---
title: "Set test start time"
canonical: "https://help.skillpanel.com/space/TSG/2896953467/Set%20test%20start%20time"
format: markdown
---
When inviting candidates, it is possible to invite a candidate to a test with a preset start time. Selecting this feature will restrict the candidate to beginning the test after the time you've defined when sending the invitation. To select a test start time, first, you will need to turn on the "Set test start date" button and select your desired date and time as shown below.

![image-20260113-143404.png](media://6db79761-7a9d-4a61-8c58-87b3b53831e3)

The candidate will receive the regular email invitation with an added message below the link to the test.

![Set_test_start_time_2.png](media://a6a0d842-cecd-478b-9c52-391d23275c30)

 

The candidate can proceed to the welcome page but will be shown a countdown timer which will let them know when they will be able to begin the test.

![Set_test_start_time_3.png](media://edc7da7b-d1ae-4586-8676-125ae879049d)

 

This feature can be combined with our [code-pair](https://devskiller.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TSG/pages/2894364702) feature to schedule interviews and allow one of your developers to walk through the candidate's thought process while completing programming tasks.