Examination protocol: create the optimal testing experience for everyone Imagine you are taking an exam that will determine your future, such as your career or admission to further education. In such a case, you want to be able to concentrate fully on your exam without being distracted by irregularities during the exam. Think, for example, of a participant who arrives late and disturbs the peace or uncertainty about ID checks, which breaks your concentration. These kinds of disruptions during the exam can be prevented quite easily. The use of a protocol offers a solution. Purpose of the protocol upon purchase The main purpose of this protocol is to promote a quiet environment in which candidates can take their examinations without disruption. A protocol also ensures optimal (as fair as possible) conditions for everyone. This means that candidates are not disadvantaged by the conditions during the examination, but neither do they gain any advantage. An example of disadvantage is noise in the examination venue from passers-by or from examination candidates who are late. An example of favouritism is a lack of supervision, which could allow candidates to cheat off each other. Contents of the protocol An examination protocol contains rules and regulations that apply during the examination, both for the candidate and for the invigilator and/or supervisor. A complete examination protocol sometimes also describes how the assessment is carried out, how the results are provided and how access to the examination papers, complaints and objections are handled. However, we will not be discussing these topics here. We will limit ourselves here to the protocol for conducting examinations. The contents of a protocol during an examination can be roughly divided as follows: The use of aids; Supervision and confidentiality; (Recording of) irregularities; (Registration of) attendance and absence and personal identification. Examples Below are some examples of a protocol that focuses specifically on conducting examinations: Checking the candidate's identification, with the aim of preventing identity fraud. For example, should candidates be required to show their identity card and sign their name upon arrival? Whether or not to use an official report and its contents. An official report contains a description of how the examination was conducted. Were there any special circumstances or irregularities that may have influenced the examination? If necessary, also make a list of those present. What to do in case of late arrival. Will a candidate still be allowed to take the exam in that case? This is in relation to the disruptive effect of late arrivals on the other candidates. What should the examiner do if a candidate suddenly falls ill? Illness during the examination is very unfortunate for the candidate, but can also be disruptive for the other candidates. What to do in the event of disruptive noises from outside or computer and internet malfunctions (in the case of digital assessment). Should the invigilator allow extra time and/or record these issues, so that the examination board can decide how to deal with this? How are toilet breaks handled during examinations? Which aids, such as dictionaries and reference works, may be used during the examination? How to deal with exam cheating? Follow-up to the protocol For a protocol to work, it is important that the rules are followed properly. This requires, among other things, extensive training and instruction of (new) supervisors. What is their role and responsibility in following the protocol? In order to be able to act in the event of unforeseen circumstances, they need to be familiar with the rules and be able to apply them immediately. Training with case studies can be useful in this regard. It is also advisable to periodically and randomly check a few examinations to see how the protocol is being applied. To ensure that the examination is conducted in accordance with the protocol and applicable (customised) agreements, the examination can also be outsourced to an external specialised organisation. Conclusion Using a protocol when conducting examinations has many advantages. It increases the likelihood that the examination will proceed in a fair and orderly manner without disruptions. By establishing rules and regulations in advance, you also avoid discussions afterwards. This is efficient and pleasant for everyone involved.
