//Types Of Standardized Testing

Types Of Standardized Testing

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An exam or quiz is an educational examination meant to measure the capability, knowledge, aptitude, ability, class, or category in different subjects. There are several kinds of tests and quizzes available in the market. These consist of multiple-choice, reappraisal, judgment task, logical reasoning test, and personality test. A variety of companies, both private and government, provide these tests and quizzes at various levels to students, parents, teachers, coaches, and counselors.

Based upon the type of examination, the kind of test and its mode of administration, it can vary a great deal from one subject to another. For instance, depending upon the kind of examination, the kinds of questions it contains, and the mode of administering it, a home-based test may be different from a college or university test. Moreover, depending upon the jurisdiction and policies of the educational institution that holds the exam or quiz, the kind of procedures the administrators make use of in administering the exams and quizzes can also differ. In short, the kinds of exams and quizzes administered depend solely on the kind of objectives that the educational institution wishes to achieve from holding these tests. However, there are certain general types of examinations that are administered by almost all educational institutions.

Most of the educational institutions hold standardized testing and proficiency examinations for students taking up courses in schools and colleges. This is to determine whether the student is in line with the requirements of the institution. Standardized testing and proficiency examinations are conducted through nationally accredited organizations such as the National Association for State Board of Education (NASBE) and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Systemized testing and proficiency examinations are also conducted by the state as well as the country. The reason for holding a standardized examination and a proficiency examination varies from subject to subject.

Home-based standardized tests are usually administered by parents, guardians, or any other individual who has been designated by the school or the district to administer these tests. For students taking up classes at home, parents or guardians may administer the exam. In this case, the test may be taken either at the school at home, or at a remote site that offers instructional facilities for such an examination. In most cases, home-based assessments are more affordable than the others. In addition, students taking up classes at home have greater access to tutors and instructors who are more capable of imparting knowledge learned in school to them.

There are also multiple-choice standardized tests that are administered to students taking up academic courses in colleges and universities. Unlike in home-based assessment, test takers have greater chances to make mistakes during the assessment process. Test results are thus more likely to vary according to the student’s performance.

In summary, standardized testing has three major types that vary according to their nature. In some cases, standardized testing is compulsory while in others it is given as a consequence of failure to comply with rules. Most schools still administering standardized tests have different approaches in administering exams.