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The Max attempts per candidate setting lets you control how many times each candidate can take a specific test. Once a candidate reaches the limit, AutoProctor blocks further attempts and displays a notification.

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How to Configure Maximum Attempts

1

Open test settings

Go to your Tests page and click Settings next to the test.
2

Set the limit

In the General section, enter a number from 1 to 1000 in Max attempts per candidate. Leave the field empty to allow unlimited attempts.
3

Save

Click Save settings.
Test title field reading Chemistry Midterm, Grade 11, beside the Max attempts per candidate field set to 1, with the hint 1 to 1000, leave empty for unlimited

Max attempts per candidate set to 1 in the General section

When a candidate exceeds their allowed attempts, they see a restriction message and cannot proceed.
Restriction message shown to a candidate who has used all allowed attempts

Restriction message shown to candidates

For Google Forms and Socratease Quizzes, set Max attempts per candidate to 1. AutoProctor automatically resumes these tests if candidates reload the page or revisit the link, so multiple attempts are not needed for resumption.

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How Attempts Are Tracked

AutoProctor tracks attempts by the email address used to sign in. This means:
  • Each unique email address counts as a separate candidate, regardless of who is behind it.
  • If a candidate signs in with different email addresses across attempts (for example, using Sign in with Google once and Sign in with Email another time with a different address), each email counts separately, effectively bypassing the attempt limit.
If a candidate uses different login methods that resolve to different email addresses, each one counts as a separate candidate. This can allow them to bypass the maximum attempts limit.

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Preventing Attempt Limit Bypass

To prevent candidates from circumventing the maximum attempts setting:
  • Restrict login methods: Choose a test type that supports only one sign-in option. Google Forms restricts candidates to Google sign-in only, and Microsoft Forms restricts to Microsoft sign-in only. See Candidate Login Methods.
  • Use email restrictions: Limit access to specific email domains or addresses so candidates cannot use alternative accounts. See Restrict Test Access by Email Address.
  • Use unique invitation links: Generate per-candidate URLs that enforce email verification. See Inviting Candidates via Email.