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What are the benefits of introducing CBT?
- CBT
The adoption of "CBT", which is an online test, is increasing for new qualification exams and in-house exams. It is not uncommon for Test Format to change from a group paper test (PBT) that uses paper question papers and answer sheets to a CBT.
Why is the introduction of CBT increasing? We will explain the benefits of introducing CBT.
Advantages for test organizers
1. Can be implemented nationwide (worldwide)
In conventional PBTs, exam Test Center and dates are often not set due to problems with finding Test Center and securing staff, resulting in Candidate not being able to take the exam even if they wanted to, leading to lost opportunities for the organizer. However, with the introduction of CBT, dedicated test Test Center are already available across the country. If the CBT test management company has an overseas network, it is possible to deliver the test overseas.
2.Reducing the workload of exam implementation, such as accepting application, Test Center preparation, printing, and delivery.
Traditional PBT involves a huge amount of complicated work, including securing Test Center, preparing and operating the exam on the day of the exam, accepting applications for Test Center exam, allocating the venue, and printing, storing, and shipping question sheets and answer sheets.
When CBT is introduced, a dedicated Test Center is prepared at Test Center, and there is no need to prepare for printing or secure staff On the test day. It is possible to streamline the huge amount of work associated with test implementation.
3.Reducing the workload of scoring and aggregation. Results can be announced immediately
After completing the CBT test, answer data will be immediately transferred to the server. Since the system performs scoring and aggregation, the workload associated with grading and aggregation is significantly reduced.
Also, depending on the test settings, it is possible to announce the results immediately after the test. In the case of in-house qualification exams, you can immediately begin work that requires qualification.
4.Easy to aggregate and analyze
CBT can obtain data such as test reservation status and Test Result, and immediately perform aggregation and analysis. By analyzing and verifying the number of identifiers and correct answer rate of test questions, it is possible to improve the test to make it more fair, valid, and reliable.
5.Reducing the risk of problem leakage and loss
PBT often requires human intervention, such as preparing question papers, printing them, shipping them, and collecting answer sheets, which increases the risk of them being lost. Furthermore, if there is a party with malicious intent, it is impossible to prevent exam questions from being leaked. Additionally, if there are multiple exam dates, even if you collect the question papers, there is a risk that some of the questions will be memorized and published on the internet.
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. Even if you set multiple exam dates, you can randomly change the questions for each Candidate and ask different questions for each examinee, minimizing the risk of leaks.
6.Able to ask a variety of questions
CBT allows you to ask questions using images and audio that are difficult to express on paper. It is also possible to answer by voice, so you can also take a speaking test.
7. Strong against emergencies such as disasters
Natural disasters occur in Japan almost every year. In Tokyo, it is not uncommon for transportation to be paralyzed by just a small amount of snow. If an exam is postponed or canceled due to a natural disaster or bad weather, it will have a big impact on the students taking the PBT exam, and it will also put a huge burden on the organizers, including dealing with the exam on the day and preparing for make-up exams.
However, with CBT, if bad weather is predicted, Candidate can change the date, time and Test Center even just before the test date. Even if an exam is suddenly postponed or canceled due to a disaster, you can take a make-up exam in a relatively short period of time. Even when it became impossible to conduct PBT during the coronavirus pandemic, CBT was able to control the number of Candidate and avoid crowding, so they were able to take the test.
Advantages for Candidate
1.You can choose the exam Test Center, date and time
PBT testing Test Center are often limited, and Candidate living far away may need to stay overnight. However, CBT test Test Center are located in 47 prefectures, and you can choose a test Test Center near you, greatly reducing travel time and costs. In addition, test Candidate can often choose the test date and time to suit their convenience, making it easier for them to take the test.
2. You can change the exam date.
Once you apply for PBT, it is often not possible to change the test Test Center or date and time, but for CBT, Candidate can change the test themselves. You can change your schedule even if you have a sudden schedule or if it is difficult to take the test due to bad weather or natural disasters, so it is easier to apply even if you want to take the test but can't clearly see your schedule.
3.You can see Test Result immediately
CBT can be scored and tabulated immediately after the test is completed. Therefore, depending on the exam, you can know the results on the spot. Even if results are not announced immediately, the time required for results to be announced is shorter than in traditional PBT.
In addition, depending on the exam, you can check Test Result such as whether the questions were correct or incorrect later using the data, so you can review, plan for the next time, and use it for future study.
4.You can take a fair examination
CBT often has different questions for each Candidate, so there is little risk of question leakage and it is characterized by strong security. Therefore, if there are multiple exam dates, there will be no unfair situation where later dates are more advantageous. It is a safe examination system that guarantees fair examinations for Candidate.
What is Prometric CBT?
summary
CBT has a number of benefits for both test organizers and test Candidate. In particular, the major benefits are greater flexibility in terms of exam Test Center, date and time, and strong security.
Therefore, when choosing a CBT exam management company, the number of exam Test Center and security are important points to consider. Prometric has testing Test Center in 120 cities in 47 prefectures in Japan, and since it is headquartered in the United States and has a strong global network, it is possible to take the test overseas. We also offer the latest security systems operating in over 180 countries. If you are considering introducing CBT, please contact Prometric which can help you maximize the benefits of CBT.
Questions about introducing CBT, consultation on operation, fees, etc.
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