Computer-Based Test: Everything You Need to Know About It

Whether the era followed the Gurukul system, or the chalkboard learning system, tests or examinations remained an integral part of the system. Even a couple of decades before, the traditional pen-and-paper model was the primary mode of conducting an examination. However, with the evolution of computers and the internet, companies and professionals have devised alternative ways of administering more convenient and time-efficient tests.

Computer-Based Test: The Concept

Computer Based Test (CBT) refers to delivering assessments with computers as an alternative to pen-paper methods. Professionals and industries administer the test using the internet or a computer-aided facility to evaluate and analyze a candidate’s performance, skill, and capability. The test has multiple-choice questions, explanatory answers, and an analytics-based questionnaire.
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How Does The Computer Based Test (CBT) Work?

Conducting online examinations is not as tedious as it seems. Rather, it is easy to run a web-based computerized exam on an online computer-based information platform that provides a holistic online exam solution. Here is the systematic guide to the process:

Setting-up the exam: The first step involves uploading the questions. The robust software allows uploading multiple types of problems.

Inviting test-takers: Exam authorities then upload the examinees' data. It saves time spent on gathering and updating candidates’ details.

Authorizing and proctoring tests: AI-based live proctoring, ID-based authentication, screen recording, and browsing tolerance help eliminate impersonation and malpractices, making the results credible.

Real-time results: CBT software offers real-time results that the authorities can customize and share in PDF or HTML format.

Group-level analytics: The analytics offers valuable group-level insights for future use.

Advantages of CBT

Computer-based tests offer a multitude of advantages. Some of the notable advantages include the following:

Large-scale delivery of tests

During the interview process, applicants appear for the written assessment as a part of the interview. The process takes a long to conclude. However, with Computer Based Test Software, organizations can host a large-scale assessment online without waiting individually. Besides saving time, it helps in conducting quality online examinations and assessments.

Auto grading 

The auto-grading feature of the CBT system eliminates the scope of human error and the hassle of allotting evaluation duties to the examiners. Besides, one can easily auto-grade the multiple-choice questions, helping organizations to churn out real-time reports. It saves considerable time in evaluating a large number of answer sheets.

Dynamic and individual assessments

Trainers in an organization can create personalized and customized tests for individual employees. One can mold each question's difficulty level depending on the learners’ previous responses. Students and instructors can also resolve queries, conduct oral assessments through other assorted applications, and share their personal views and opinions.

Well-organized and smooth process

A traditional examination entails lengthy and multiple tasks. It starts with preliminary preparations that begin months before the tests, such as securing the facilities, hiring invigilators for examination halls, and creating question papers, followed by careful storage and security. The post-examination process is equally time-consuming and tedious. However, CBT processes are automated and streamlined effectively.

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Types of CBT

CBT exams can be online and offline.

Online CBT

In the online version, students require coming to a certain center where the organization conducts the examination and take the exam on a computer instead of a paper. Like a paper examination, CBT is a timed exam. The only difference is that CBT has a countdown timer and a definitive exam point beyond which the examination halts. In CBT online exams, organizations conduct, proctor, and evaluate the test online.

Offline CBT 

The offline version is the same as the offline version. In this type, the examinees give the test on a device without an internet connection. After the completion of the exam, the evaluation is either manual or machine-based.

Tips for Acing CBT Examinations

The following tips help examinees ace CBT exams.

Positive outlook

A positive outlook towards the future is essential to positive change in their everyday lives. It is beneficial when it comes to trying something new. The prospect of CBT examinations is relatively new. Therefore, it is best to have an open mind when it comes down to it.

Keeping track of time throughout the exam

Time is very important in such exams. Therefore, examinees need to time each question to the minute, so the student does not experience distraction. 

Negative marking

The student must ensure that there is no negative marking involved in the exam before attempting the same. It is extremely important, as how the student prepares for the examination completely changes. If the examination does not have negative markings, the students will attempt all the questions without the fear of losing marks. If there is a negative marking, examinees need to be more careful while answering the questions they feel will be the correct answer.

Computer-Based Test vs. Paper-Based Test

All the methods involved in a paper-based test have been initialized digitally via computer-based examination systems. The CBT Test Online system registers and organizes a vast candidate pool through its scalable platform. Besides live monitoring of the candidates, it allows quick access to real-time test results with data analytics.

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How MeritTrac, Computer-Based Test Works?

MeritTrac is a prominent pure-play testing and assessment provider. It offers assessment and examination management services to corporate organizations, educational institutes, and government agencies. Examiners opting for MeritTrac’s CBT need to:

• Create and organize content
• Design and define assessments 
• Create exam schedules and deliver question papers
• Serve tests and monitor exams
• Analyze and generate reports

Conclusion

To learn more about the computer-based test, you can visit MetricTrac’s website.

FAQs

• How are computer-based tests monitored?

Exam authorities monitor through online exam proctoring. One can effectively monitor Computer testing with the inclusion of remote proctoring. Authorities monitor the test taker via a webcam, microphone, and access to the candidate’s screen.

• How do you conduct an online CBT exam?

To conduct a secure CBT exam, authorities start by selecting the type of exam they want to distribute, mapping the examinees, and sending out email links with exam detail. The examinees need to click on the email, enter the login credentials and take the test.

• How are computer-based tests proctored?

The process is web proctoring. It includes recorded proctoring, live online exam proctoring, and automated proctoring.