Modes of test administration

In this talk, you will learn about the four main modes of administering psychometric tests—managed, supervised, controlled, and open—and the pros and cons of each method. Dr Graham Tyler explains how these different approaches have evolved, their relative security, and the practical considerations involved, including standardisation, reliability, and test administration resources. You will also discover what measures can be taken to ensure test security and fairness when using remote and technology-based testing.

After this talk, you will:

• Understand the four main modes of psychometric test administration: managed, supervised, controlled, and open.

• Know the pros and cons of each mode of test administration.

• Recognise why test security is important and how it can be threatened in different modes.

• Be aware of the practical and resource requirements for each test administration method.

• Know why standardisation, reliability, and validity matter in test administration.

• Understand the importance of having trained staff for managed (paper-based) and supervised (computer-based) testing.

• Be able to explain why sending test booklets by post is a security risk.

• Understand how computer-based and internet-based testing help improve security and scoring accuracy.

• Be aware of measures to increase test security in online settings, such as controlled links, parallel forms, item banking, adaptive testing, and remote proctoring.

• Know the limitations of open remote testing, including issues of test security and candidate verification.

• Recognise the importance of proper scoring to maintain test reliability and validity.

• Be prepared for why retesting or test validation may be needed with remote assessments.

• Appreciate the practical challenges and costs involved with each test administration mode.