IB Exam Clock

Matrix Exam Clock - IB Nov 2026

Matrix Exam Clock - IB Nov 2026 is a specialised exam information and clock system designed for the November 2026 IB examination session. It supports up to four exams running simultaneously in the same room and includes a built-in IB examination database, making setup almost automatic.

It runs fully offline after activation and does not require an internet connection during examinations.

The Matrix Exam Clock has been improved based on real-world use and feedback. The latest version includes usability improvements, clearer exam setup, and enhanced control over the examination clock.

Getting Started

Download & Install

• Windows: Download and run the .exe file.
• Mac: Download the .dmg file and drag Matrix Exam Clock into your Applications folder.
• Web App: Open the link in your web browser. To prevent your browser from automatically logging you out, use the "Install" or "Add to Home Screen" option.

Installation Tips (Security Warnings)

Windows Users: If a "Windows protected your PC" message appears, click More info → Run anyway.

Mac Users: If macOS displays a "Developer cannot be verified" message, right-click the Matrix Exam Clock app icon in Applications → select Open → click Open again.

First Setup & License Activation

• Enter your License Key when prompted on first launch to activate your copy on the device.

• Your activation details are stored locally on the device. If your application data or browser storage is cleared, simply enter your License Key again to reactivate. This may use an additional activation slot.

• Click the License Information icon at any time to view your license details, including your activation status and registered device information.

Click to View License Information Screenshot

Step 1: Set the Global Session

On the right side of the screen, configure the main settings for your examination room:

Time Zone: Select your IB Zone (A, B, or C) and Zone Number. B1 is selected by default.

Date: Choose the examination date.

These settings automatically calculate the official IB start and end times according to IB examination rules.

Step 2: Add Your Exams

You can display up to four exams running simultaneously.

Click to View Exam Details Screenshot

Enter Exam Details

Click the Exam 1 tab and select your first examination from the dropdown.

Only exams scheduled for that day will appear.

Using the built-in IB database, the system automatically fills in:

• Paper information (with intelligent abbreviations to save screen space)
• Duration
• Exam format (Structured, Semi-structured, Unstructured, MCQ)
• Number of four-page answer booklets
• Formula booklet requirements
• Calculator and GDC requirements

Once Exam 1 is selected, additional exam tabs become available.

Exams must be entered sequentially:

1 → 2 → 3 → 4

Only exams overlapping in time with the previous selection will appear.

All exam details remain editable. Selecting Manual Input allows you to create an examination from scratch. If an official IB exam is modified, the system automatically switches to Manual Input to indicate that changes have been made.

Customise Exam Phases

Each exam can be customised individually.

You can choose whether the following milestones appear on the main display:

• Start Reading
• 30 Minutes Remaining
• 5 Minutes Remaining
• +25% Extra Time

These settings can be adjusted separately for each examination.

The Extra Info box allows you to enter private notes for the invigilator. These notes are not shown on the student display.

Some examinations, such as Astronomy, are included in the IB database but appear under the generic designation “School-Based Syllabus” rather than by their specific subject name. The examination name can be adapted manually if desired.

Step 3: Present to the Room

Once all exams are selected and details are verified: Click Hide Exam Details.

The control panel smoothly collapses, maximising the timeline display across the entire screen.

Matrix Exam Clock is now ready for students.

Click to View Hidden Exam Details Screenshot

Step 4: Set the Actual Start Reading Time

The actual Start Reading Time can be adjusted at the top right of the screen.

By default, it is set to five minutes before the IB scheduled start time, but this can be changed if the examination begins at a different time.

For a cleaner display, click Hide Actual Start Reading Time.

You can also hide the taskbar for a cleaner examination room display.

Click to View Hidden Start Reading Time Screenshot

What to Expect During the Exam (Visual Cues)

The display is designed to guide the room automatically without requiring manual updates.

Upcoming Times:
Future events are displayed using a bold, clear font.

Current Key Moments:
When important events occur, such as:

• Start Reading
• Start Exam
• 30 Minutes Remaining
• 5 Minutes Remaining
• End Exam

the corresponding time pulses red for one minute to alert the invigilator.

Passed Times:
Once an event has passed, it fades into a subtle background block, making completed phases easy to identify.

Important Note

Ensure your computer's Power & Sleep settings are configured so the clock does not turn off or enter sleep mode while the timer is running.

GET STARTED WITH A YEAR PASS
Last updated: 12 September 2026

Get full access for a year. The Year Pass is a one-time payment with no hidden subscriptions or recurring charges. Once activated, your installed applications stay yours to use permanently—they never lock you out after the year ends. Prices include all applicable taxes.

Click to Visit the Marking Matrix Store on Creem

Delivery & Platforms

■ Instant Delivery: Your unique License Key, software download links and Web App link are delivered to your email immediately after purchase.
■ Windows Application: Available as a standalone executable (.exe), providing a highly robust and reliable standalone experience for extended offline use.

■ macOS Application: Available as a standalone desktop application (.dmg). It provides the exact same robust and reliable offline experience for Mac users. Note: As an independently distributed app, macOS may require a quick one-time approval (right-click and select "Open") the very first time you launch it.
■ Web Application: No installation required. Open the app in a supported modern web browser on Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, iPads, or Android tablets. For a full-screen experience and to permanently save your license key on mobile devices, we highly recommend using your browser's "Install" or "Add to Home Screen" option.
■ Offline Operation: Once activated online, the desktop and web applications save the required verification data locally, allowing them to operate fully offline.

Activations & License Management

■ Multiple Device Activations (School-Wide Allowance): Your pass includes 24 activations. This generous allowance is specifically designed for schools and IB Coordinators, allowing you to confidently run the clock across multiple examination halls, extra-time rooms, and shared Smartboards simultaneously. It also safely accommodates any necessary re-activations if browser or local application data is cleared on shared devices.
■ Permanent Local Access (Install Deadline): The "New Installs Allowed Until" date only limits when you can activate the License Key on new devices. It will never expire, lock out, or disable the application on devices that are already activated.
■ Viewing & Updating License Details: Click the License Information icon at any time to view your License Key, Device ID, and activation count (e.g., “1 out of 24”). Click Update to securely refresh this information. If you have activated the license on additional devices, the count will update accordingly (e.g., from “1 out of 24” to “3 out of 24”).
■ License Storage & Re-Activation: Desktop applications (Windows and macOS) save your license permanently. The Web Application stores your activation in your browser's local storage. If you manually clear your browser cookies, use Incognito/Private mode, or switch to a different browser, the Web App will forget your device. Re-entering your License Key to reactivate will create a new session and consume an additional activation.