Canvas Classic Quizzes vs New Quizzes: What Students Need to Know
Canvas has two quiz engines, Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes, and they behave differently. Here is how to tell them apart and what changes for you.
Canvas does not have one quiz tool, it has two: Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. Schools are gradually moving to New Quizzes, so many students see both in the same term. They look and behave differently, and knowing which one you are in helps you avoid surprises.
Classic Quizzes
Classic Quizzes are the original Canvas quiz engine. They appear as a normal Canvas page and include:
- Question types like multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, multiple answers, matching, numerical, formula and essay.
- Options such as time limits, multiple attempts, shuffled answers, one question at a time and locking questions after answering.
- Access codes and IP address filters.
- A quiz log for each submission that teachers can open. See Canvas quiz logs explained.
New Quizzes
New Quizzes is the newer engine, which runs inside Canvas as a separate tool. It adds:
- More question types: ordering, categorisation, hot spot (click on an image), matching, stimulus (a passage with several questions), formula and more.
- Item banks that teachers can share and reuse.
- Finer control over what you see after submitting.
- Moderation tools for accommodations, like extra time or attempts.
Because New Quizzes loads inside an embedded frame, it can feel a little different from the rest of Canvas.
What changes for you
Viewing results
In both engines, teachers control whether you see your responses, correct answers and when. New Quizzes has more detailed settings, so results may appear in stages.
Question types
New Quizzes may include ordering, categorisation or hot spot questions. Practise them before the quiz. See Canvas question types explained.
Timer and submission
Both engines run the timer on the server and submit automatically when time runs out. See the Canvas quiz timer explained.
Tools and extensions
Because New Quizzes runs inside a frame, some browser extensions cannot read its content directly. For example, TrustStudy reads Classic Quizzes normally, while on New Quizzes Screenshot mode is the most reliable way for it to see a practice question.
Which one is "better" for students?
Neither. What matters is knowing the format, practising the question types and understanding the settings your teacher chose.
Learn more
See Canvas New Quizzes: a student guide and what Canvas teachers can see.
Study with TrustStudy
Try the question yourself, then highlight it and press Alt + X to check your answer right on the page. No tabs, no copy-paste. Start with 3 free credits.
Install extensionFrequently asked questions
How do I know if my Canvas quiz is Classic or New Quizzes?
New Quizzes usually open inside a frame with a different, cleaner design and often show a rocket-ship style icon in the teacher's view. Classic Quizzes look like a standard Canvas page. If in doubt, ask your teacher.
Are New Quizzes harder than Classic Quizzes?
Not harder, but they support more question types, such as ordering, categorisation and hot spot, so you may see formats you have not practised.
Can teachers see logs in both Classic and New Quizzes?
Both keep records of your attempt. Classic Quizzes have a well-known quiz log that can show when you stopped viewing the quiz page. New Quizzes keep their own logs in the moderation area.