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What are the characteristics of CBT? Thorough explanation of the difference between "PBT" and "IBT"!
- CBT
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of exams using ``CBT'' that can be taken online.
What kind of Test Format is CBT? We will also explain the differences between "PBT" and "IBT", which are often compared with CBT.
What is CBT?
"CBT" is an abbreviation for "Computer Based Testing" and is a general term for Test Format that utilize computers, so-called "exams taken online." Typically, questions are displayed on a computer display, and you answer by clicking to select options or typing on the keyboard. In addition to text and photos, you can also use audio and video for questions and answers.
Exam questions are registered in advance on the server, and questions are presented in different combinations and order. Each Candidate is presented with different questions, reducing the risk of cheating or other misconduct.
CBT first began to be adopted in private qualification examinations. In recent years, there has been an accelerating movement to introduce it into employment exams and in-house exams at companies, mock exams and in-school tests at educational institutions, and recommendation entrance exams at universities.
Difference between paper group test (PBT) and CBT
In conventional exams, participants generally gathered at Test Center, were given paper question sheets, and had to fill out and submit paper answer sheets. This type of paper-based test is called "PBT (Paper-Based Testing)." PBT includes not only written exams but also exams where you fill out paper mark sheets. A typical example of PBT is the Common Test for University Entrance Examinations (formerly known as the Center Test), which gathers examinees at multiple Test Center across the country and solves the same test questions all at once.
When comparing PBT and CBT, there are the following differences:
| PBT (paper test) | CBT (online test) | |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity to take the exam | Held once to several times a year | Can be held at any time |
| How to apply | Deadline is approximately 1-2 months before the exam date. | It is often possible to make reservations, changes, and cancellations on the website until just before the test date. |
| Examination Test Center | The test sponsor organization will arrange and secure the facility according to the budget and set it up in advance. | You can choose from Test Center (test center) owned by the test operator organization, and no arrangements or advance preparations are required. |
| Question format | Limited to what can be expressed on paper, and using audio playback equipment. | A variety of questions can be asked using images, audio, and video content. |
| Test items | All Candidate take the same questions | Questions can be asked in different formats depending on Candidate |
| Result notification | The mark sheets are read or scored by the person in charge, and notifications are usually notified about 1 to 2 months after the calculation is completed. | Candidate can be immediately notified after automatic scoring |
| Security | There is a high risk of losing answer sheets that contain personal information. | Based on high security standards, multiple advanced encryption and protection functions are implemented to reduce risks. |
| Environmental aspect | A large amount of CO2 is generated due to the printing of large quantities of paper such as question papers, answer sheets, and bulletin boards at Test Center, and the transportation of paper throughout the country. | Eliminates paper printing and transportation, reduces CO2 and contributes to environmental conservation |
The major difference between CBT and PBT is the human cost involved in each test. PBT takes an enormous amount of time to prepare for a single test, including accepting applications from examinees, securing Test Center, preparing question papers and answer sheets, and tabulating answers. Therefore, it is not possible to conduct the exam multiple times in a year.
Additionally, while PBT can only create questions and answers that can be expressed on paper, CBT can use images and audio. With PBT, it is difficult to conduct a speaking test at the same time, as the Eiken secondary exam is set on a separate day, but with CBT, a speaking test can be conducted at the same time using a microphone.
Difference between IBT and CBT
"CBT（Computer Based Testing）" is a general term for tests taken online using a computer, but tests that can be taken at home or any other location are called "IBT (Internet Based Testing)" and are different from CBT. I have a lot to think about now. In this case, CBT refers to a test taken at a test center owned by an organization that administers the test.
When comparing home-based IBT and test center-based CBT, there are the following differences.
| IBT (home-based) | CBT (test center type) | |
|---|---|---|
| Examination Test Center | You can take the test anywhere as long as you have an internet environment. | Test centers located across the country owned by test operator organizations |
| Examination terminal | Computer owned/arranged by Candidate | Computers located at the test center |
| Identification | At the test center, the person in charge will check your official Identification Document such as your driver's license, My Number Card, and passport. | Verify official Identification Document through camera |
| Fraud prevention measures | Supervised by an invigilator during the exam | It is possible to monitor through cameras, but it depends on the morals of Candidate |
| Question format | It is possible to ask questions using images, audio, and video content, but this may be affected by Candidate 's internet environment and device specifications. | A variety of questions can be asked using images, audio, and video content. |
| Number of people who can take the test | In principle, there is no limit on the number of people. | Affected by test center availability |
The major difference between IBT and CBT is freedom and rigor. IBT can be taken at home as long as you have an internet connection, and the date and time can often be set more freely than CBT. The advantage of IBT is that you can easily take the test anytime and anywhere.
On the other hand, although there is a high degree of freedom, fraud such as impersonation and cheating cannot be completely prevented, and there is also a risk of leakage of problems. Therefore, it is not suitable for university entrance exams or national qualification exams that require rigor. IBT is suitable for tests where passing or failing is less important, such as proficiency tests for self-improvement sponsored by private organizations or aptitude tests for employment, and tests that are intended to assess one's abilities and level of understanding. CBT is used in university entrance exams and national qualification exams because it strictly measures fraud prevention and identity verification.
summary
This time, we explained the characteristics of CBT and the differences between PBT and IBT, which are easy to compare Test Format. In Japan, PBT, which is a traditional paper test, tends to be considered safer in terms of security, but Prometric 's CBT has Test Center that boasts high security and eliminates unequal situations between Candidate. We have a system for asking questions to prevent this from happening.
When considering CBT, contact Prometric, which provides flexible and fair testing opportunities.
Questions about introducing CBT, consultation on operation, fees, etc.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.