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Why is the introduction of CBT progressing?
- CBT
Up until now, exams have been ``PBT (Paper-Based Testing)'', which uses paper question papers and answer sheets, and requires students to gather at Test Center. However, in recent years there has been a rapid shift to CBT（Computer Based Testing）is an online exam using the Internet.
In this article, I will explain why the introduction of CBT is progressing.
1.Easy to use for Candidate
Modern lifestyles have diversified, and the traditional format of Candidate gathering at Test Center to take the test is no longer suitable. It becomes difficult for Candidate to take the test if the test dates and Test Center are limited, and test organizers also want to avoid situations in which test takers are unable to take the test due to an unfavorable environment.
CBT, which allows you to set the test date, time, and Test Center according to your convenience, is Test Format that suits this modern lifestyle. If it is no longer convenient for you, you can change or cancel your exam even a few days before the exam.
2. Matches the trend of digitalization
The Digital Agency was launched in 2021, and the wave of digitalization is sweeping across society. A policy has been set to fully digitize the management of official documents by 2026, and the private sector is also making full-scale efforts to transform their business operations through digital technology (digital transformation (DX)).
In line with this trend, CBT tests and answers are conducted using data, and results can be obtained immediately as digital data. Candidate will know whether they passed or failed the test in a relatively short period of time and can move on to the next step. Organizers will also be able to save time on paper management and preparation, leading to greater efficiency, and the data will allow them to consider improvements to the exam. If a company or educational institution wants to utilize Test Result, they can be easily stored and analyzed since they are already converted into data.
3. Reduces the risk of fraud and leaks
In PBT, human intervention is inevitable in the process of preparing paper question papers. If management is sloppy, there is a possibility of a leak, and if there is someone with malicious intent, there is no way to stop the leak. Answer sheets may also be lost. Also, even though there is an examiner, it is still possible to cheat by looking at the answers of the person next to you.
On the other hand, in CBT, questions are asked and answered by a computer, without human intervention. Data transmission and reception are encrypted and completely secure, reducing the risk of leaks and management errors. Since the questions are different for each person, it is difficult to cheat.
4.Able to respond to a variety of questions
Nowadays, the number of exam questions that require a variety of thinking and application skills has increased, rather than those that can only be answered by memorization. For this reason, exam questions are now required not only to consist of simple text and figures, but also to use elaborate images, video, and audio.
This type of expression is difficult with paper-based PBT, but with CBT, questions can be asked using video and audio. It is also possible to answer by voice, so you can also take a speaking test.
5. Impact of the spread of infectious diseases such as the new coronavirus
The introduction of CBT was also greatly influenced by the spread of the new coronavirus, the coronavirus pandemic. During the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to avoid the ``3 Cs'', and the PBT, which uses traditional paper-based Test Center exams, creates a ``Cs'' situation where many people gather in the same Test Center, so the exam has to be canceled. There was a time when I didn't get anything. Even if the exam were held, some Candidate would not be able to go to Test Center due to travel restrictions, making it impossible to conduct a fair exam.
Therefore, many test organizers are considering introducing CBT as an alternative test method to PBT. With CBT, you can avoid crowded places where many people gather, and Test Center are located in each prefecture, so you can minimize travel.
The new coronavirus has become a Type 5 infectious disease, and daily life has returned to normal, but there is a possibility that a new infectious disease will spread and paper-based Test Center tests will no longer be possible. Even in such a situation, there was a widespread understanding that with CBT, exams could be continued without having to be canceled, and the introduction of CBT rapidly progressed with the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity.
6. Strong against natural disasters
Natural disasters occur in Japan almost every year. There is a good chance that you will be hit by a typhoon or earthquake on the day of the exam. If an exam is postponed or canceled, it will have a major impact on the lives of Candidate, especially if the exam is important for their future career planning. Also, for the test organizer, the effort required on the day of the test and rescheduling is considerable.
However, with CBT, you can take the transfer exam in a relatively short period of time. Candidate can change their Test Center or cancel their exam even a few days before the test date, and test Test Center are located all over the country, so even if the test is not available in the area where you intended to take the exam, you can transfer to another area. You can take the test at one test center. It also requires less effort for exam organizers to reschedule and prepare for exams.
A major reason why CBT is being introduced so rapidly is that it can reduce risks in the event of a disaster, both for Candidate and organizers.
summary
CBT is Test Format that is in line with today's times and allows for a wide variety of questions without being tied to test dates or Test Center. CBT is being introduced in various exams, but in order to take advantage of the benefits of CBT and conduct fair exams, it is important to check the number of Test Center and the specs (performance) of the computers used before introducing it. recommend.
Prometric CBT test centers are located in 120 cities in 47 prefectures. At all Test Center, we provide high-quality, convenient Test Center opportunities with a promise of rigor and fairness.
Questions about introducing CBT, consultation on operation, fees, etc.
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