On screen tests and exams will soon become the norm

Thomson Prometric, the technology-enabled testing and assessment services, and part of The Thomson Corporation, today announced the latest results of their continuing research study into e-Assessment, the Acceptance and Usage of e-Assessment for UK Awarding Bodies. With the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) stipulating that all UK Awarding Bodies should offer their candidates a computer based e-Assessment option by 2009 this research is of great significance and reveals the Awarding Bodiesí progress and attitudes to e-assessment.

Backed by the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB)(www.awarding.org.uk) and the QCA (www.qca.org.uk/eassessment), the study continues the independently commissioned, objective research which was first commissioned in 2005. The research shows that 38% of the Awarding Body survey respondents are currently delivering an e-Assessment programme compared to 26% in 2005. Of the remaining 68%, a third are developing or piloting an e-Assessment programme. And 70% believe that e-Assessment will deliver a return on investment, with over half believing this will occur within 5 years.

Overall, the research concluded that e-Assessment acceptance and usage is growing at a substantial rate, whilst test taker satisfaction and the ability to assess knowledge on demand remain the most important factors contributing to the need for Awarding Body e-Assessment programmes.

ìThe Federation of Awarding Bodies welcomes the insight that this report provides into the developing patterns of e-Assessment adoption,î commented Paul Ellis, Chief Executive at FAB. ìIt is clear that Awarding Bodies are moving into e-Assessment in a considered way, paying proper attention to customer service and quality issues, and that considerable progress has been made since 2005.î

The QCA mandate has been introduced to drive the UKís competitive advantage in the global marketplace by providing greater flexibility to candidates and increasing their involvement in learning and examinations. UK awarding bodies such as the Securities & Investments Institute (SII) and CITB-ConstructionSkills along with organisations such as the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) are already actively using an e-Assessment strategy. Many Awarding Bodies are seeing benefits in e-Assessment to greatly increase candidate satisfaction and also to grow their programmes internationally. It is expected that e-Assessment will soon become commonplace with the new QCA regulations.

ìThe research once again demonstrates Thomson Prometricís continuing commitment to the UK market,î said Martin Milner, Thomson Prometricís UK country manager. ìThe changes since the 2005 research show a maturing market that is swiftly adopting e-Assessment. The understanding, acceptance and usage of e-Assessment have all increased significantly in the past twelve months with key issues such as candidate satisfaction and the ability to test on demand all showing improved results, compared to 2005. e-Assessment is also recognised by a clear majority as being able to deliver a return on investment.î

Acritas Research conducted the independent, objective survey. With 81% of all recognised Awarding Bodies interviewed, all stakeholders acknowledge this report as the most comprehensive research available. Acceptance and Usage of e-Assessment for UK Awarding Bodies is available in its entirety at www.prometric.com/uk.