To solve the problem of indeterminate synchronization time in different chaotic systems, this paper presents a time-controllable synchronization scheme. A general synchronization controller and parameter update laws are proposed to stabilize the error system, thus the drive and response systems could be synchronized up to a given scaling matrix at a pre-specified exponential convergence rate. The synchronization time formula is strictly deduced, which suggests that the speed of synchronization is determined by several parameters, such as exponential rate, initial system value and other parameters brought in by the controller. By adjusting these parameters, the performance of the synchronization can be effectively improved. In numerical simulation, two nonidentical 3D autonomous chaotic systems are chosen to verify this method. The error system can be rapidly stabilized, and unknown parameters are also identi?ed correctly. Firally, two groups of time-controllable parameters are given to verify the theory, wherein synchronization of both cases can be obtained quickly and each result of the synchronization is consistent with the theoretical calculation. The synchronization scheme is characterized by high safety and efficiency, and has its potential value in secure communication.