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Digital testing – taking tests online

Global digitization has been accelerating in recent years. This also applies to testing and examination, where digital testing is increasingly becoming the norm. Digital testing opportunities are at your fingertips. But how do you gain visibility into where to start and how do you set this up for your organization? On this page you can read more about taking tests online.

What is digital testing?

Gone are the days when you had to take an exam with pen and paper. Nowadays you take tests via computer, cell phone on a tablet. You will use testing software, such as the Optimum Assessment Platform. All you need as an exam candidate is a good internet connection!

Benefits of digital testing

Digital testing has many advantages. This applies to both candidates and the testing organization. Whereas with paper testing you are tied to a set exam time, with digital testing you are always flexible. Do you have poor handwriting? Thanks to digital testing software, this is no longer a problem! Software is also great for reusing test questions. In short: digital testing is excellent long-term investment.

Is digital testing expensive?

There are many myths about the use of digital testing. One of these statements is about the cost of digital testing. After all, is digital testing expensive? It depends on whether you see this question in the eye of the short or long term. Setting up a database of exam questions is a lot of work in the short term. But you’ll soon have the cost out of it when you compare it to the repeated paper tests!

How does software help you with digital testing?

Good testing software allows you to administer tests digitally. To create an optimal testing experience, you can fully customize your testing cycle. So you can take a test:

  • Schedule;
  • Designs;
  • Take away;
  • Review;
  • Analyze.

The differences between testing and examining

When we talk about digital testing, are we also talking about examining? Differences do exist between the two terms. Examination, in fact, is about a formal form of testing. There is often a certificate or diploma attached to an exam. With a test, this is not always the case. For example, you can take an interim test where there is no (final) judgment.

Digital formative testing

A formative test aims to make the candidate learn better. For example, you can give a grade, but that grade is only indicative and therefore has no impact on the candidate. You can do a formative test just fine digitally. This allows you to provide immediate feedback after the candidate answers why a question was or was not answered incorrectly. This helps the candidate better understand the lesson material.

Digital summative testing

Unlike a formative test, with a summative test you make a (final) judgment about the candidate’s knowledge. So there are consequences attached to this (final) judgment. Digital testing can help you take a summative exam. There are several requirements attached to this to make the taking as fair and safe as possible!

Digital monitoring of tests

Want to administer tests safely and reliably? Then you can use online proctoring (online surveillance). Using innovative tools, candidates can take exams in their familiar home or work environment.

Improving digital testing

A process for digital testing is never “finished. There are always ways to take the level of your digital test to the next level. This can range in different areas. Think about preventing exam fraud or psychometrically improving your exam questions. Regarding the latter, there are a number of terms of interest. For example, in this knowledge base, you will read more about the following testing concepts:

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Answers to frequently asked questions

Digital testing