What is a computer-based test? Here’s everything you need to know

From primary, secondary, and tertiary education to vocational certification, every form of education and training requires optimized and measurable assessments to measure the outcomes of knowledge imparted to learners. Assessments have long been employed for the evaluation process. Well-designed assessments focus on targeted areas with utmost accuracy and encourage learners to perform better. Before the digital era, evaluators used traditional approach-based tests. However, with the internet and technology seeping into different aspects of life and computing gadgets becoming a necessity, assessments are also becoming increasingly crucial.

The age of new, innovative computer-assisted assessments has dawned. Unlike its predecessor (pen-and-paper testing), a computer-based test is not a resource-intensive evaluation. On the contrary, it is technologically advanced and has eliminated the inconvenience that is incurred due to rudimentary testing approaches.

For example, the requirement for examination halls, seating configurations, printed papers, travel and other logistical hassles were evident. Conducting assessments online via digital tools is beneficial for invigilators and students as they are now highly receptive to digital technologies.

This blog will detail the intricacies of computer-based assessments and how these support educational institutions that are contemplating shifting to computer-based testing.

CBT provides a scaffold by minimizing the administrative burden of conducting examinations in academia, reducing the time and effort that would otherwise be consumed on the laborious process of setting up examination centers, printing and distributing exam papers, and other overheads.

In computer-based testing (CBT), computer technology is employed, which means the candidates use computers to answer questions presented on the monitor. The test-taker submits the answer using a keyboard or a mouse. The computer the test taker uses can be called a client computer. The computer used for delivering the exam while being connected to an intranet/internet is referred to as a server computer. Therefore, computer-based exams take place in a client-server environment.

The appeal of online CBT lies in its functionality to streamline how educational assessments, certifications, or pre-employment tests are conducted in multiple ways. From its inception in the 1970s to now, when computers have assumed a ubiquitous status, it has become the ideal successor to paper-and-pencil tests. Interestingly, the terms ‘online exam’ and ‘computer-based exam’ are often used interchangeably; however, there is a subtle difference between these two.

An online exam may be perceived as a subsection of the CBT because, as the name suggests, the computer-based test is too comprehensive not to include online exams in its ambit. While the term online exam can be used for any examination conducted over the internet, the computer-based test is generically used for any test that is given and taken using computers, without depending on the internet.

To put it into perspective, a CBT may or may not be connected to a server on the intranet/internet and may act as standalone testing. Once the exam is over, the result can be transferred online to a web server or locally stored on the computer’s hard disk.

The history of computer-based assessments (CBAs) can be traced back to the mid-20th century when the first computers emerged. Early attempts at computerized testing were limited by the technological constraints of the time. However, with the rapid advancements in computing power and technology during the latter half of the 20th century, the potential for using computers in assessments became increasingly apparent. In the 1960s and 1970s, the advent of mainframe computers allowed for the development of simple computerized tests. The 1980s saw the rise of personal computers, further expanding the possibilities for computer-based assessments. The 1990s marked a turning point with the widespread adoption of the Internet, enabling the development of online assessments. As the 21st century unfolded, the sophistication of CBAs increased, incorporating multimedia elements, adaptive testing, and artificial intelligence. Today, computer-based assessments play a crucial role in education, employment, and various professional certifications, providing efficient and reliable means of evaluating knowledge and skills.

Some common types of CBTs are:

• Multiple-choice tests: These tests present a question or statement with multiple answer options, and the test taker selects the correct answer(s) from the given choices.
• Fill-in-the-blank tests: The test taker must provide the missing word or phrase to complete a sentence or statement in these tests.
• True or false tests: Test takers are presented with statements and must determine whether each piece of information is true or false.
• Simulations: Simulations are interactive computer-based tests that mimic real-life scenarios. They assess practical skills and decision-making abilities in various fields, such as healthcare, aviation, and engineering.
• Online assessments: Online assessments encompass various CBTs delivered through internet-based platforms. They can include multiple-choice tests, simulations etc., providing flexibility and convenience for test takers.
• Programming or coding tests: These tests assess a test taker’s programming knowledge and coding skills. They typically involve solving coding problems or writing code to achieve a specific outcome.
• Adaptive tests: Adaptive tests dynamically adjust the difficulty of questions based on a test taker’s responses. Depending on the test taker’s performance, the questions become more challenging or accessible, aiming to provide a more precise evaluation.
• Matching tests: These tests match items in one column with corresponding objects in another. The test taker connects related terms or concepts by drawing lines or selecting options.
• Essay tests: Essay tests require test takers to write detailed responses to questions or prompts. They are often used to evaluate writing skills, critical thinking, and subject knowledge.
• Certification exams: Many professional certifications, such as IT certifications or language proficiency exams, are conducted using computer-based tests. These exams assess knowledge, skills, and competencies required for specific professions or industries.

Computer-based testing can be used most effectively for several academic purposes, certification tests, or during pre-employment screening processes that have examinations as one of the decisive rounds to screen out applicants. Moreover, for corporates, such tests can enable management to develop pathways for employees’ career progressions. Learning and development departments can also leverage online CBTs to identify employees’ strengths and weaknesses and design appropriate training programs for holistic workforce development.

Computer-based tests have various advantages over traditional examination methods. From conducting exams to delivering reports, computer-based exams have made the examination process smoother than ever. Besides, computer-based tests offer multiple benefits to candidates and administrators in administering, grading and scaling up the process.

Let us take a closer look at the benefits that CBTs entail:

While computer-based tests have multiple applications, we have listed below some of the key areas where these tests are becoming increasingly popular:

Leveraging CBTs for academic assessments

Computer-based exams have gained steady ground in the education sector, with the last two decades witnessing the most profound shift in how assessments are given and taken. One reason is that computer testing continues to offer numerous benefits when compared to pen-and-paper tests. Some of its advantages are:

Computer-based assessments are becoming a crucial part of the education system. Earlier, the arduous and time-consuming process of preparing tests was overwhelming for teachers because they needed to ensure fairness and consistency in every exam for each class. Besides, even if the teacher did a reasonable job of preparing a satisfactory exam, it was challenging to keep students from indulging in cheating practices, which was detrimental to the integrity of exams. However, computer-based exams have weeded out all these hassles associated with the traditional processes, streamlining examination processes.

The computer-based testing methodology aims to catalyze the exam processes and tackle the challenges concerning the facilitation of examination, result report generation, and end-to-end process management. The use of CBT in administering tests will negate the possibility of human errors that are evident during conducting, marking, and scoring an exam. Furthermore, remote proctoring technologies’ integrations can curb cheating instances.

Two significant ways in which computer-based tests can be used as a learning assessment tool are:

Integration within the e-learning modules: Computer-based assessments can be embedded within the e-learning modules to consolidate all the components of learning activities in one place. For example, a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) student might watch a video that includes comprehension questions embedded within it, or a learner may complete the whole e-learning module that ends with a final exam.

Standalone CBTs: This type of test is commonly used in all kinds of learning environments, including in-person courses. An administrator can easily create tests and quizzes using a web-based platform to measure student learning outcomes. Computer-based exams have various applications, from online quizzes to final exams. They not only help instructors assess the effectiveness of their teaching but also boost student engagement in the classroom.

Leveraging CBTs for conducting certification programs

Computer-based tests also double up as credentialing tests to assess whether candidates are knowledgeable enough in a specific occupational area to be deemed ‘competent to practice’ in that domain. So, these tests are indispensable tools for conducting online certification for professionals.

While many computer-based examinations for today’s most demanded skills exist, test-takers can only earn certification in their respective domains if they meet the minimum score requirement.

A certificate is a credential awarded to an individual after completing an educational or training course, implying that the learner has acquired new skills, competencies and proficiency. The attainment of the learning outcomes is measured using computer-based tests that have predetermined standards for certification success.

Let us delve deeper into the world of certifications to accentuate its different facets:

What is certification?

Certification is an assessment, audit or review of a person, organization or object under consideration. There are myriads of certifications in our world today. There are certifications for persons, products and businesses. We can broadly classify certifications into three categories:

• A first-party certification is when a person or business offering products/services assures that their offerings meet specific standards. For example, CE marking is widely prevalent in the European market, stating that the product marked under CE has been tested to meet specific health, environmental, and safety criteria.
• Second-party certification means that an individual or organization has to rely on other associations to provide the assurance. An association, in this regard, provides an approval mark for a particular market segment. Individuals or organizations have to meet the specific criteria to obtain this quality mark.
• Third-party certification is when an independent organization conducts a comprehensive assessment of practices and processes that an individual or an organization follows and determines whether the final product complies with predefined standards for quality, safety or performance.

Types of certifications

There are two types of certifications in general, namely:

Internal certifications

Organizations use internal certifications to impart hands-on knowledge to employees in technologies, software, or the latest methodologies. These certifications are also used to upskill employees. Usually, these certifications are intended for the workforce within the company and are not applicable outside the organization. Such certification programs are deemed crucial for an organization’s learning and development strategy.

External certifications

External certification agencies provide external certifications. Such bodies provide accreditations in a specific industry for a particular domain. There are various kinds of external certifications, some of which are listed below:

Skills certifications

If someone is asked about their health and they reply, saying, “I did a hundred pushups.” It would be an ambiguous response. Not because doing pushups is a waste but because it expresses very little about their health status. Similarly, when someone is asked about their education, they respond, “I graduated in 1998 in arts.” It is equally ambiguous. Not because their college education does not matter, but because it provides minimal information about their experience and knowledge today. For many years, a degree played a pivotal part in every individual’s professional journey. Professionals used to climb the corporate ladder and retire after a long, satisfying stint at the same company.

However, the world is not the same anymore. Things have changed substantially and drastically. The world of work is changing, skills and jobs are becoming obsolete much faster than one can imagine. Therefore, professionals must consistently upgrade their skill sets while considering future uncertainties to stay abreast with the changes. Most importantly, they need a common language of skills that stay unchanged across industries. Skills certification is the language that can provide an expression to validate those skills. It is not just about labeling someone as ‘skilled,’ but it also provides a level playing field in which everyone can communicate their skills to the world, regardless of age, race, or gender.

Workplace safety certifications

Managing health and safety in the workplace is a legal necessity and a moral obligation. That is why safety certifications are well-established standards that organizations can use to structure their health and safety management framework. In addition, such certifications can enable organizations to convey to their regulators, employees, and clients/customers that health and safety are at the forefront of their business operations.

For example, organizations in the United States can put a premium on workplace safety by conducting safety certification programs approved by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

Government certifications

Government certifications are accredited by the government body hosting a certification program for the targeted audience. Such programs enable candidates to enroll in special training courses and receive certificates after completing the course. These programs aim to upskill people and impart knowledge and skills to them. Following such training, candidates will take the test to obtain a certificate in their respective domains.

To ensure that the certification programs maintain the highest degree of integrity and quality, certification providers must move from pen-and-paper-based testing to computer-based testing (CBT). The move to CBT will also make the test-taking experience for candidates better than ever.

How is a computer-based test done?

All the methods involved in a paper-based test are initialized digitally via computer-based examination systems, whether for student learning evaluation or candidate assessment during exams. The online CBT exam system can register and organize a vast candidate pool through its scalable platform. The system enables the live monitoring of examinees’ screens from the farthest locations through remote proctoring solutions. Furthermore, the system allows quick access to test results in real –time with data analytics.

Conducting online examinations is not as tedious as it seems. It is easy to run a web-based computerized exam on an online computer-based examination platform. It is the user-friendliness of an online CBT platform that makes it a holistic online exam solution provider.

The computer-based evaluation process consists of the following steps:

Step 1: Set up the exam

The first step is to upload lots of questions. A robust online examination software allows uploading multiple types of problems. It also allows for integration with a learning management system (LMS).

Step 2: Invite test-takers

Exam authorities then upload bulk student data, thereby saving significant time spent gathering and updating candidates’ details. Invitation emails are sent to students, after which they can select a suitable exam slot.

Step 3: Authorize and proctor tests

ID-based authentication, AI-based live proctoring, screen recording, and browsing tolerance are some features that eliminate impersonation and malpractices, thus making the results as credible as traditional pen-and-paper tests.

Step 4: Real-time results

A computer-based assessment software provides real-time results that can be customized and shared in PDF or HTML format.

Step 5: Group-level analytics

In addition to individual reports, thorough data analysis provides valuable group-level insights that can be used in the future.

Founded in 1973, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is an acclaimed public business school (B-school). The institute offers a comprehensive range of postgraduate, doctoral and executive programs. Besides its notable academic courses, the institute facilitates research, provides consulting services, conducts seminars and educational conferences, and publishes insightful journals.

Requirements

Robust platform

IIMB needed a dynamic end-to-end examination platform that was easily accessible and location-agnostic for learners and examiners. In addition, the B-school wanted a platform that would support multiple question types and exam formats without any operational hassles.

Preserve the academic integrity

Since the exams were online and attempted remotely by candidates, the B-school’s requirement was a robust anti-cheating mechanism, with an online invigilation mechanism to ensure candidates attempting the test could not resort to any illicit means.

Solution

After careful consideration, IIMB was recommended a suite of Mercer | Mettl’s online technologies:

• Online examination platform
• Mercer | Mettl SecureProctor

Both these value propositions were aligned with IIMB’s existing requirements and its future needs to enable blended learning.

Impact

• The institute witnessed a drastic reduction in cheating cases after shifting to Mercer | Mettl’s examination tools.
• With Mercer | Mettl’s automated result feature, the results were generated instantaneously.
• The institute was able to offer credible certificates to deserving students after evaluating their actual performance.

• Undeniably, physical examinations are not without their challenges, posing great difficulties for academic institutions, administrators and students alike. Mercer | Mettl’s web-based examination platform is an all-in-one, integrated system to digitize academic examinations. The leading SaaS-based CBT software conducts online exams quickly and efficiently.
• As e-learning takes precedence over offline learning, the need for a robust, scalable way to conduct tests online is evident. Mercer l Mettl’s online examination platform, with its most advanced features, addresses this absolute necessity.
• Mercer | Mettl’s holistic solutions cater to the whole examination cycle, empowering faculty and administrators to design, schedule, and deliver exams, invigilate using a sophisticated suite of proctoring tools, evaluate answer scripts onscreen, and finally submit the results. The digital platform does all this without hampering the candidate’s exam-taking experience.
• With these solutions, the Mercer | Mettl platform weeds out all the hassles inherent in center-based physical examinations, such as monetary overheads, logistical challenges, manual evaluation of answer sheets, and real-time monitoring of the examination process. The state-of-the-art platform can simplify the demanding task of conducting computer-based exams and certifications at a scale with stringent anti-cheating protocols.
• Numerous prestigious universities and institutes worldwide, including IIMB, IIMC, IIML, The Washington Center, and Cambridge Assessment, among others, attest to the popularity of Mercer | Mettl’s cutting-edge CBT exam solutions.

In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of computer-based tests is essential in today’s educational and professional landscapes. After exploring the various aspects of these assessments, from their advantages like adaptability and quick results to the considerations for test-takers, it is evident that computer-based tests have become integral to modern evaluation methods. Embracing technology in testing enhances efficiency and provides a more accurate reflection of a candidate’s abilities. As we navigate the digital era, being well-informed about computer-based tests empowers individuals to confidently approach assessments, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and effective evaluation process.