Make a real-world

impact with
computer-based
testing
Transform paper-and-pencil
assessments
High-stakes assessments help many
industries and individuals all over
the world to make an impact on their
professions, communities, and the lives
of others. These examinations have
important and direct results – for those
who take them, as well as for those who
sponsor them.

Not that long ago, paper-and-pencil (P&P) was the

only choice for exam delivery. Now, test sponsors
have the option of computer-based testing (CBT)
and with it, a host of benefits that cannot be realized
through P&P testing. Because of its advantages,
CBT has become the de facto standard for large-
scale, high-stakes assessments. But its advantages
shouldn’t be taken for granted. The benefits achieved
in transitioning to CBT depend upon the services of
the delivery provider selected, as well as the needs of
the test sponsor and its candidate demographic.

Pearson VUE has helped hundreds of test sponsors across the globe successfully transition from P&P
to CBT. With our integrated, end-to-end test development and delivery platform, you’ll realize the
benefits of computer-based testing via the world’s largest test center channel in 5,500 physical, highly
secure locations across 180 countries: broad reach, an exceptional candidate experience, and world-
class assessment services.

Professional testing environments

Pearson VUE has the largest owned-and-
operated test center network in the world.
Adhering to an exacting set of standards and
using a patented test center design provides a
neutral, distraction-free environment to enable
the best candidate performance. Rather than
lecture halls, conference centers, and other
spaces adapted to administer paper-and-
pencil assessments on an occasional basis, our
test centers are highly secure and provide a
consistent testing experience.

End-to-end test security

Effective security matters. Protection of intellectual property – the test items and exams – is vital to
maintaining your reputation. P&P assessments involve the transportation of papers to those involved
in the administration of that exam. Every paper copy and each hand-off in the process carries with it a
risk that the test may be exposed or leaked. The need to keep track of all printed copies of the exam
is a significant challenge in P&P testing. CBT eliminates the greatest security risk – multiple printed
copies of the test. Our end-to-end approach to test security empowers you with the confidence of
a highly secure exam program that is fair, valid, reliable, and legally defensible. We use the latest
encryption technology to deliver tests through our secure network. When an exam is downloaded to
a test center it is held in a secure state at all times prior to delivery. When the candidate is ready, it is
unlocked by the test administrator. This happens in real time and is indiscernible to the candidate.
Confirming test-taker identities is about more than
the test itself. It’s about protecting your industry and Our end-to-end approach
community through the value of your credential. That’s to test security empowers
why we painstakingly verify the identity of every person
who sits for an exam. Not only do we compare photo IDs
test sponsors with the
and digital signatures in real time and against previous confidence of a highly
tests, but we can also use palm-vein biometric screening secure testing program
— unique to Pearson VUE — a non-invasive and highly that is fair, valid, reliable,
accurate measure of identity. and legally defensible.
We also have well established reporting procedures if
candidate misconduct is suspected.

Flexibility: on-demand testing and test windows

CBT allows flexibility for both you and your candidates. On-demand testing means candidates can sit
an exam throughout the year, selecting a date and location most convenient to them — even, in some
cases, their own home. And it lets your candidates test when they are ready and able. However, we
appreciate that on-demand testing may not work for all types of exam programs. For some exams,
you may prefer test windows, which allow you to make exams available for specific time periods during
the year. Test windows can be selected to correspond to other milestones, such as the completion of a
mandatory training program.

Brand extension
Advanced item types
and customization
CBT opens up opportunities for new and Our highly configurable CBT system means
innovative ways of assessing candidates’ that we can adhere to and enforce your brand
knowledge and skills, in some cases leading guidelines. Furthermore, the transition to CBT
to more authentic assessment. Allowing from P&P testing may enhance your brand
for a variety of test question types, such as perception as a modern organization adapting
scenario-based, multiple-choice, or even to an evermore technological world.
video-based questions, CBT can provide a
means of assessing test constructs that are
difficult to assess in P&P testing.

Access to useful data Measurement efficiency

CBT gives you access to more useful data The use of modern psychometric methods
about the candidate testing experience that is the norm with CBT. Item response theory
is automatically captured. This information (IRT), a statistical model for analyzing
can be used to make informed decisions and scoring tests that provides greater
and necessary improvements to your exam measurement precision than traditional
program. Timing analysis shows how long educational measurement methodologies,
it takes candidates to respond to questions, has become the accepted standard for high-
whereas the test as a whole can provide stakes assessment. Using IRT means that
information about whether the time allowed exams can be better tailored to candidate
for an exam is appropriate or needs to proficiency – leading to greater measurement
be adjusted. efficiency. IRT also permits the use of different
test administration models – models that
cannot be used in P&P testing.
 Collaborative transition planning
When you’re ready to make the transition to CBT, our
specialist teams can help you avoid some of the common
pitfalls. One of these is trying to mimic the paper-based
experience without allowing full consideration of how CBT can
benefit your exam program. Another is choosing too many
features that will not contribute to better measurement (just
because they are CBT-supported). We recognize that some
organizations may find it necessary to support dual-delivery
modes for a period of time to provide reassurance to internal
stakeholders during the transition phase. However, parallel
CBT and P&P testing is a course of action we generally advise
against. Successful implementation of CBT requires thorough
consideration of all components of your exam program – from exam item and test development to
results and reporting – to determine how they will be affected by the transition, as well as elements
that might be improved by CBT. We’ve developed transition planning methodologies that address
all of the necessary elements for successful CBT implementation, taking into consideration your
organizational priorities.

Linear, fixed-form: Linear-on-the-fly testing (LOFT):

This method most closely resembles P&P A test administration method that selects
testing. A set number of alternative test items for administration to individual test-
forms (or papers) are prepared prior to takers based upon predetermined content and
test administration. When linear forms are statistical constraints so that candidates receive
administered via CBT, test-takers are typically comparable test forms. Through LOFT, a large
presented only one item at a time, and the number of possible test forms are created,
test items are frequently administered in limiting exam item exposure and increasing
randomized order – providing additional test security.
test security.

Computer-adaptive testing (CAT):

A test administration model in which successive items are selected from a pool of exam items based
upon the test-taker’s performance with previous items – with a more difficult item being selected after
a correct response, and an easier item being selected after an incorrect response. CAT provides higher-
quality measurement and is more efficient than linear testing models because test-takers are not given
items that are too easy or too difficult.

Supporting a successful transition

We’ll work with you to determine which CBT administration
model is right for the requirements of your exam program,
and no matter which type of testing you choose — Linear,
LOFT, or CAT — or how often you publish content, our security
measures help preserve your exam content throughout its
lifecycle. If you decide to convert to CBT, we’ll be with you
every step of the way. As the certification and licensure arm
of Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, we’re part
of a large and respected family. We’ve helped businesses,
professional organizations, and academic institutions move
their testing programs from P&P to CBT. Our guidance —
and organization and effort at project onset — provide an
excellent framework for your successful transition.

Ready to lead your program into a new era of testing?

We’re here for you. Contact us at:
PearsonVUE.com/test-owners/contact.aspx.

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