Tips for Transferring from Paper to Online Exams

A. Introduction

In recent years, public institutions, governments, and testing organizations worldwide have had to determine whether to move from paper-based exams to proctored online exams due to social distancing measures to prevent COVID-19. Besides, transferring from paper-based exams to online exams has many benefits for the environment, as there is no printing, paper disposal, test shipping, printer cartridge disposal, etc. If you are wondering how to transfer from paper to online exams, here are a few valuable tips to help your students have a better online test-taking experience.

1. Find Software That Fully Supports Paper-Based Exam Scenarios

COVID-19 has forced many organizations to avoid computer-based testing at testing centers and go directly to online testing. Not being able to copy the exam questions into the software is a pain. Test providers face challenges like test integrity and security, non-standard environments, and a lack of time to develop proper auditing and security protocols.

Choose software that:

• is flexible and easily adaptable to exam structure (i.e., one or all questions per page, sections within a test, text editor, support for various multimedia files, etc.)

• mimics a real-life exam organization that functions via exam booking, cancellation, and rebooking. YouTestMe e-Testing Center is a comprehensive end-to-end solution, providing a complete outsourced service for developing and managing critical certification exams. Please find out more in this video

• simplifies processes while simplifying our lives with a user-friendly interface. Investing in technology that is difficult to understand and use makes no sense

• and provides easy access – candidates should be free to use the software from anywhere, anytime, as long as they have a computer and an internet connection. The entire system should be entirely web-based for candidates without installing or downloading software

• is a hybrid solution that supports the import of paper-based tests in addition to online assessments, in case the transition is gradual, and some students still prefer traditional exams.

2. Transfer to Online Test-Taking Gradually

Let’s say you don’t want to switch to online testing immediately. In this case, you can start keeping records in the online exam system and leave your students taking the paper away. Efficiently create tests using a test generator, export them to printable PDFs, and distribute them to testtakers by email or paper.

3. Organize and Provide a Trial Run of the Online Test

• Create a short sample exam (5 questions) for your students to take

YouTestMe e-Testing Center is a comprehensive end-to-end solution, providing a complete outsourced service for developing and managing critical certification exams

• Consider adding a question or two from the actual exam. Students may be more motivated to work on practice examples if they are aware of this

• This trial should be completed 1-2 weeks before the actual exam

• If the official exam is proctored, candidates should also be allowed to be proctored to familiarize themselves with equipment checks

4. Hire Professionals to Do All the Work

Consulting with similar organizations that have changed their testing processes is also an excellent place to start. You’ll be able to pick up any errors they made during the process.

An even better option is to hire a team that specializes in providing professional services. If you need help with test design and delivery, candidate organization, and other processes related to moving from pen and paper to computer-based testing, please get in touch with the YouTestMe Customer Success team.
We know that time is money, and your business can take a lot of time to adapt to this change, so let our team manage the entire testing process so you can focus on your core business.

B. Author Details
Mirjana Tomic Sales Manager