elapsed time or a timer

[chefmars]

I would appreciate any help to conquer the following:
I have an online test that grades the results and returns a screen that gives the user their percentage. I would like to also measure the (elapsed) time in minutes, that it took them to take the exam and if they are under the limit they see the results screen and if they are over the time limit they are redirected to another screen that informs them they took too long and try again.

Culinarily Yours,
Chef Mars

[jordan]

At the beginning of the test, have PHP output a hidden form field with the time, e.g. <input type="hidden" name="starttime" value="<?= time(); ?>">

Then, when the form is submitted, subtract that time from the current time: $timelapsed = time() - $starttime;

Now $timeelapsed is, curiously enough, the time elapsed sinced the initial statement, in seconds, and you can play with that however you'd like. Of course, you'll need to factor in load times -- if the person sits at the computer for 15 seconds waiting for the next page to load, they shouldn't be penalized, should they?

[chefmars]

Jordan,

Thank you very much for you support.
I implemented your suggestion and with your help I have eliminated the problem. Now, I am able to do exactly what I had wanted to do with the online exam.
If you have a few minutes could you explain the function = time(); as opposed to time(); I did do some research on my problem before posting here, but did not come across anything like or as simple and direct your solution or = time();

Once again thank you for having taken the time to respond to my request for help.

Culinarily Yours,
Chef Mars