How Have Examinations Been Changed by COVID-19?
How Qualifications Will Change in Corona [2021] In-Depth Explanation of the CBT Exams Now in the Spotlight
My name is Kidaoka, and I am in charge of marketing.
Have you ever heard of an examination method called "CBT"?
In this article, we will introduce the CBT exam, which is now attracting attention as a new testing method to replace the conventional written exam.
Table of Contents
1. Thorough explanation of CBT examinations
2. Advantages of using CBT for corporate education and testing
3.Predicted Future Trends of CBT
4. Summary
Thorough Explanation of CBT Examinations
CBT examinations are "computer-based testing systems.
The spread of the new coronavirus has triggered the recent announcement that well-known examinations such as the Nissho Bookkeeping Examination and the Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination will also be conducted using CBT.
The year 2021 is expected to be a turning point for the introduction of "CBT and IBT" in many qualifications and examinations, and there is a growing trend to shift from traditional written examinations to digital ones.
Characteristics of CBT and IBT
CBT is an abbreviation for "CBT (Computer Based Testing)," and refers to computer-based testing.
CBT has the advantage of greatly reducing the "time and cost required for scoring, grades, and notification of acceptance" by eliminating the use of question papers, mark sheets, and other paper forms used in traditional written examinations and taking the test by computer.
*IBT is an abbreviation for "IBT (Internet Based Testing)" and refers to a testing method conducted via the Internet.
It is characterized by the ability to "take the test anytime, anywhere" from a computer, smartphone, or tablet, as long as there is an environment that is connected to the Internet.
About the actual situation of CBT examinations popularized by the Corona Disaster
CBT is used in a wide range of examinations, including national examinations, private qualifications and certification examinations, SPI examinations for job hunting and job change activities, and in-house examinations conducted by companies.
In order to administer a CBT, the examinee is required to present identification at the testing site, and proper identification is performed.
The examiner must also authenticate the applicant before the test begins, ensuring that the test is administered fairly.
Characteristics of the IBT exam administered via the Internet
IBT stands for "Internet Based Testing.
This is not a paper-based test or a CBT test, where the exam is administered at a testing site.
IBT has the advantage that there are no restrictions on where or when the test can be taken, and the person can choose when to start the test.
However, it also has the disadvantage of being less rigorous than CBT, as it is difficult to verify the identity of the applicant and to check for irregularities during the exam.
Advantages of Using CBT for Corporate Education and Testing
Due to the impact of the spread of the new coronavirus, teleworking has rapidly accelerated in large companies since last year.
Even manufacturers that had not digitized education were forced to change, with most meetings switching to using online tools such as Zoom and Googlemeet.
In response to the trend toward digitalization going on at Corona Disaster, we would like to introduce this system in our own company for recruitment and promotion exams.
Corporate educators who want to move their employee training online!
The operation of CBT examinations using digital technology played an indispensable role in overcoming this situation.
Why is CBT attracting attention?
The development and progress of information technology is the primary factor behind the spread of CBT examinations in Japan.
However, what has drawn even more attention is the fact that it has become difficult for large numbers of people to assemble in one place at a specific date and time due to the recent new coronas and natural disasters.
CBT is more convenient for both test administrators and examinees because the entire testing process is conducted on a computer.
Especially in the Corona Disaster, an increasing number of businesses and companies are newly introducing online testing by CBT, as it allows them to avoid the denseness of the test.
In addition, the government's promotion of paperless examinations has also triggered a shift from traditional paper-based written examinations to CBT examinations.
Click here for the key points of ▼CBT examinations.
1. Eliminates the time and cost of printing and managing test questions and answer sheets (paperless).
2. Various types of questions can be submitted, such as audio questions, essay-type questions, multiple-choice questions, and so on.
3. Easy and accurate tabulation! The results can be disclosed promptly!
No.1 Eliminates the time and cost of printing and managing test questions and answer sheets (paperless).
In conventional written examinations, a great deal of time and effort is spent in the operation of the examinations, including procurement of paper, printing, distribution, collection, management, and disposal.
Since CBT is a computer-based examination, naturally very little paper is used.
This is very significant in today's world, where the promotion of paperless testing is encouraged.
It has the advantage of reducing both the labor and manpower associated with paper management, as well as costs.
For the organizers, the biggest advantage is that they will be able to provide equal opportunities to those who wish to take the exam.
Another major advantage is that it eliminates the work required for written examinations, such as arranging the exam site, exam proctoring, and materials, thereby automating the exam while reducing the cost of holding the exam.
2. A variety of questions can be submitted, including audio questions, written questions, multiple-choice questions, and so on.
CBT examinations can be administered by inputting answers to a computer or tablet, as well as by using video or audio.
The CBT exam can be customized for each examinee by changing the order of the questions and the wording of the questions.
The CBT allows for questions not only using text and charts, but also questions using video and automated voice, which greatly increases the range of expression in the exam.
3. Tallying the results is easy and accurate! The results can be disclosed promptly!
In the case of CBT, the computer performs automatic scoring and tallying quickly and accurately, which greatly reduces the time and cost required to disclose the results.
Converting a traditional written exam to a CBT exam also streamlines the scoring process, creating the advantage of knowing the results in a relatively short period of time for the examinee. For some exams, scores and pass/fail results are known immediately after the exam is taken, so there's no need to worry about waiting for the results, and you can move right on to reviewing and studying for the next one!
Predicted Future Trends of CBT
In 2020-2021, many examinations were postponed or cancelled due to the impact of the new coronavirus that raged in our daily lives.
In particular, the written examinations had to be cancelled in many cases due to the characteristic of gathering a large number of examinees at a venue and administering the test all at once, which had a tremendous impact on both examinees and organizers.
Although there have been cases in which some CBT tests and some regional test centers have had to suspend the test for a certain period of time, the percentage of tests that have been cancelled is far less than that of written tests, and the "strong CBT in case of emergency" has become evident in this Corona Disaster as well.
Now that the risk of holding an exam due to infectious diseases in addition to natural disasters must be taken into account, more and more organizers will consider introducing CBT, and the IT-ization of exams is likely to increase!
How to conduct CBT examinations using QuizGenerator and learningBOX
Tatsuno Information System, Inc. has a partnership with a company that provides CBT venues.
Quizzes, exam questions, certification exams, and in-house tests created with QuizGenerator and learningBOX can be taken at dedicated venues.
QuizGenerator is a flexible quiz creation tool that can handle any type of question
QuizGenerator is a quiz creation tool that has been supported by many of our customers and has been the reason for their use of learningBOX.
It is used as a tool to prepare for certification exams and CBT (computer-based testing).
Click here to see why ▼QuizGenerator is so popular.
1. easy to create questions in Excel or text. If you are new to QuizGenerator, we recommend the "Question Creation Form".
2. 13 types of question types are available.
3. Images and videos can be inserted.
URL links can be embedded in explanations.
By using the optional features, you can make the test more similar to the real test.
For more information about the features of QuizGenerator, please refer to this article.
⇒Even those who do not know programming can easily create a wide variety of quizzes
learningBOX is an LMS with all the functions required for examinations and tests
learningBOX is an LMS (Learning Management System) developed through QuizGenerator, a quiz creation service.
As an example of our e-learning applications, we recommend using it for new employee training and in-house training, as well as for so-called "e-learning learning" functions such as human resource development and in-house education, but it is also very well equipped with the functions required for "online certification tests and online examinations. The functions required for "Online Examinations and Online Tests" are also very fulfilling.
Click here for ▼learningBOX features
1. Questions with automatic sound, images, videos, YouTube videos, etc. can be set.
2. The question creator can shuffle the questions to be solved by the examinees each time, and automatically submit the questions.
3. The user can also easily set time limits, score distribution, and not telling test takers the answers to their questions.
4. The number of times a student can take the test can also be limited.
For more information on the functions and features of learningBOX, please refer to this article.
⇒Create your own training, exam, or distance learning program with learningBOX!
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the CBT exam, which is now attracting attention as a new testing method to replace the traditional written exam.
Using our e-learning learning management systems, QuizGenerator and learningBOX, anyone can easily conduct "online examinations and online examinations," and the created content can be operated and conducted as CBT examinations.
LearningBOX has been used in various industries and fields, and has all the functions required for online examinations and tests. If you are interested in transferring your own content and learning materials to CBT examinations, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.