Resume Test to resume your test at any point.

If your scheduled break is mandatory, you must wait for the break to finish.

Pooled Time breaks

Pooled Time breaks have a shared timer. You can choose how much of your total break time to use at each break point. For example, if your test has a pooled break time of 20 minutes and two break points, you can choose to take two 10 minute breaks (10/10), use the whole time in one break (20/0), or split your available time unevenly across the break points (7/13).

When you have completed your first section with a scheduled break, you can see your total break time in the Scheduled Break Time Remaining field. You can choose how much of your break time to use at each break point. Select Resume Test to resume your test at any point.

Taking an unscheduled break

NOTE: You can only set unscheduled breaks for tests scheduled via the TestSchedule API.

Unscheduled breaks can be taken at any point during a test. For example, if your test has an unscheduled break time of 10 minutes, you can choose to take your break at any point. You can use the whole time in one break or split your available time across your desired break points.

Finishing your break

When you have finished your break, you must re-confirm your details before returning to the test. Select Yes to confirm your details and proceed to the next section.