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A computer-based examination is delivered in a testing centre. Testing centres in Canada typically have 5 to 34 computer stations in a single room, with each station separated by a partition. An Invigilator is able to observe candidates directly through a window or via video camera. Testing centres offer various levels of security, including biometric security such as digitized photos and fingerprints of the candidates, video and live monitoring of candidates, stored video, encrypted data storage, dedicated testing networks and secure file servers. The Invigilators at these testing centres are trained professionals who do this as a full-time job.
Computer-based testing offers some additional security over paper-and-pencil testing, primarily because there are no printed examination forms being shipped. CBT can be offered as year-round testing or as simultaneous testing on specific examination dates. CBT facilities are available in major cities across Canada.
One specific type of testing offered through CBT is computer adaptive testing (CAT). With CAT, candidates are presented with different items, which depend on their performance on preceding ones. Interim scores are calculated, and subsequent items of specific difficulty are chosen. Candidates must reach a specific threshold of ability before passing the examination. In this way, candidates who are doing very well are presented with more difficult items on average, and candidates who are performing poorly are presented with items that are easier on average. The goal of locating a candidate’s actual level of ability as quickly and accurately as possible is best accomplished by presenting items they will find challenging but not impossible. To be fair, the pass mark (in terms of the number of correct responses) is not the same for high- and low-performing candidates. One benefit of CAT is that a very accurate estimate of the candidate’s level of ability (whether they should pass or not) can be determined rapidly, because the administration is “tailored” to that individual.
Examinations administered via computer can also be of a fixed form (similar to paper-and-pencil) or can be different for each candidate (based on random sampling from an item bank and conforming to a blueprint). With licensure or certification testing, it is important to ensure that a blueprint is adhered to and, in order to maintain validity, that item quality is high.
CBT is well-suited for low, medium, or high-stakes examinations.
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