Security and Integrity in Computer-Based Assessments

Assessment integrity refers to obtaining accurate, reliable, and dependable outcomes in an online assessment. It guarantees that judgments based on these findings are both accurate and fair. Without verified integrity, the results can be misleading, jeopardising the entire evaluation process. Integrity in online assessments can be explained through three primary points:

• Test Quality

The test should accurately measure what it is designed to measure. This means that the questions should accurately reflect the test-taker's knowledge, skills, competencies, and qualities. The questions must be clear, intelligible, and aligned with what they aim to measure.

• Seamless Process

During the assessment, the test-taker should not encounter any technological faults or other disturbances. Eliminating sources of distraction allows the candidate to complete the evaluation in one sitting.

• Cheating-Free Environment

The system must confirm that the individual taking the test is the same person who was asked to do so and that there is no cheating throughout the test.

Maintaining Integrity in Online Assessments

Maintaining integrity in online examinations entails adopting features and measures at three stages: pre-examination, during the examination, and after the examination.

Pre-Examination

• Create a Valid Test

The knowledge, aptitude, and competency that are meant to be measured must be appropriately captured by the questions. They need to be well-written in a way that allows the test-taker to demonstrate their skills.

• Systematic Randomisation & Shuffling of Questions

To make cheating more difficult, questions should be randomly selected from a well-crafted question bank and shuffled for each test-taker. This ensures fairness and lowers the predictability of test items.

• Restrict Navigation

Restricted freedom to move between sections, pages, and questions helps deter cheating. The test design should guide maximum navigation restrictions.

• Timer Implementation

Timers at the test, section, and page levels ensure that test-takers have enough but not too much time, hence minimising chances for cheating.

• Inform the Test-Taker

Clear instructions on system login, test duration, proctoring management, navigation limits, and timings are required to ensure a smooth test-taking experience.

During Examination

• Error-Free Assessment Process

The system should be robust enough to handle errors and offer answers to ensure the assessment process goes smoothly.

• Highly Scalable Assessment Infrastructure

The online assessment platform must support high and concurrent demand without causing latency or scalability concerns, allowing thousands of test takers to participate simultaneously.

• Authentication of Test-Taker

Verifying the identity of the exam taker is of the utmost importance. Secure logins and biometric authentication help prevent cheating and retake violations.

• Real-Time Support

If there are any issues, there should be a way to communicate them in real-time so that they may be fixed quickly and with minimal disruption.

• Real-Time Monitoring

Test administrators should have a live panel to monitor the candidates and their progress. This means observing who has started, who is still working, and who has finished the test.

• Instant Intervention

Intervention in the assessment process immediately enables administrators to handle any edge scenarios, such as stopping or restarting a test, therefore ensuring effective handling of any circumstances.

• Live Proctoring & Invigilation

Active monitoring is ensured by recording the test-takers' screens and videos and sending them to proctors in real-time. AI-backed algorithms can detect suspicious activities quickly.

Post-Examination

• Post-Proctoring

Post-assessment, administrators should check all webcam films and screen recordings. The capacity to see several streams simultaneously at higher playback speeds helps to make this process efficient.

• Detailed Logging

Recording thorough documentation of every test instance guarantees responsibility and transparency by allowing additional study and analysis in case of any suspicions.

Maintaining the security and integrity of computer-based tests calls for strong policies both before, during, and following the test. 

Aptech Limited, a pioneer in computer education, stands out as the ideal brand to conduct computer-based assessments in India. Despite the blacklisting of many agencies in 2022–23, Aptech was not blacklisted. This track record, combined with their comprehensive approach to maintaining assessment integrity, makes Aptech Limited the best service provider for conducting computer-based assessments. With Aptech, you can be assured of a secure, reliable, and fair assessment process.