Exam Center vs. Module Tests
PastpaperLM has two separate exam-like features — here's how to tell them apart.
PastpaperLM has two distinct exam-style features. They look similar (questions, timer, pagination) but serve different purposes.
Quick Comparison
Exam Center
Full past-paper exams — sit a real A/L paper from start to finish.
Module Tests
Topic-specific practice — questions from a single unit across years.
Route difference: /exam = Exam Center (launched from Exam Center sidebar or dashboard). /test = Module Test (launched from Modules feature). They are NOT interchangeable.
Side-by-Side
- Purpose: Simulate the actual A/L exam — full paper, real time limit (usually 2 hours)
- Source: Complete past papers from the database (subject, year, paper type)
- Modes: In-Paper (answer on question) or Answer Sheet (separate panel)
- Auto-submit: Yes — submits automatically at 0:00
- Index number: Required in Answer Sheet mode (validated against profile)
- Anti-cheat: Leaving the exam tab ends your session — see Anti-Cheat Rules
- Shows up as: "Exam" in Recent Activity and Backpack → Papers
- Purpose: Targeted practice on one topic/unit
- Source: Questions filtered by unit, subject, year range
- Modes: In-Paper only (no Answer Sheet)
- Auto-submit: No — timer ends but you must click Submit
- Index number: Not required
- Anti-cheat: None — this is practice mode
- Extras: Optional vibrate alerts and a sound bell
- Time dots: Per-question speed indicator (green/blue/red)
- Shows up as: "Practice" in Recent Activity and Backpack → Papers
How to Launch Each
| Feature | Entry Point |
|---|---|
| Exam Center | Sidebar "Exam Center" → pick paper → "Start Exam" |
| Exam Center | Dashboard "Exam Center" tile → pick paper |
| Module Test | Sidebar "Modules" → pick subject → pick unit → "View" → configure → "Start Test" |
| Module Test | Dashboard "Module Tests" tile → same flow |
Exam Center and Module Test results are reviewed separately — you can't jump from one's review page to the other's.
Which Should You Use?
- Exam Center — When you want the full exam experience, endurance practice, or official-style scoring
- Module Tests — When you're weak on one topic (e.g., "Electrochemistry") and want focused reps with time-pressure feedback