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What should I do before starting CBT operation? Explaining the flow of introducing CBT!

January 10, 2024
  • CBT

Many test organizers may be wondering where to start when they want to introduce the online test CBT. Therefore, this time, we will explain what the differences are compared to traditional paper-based exam preparation, and the flow from introducing CBT to actually starting its operation.

1. Consideration and decision on introduction

1-1. Points to consider when considering CBT

Traditional testing (PBT), which uses paper question papers and answer sheets and is held in Test Center, poses various challenges. If you are an exam organizer and are facing the following issues, we recommend that you consider introducing CBT.

  • We would like to attract Candidate from all over the country, but it is difficult to secure Test Center.
  • I would like to increase the number of test days, but I cannot afford it due to workload or cost.
  • There is a huge amount of work to be done, such as accepting exams, allocating Test Center, and responding to inquiries.
  • There are costs involved in printing paper, storing it, and shipping it to Test Center.
  • It is difficult to secure human resources such as test supervisors, receptionists, and graders.
  • I am worried about countermeasures against fraud such as problem leaks.
  • Difficult to respond to emergencies such as disasters.
  • Scoring and aggregation are time-consuming, and it takes time for results to be announced.

1-2. Contact the CBT test management company

CBT does not only mean "computer-based testing." CBT is all digitalized, from application to test administration, scoring, and notification of success/failure. It is unrealistic to develop a series of these systems in-house and handle all test administration, such as proctoring and reception, in-house. If you want to conduct the test under a strict system at Test Center with a full-time examiner, you will need to outsource the test to a CBT test management company.

When contacting a CBT test management company, be sure to check their website in advance to see if they have a system that can resolve the issues you are facing in "1-1. Points to consider when considering CBT." We recommend that you mainly check the following points.

  • There is an environment (number of Test Center, facilities) that makes it easy for Candidate from all over the country to take the test.
  • We have a system that can handle everything from test reception, implementation, inquiries, and scoring all at once.
  • There is a support system on Saturdays and Sundays (if you plan to conduct the exam on Saturdays and Sundays as well).
  • It is also possible to distribute the test overseas (if you are considering taking Candidate overseas).
  • The security system is strong.

1-3.Meeting with CBT test management company

We will have a meeting with the CBT test management company you inquired about.

You will receive an explanation of the service and present the requirements for the anticipated test to the operating company.

1-4.Proposal from CBT test management company

After the meeting, the CBT test management company will submit a proposal and estimate for the optimal implementation plan. After that, we will continue to have meetings to adjust plans and estimates, and finalize the test specifications.

1-5.Contract conclusion

Once the detailed specifications of the test are finalized, we will conclude a business outsourcing contract with the CBT test management company.

2. Exam settings/preparation

2-1. Submit exam questions

Create test questions and submit them in the format specified by the CBT test management company. When introducing CBT, the number of exams is often increased compared to paper-based group exams, so you will need to prepare a larger number of questions.

Prometric 's CBT allows questions to be asked using images and videos, and questions can be asked under the same conditions (same computer specs such as monitor size and resolution) at any Test Center. You can also answer by voice.

2-2. Preparation for implementation

In preparation for the exam, the CBT exam management company will prepare various system settings, CBT-specific exam questions, and a dedicated exam page.

On the test organizer's side, the flow will be different from that of traditional paper tests, including accepting applications from Candidate, responding to inquiries, the flow of test dates, scoring, and notification of results. Compared to paper exams, there is less human intervention and the workload is reduced, but the required tasks will change, so the system will need to be set up accordingly.

2-3.Publishing a dedicated test page for Candidate

For Candidate, we will publish a dedicated page for the test, which will include a summary of the test, event information, announcements, contact information, etc. During exam registration periods, you can proceed to make a reservation from this page.

3. Exam implementation ~ Pass/fail announcement

3-1. Start accepting reservations

Candidate will complete the test reservation procedure from the test-specific page. Prometric CBT Candidate can pay by credit card, convenience store, Pay-easy, QR code payment, or test ticket (Voucher).

3-2.Start of test distribution

Test distribution will start. Candidate will take the test at the scheduled date and time at Test Center.

3-3. Announcement of results

We will collect and aggregate answer data and announce the results. If you have determined the passing criteria in advance, it is also possible to announce the results immediately after the exam is completed.

Prometric 's CBT allows Candidate to obtain score reports from My Page. In addition, you can obtain result data from the management system for organizing organizations (CRS) and manage candidates who are eligible to take the test.

summary

This time, I explained the flow when newly introducing CBT. Although the detailed process and functions differ depending on the CBT test management company outsourced, please use this as a general guideline.

Prometric 's CBT has Test Center in 120 cities in 47 prefectures across the country, making it possible to conduct tests under the same conditions. In addition, we have a one-stop system that can handle everything from designing qualification systems, creating and managing exam questions, administering exams, and analyzing Test Result, and as a global company, we have a rich track record in distributing exams overseas. When considering CBT, contact Prometric, which has been safely and reliably delivering exams around the world for over 30 years.

Questions about introducing CBT, consultation on operation, fees, etc.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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