Optimum Assesment Platform: The ultimate assessment experience.
Examination is the backbone of any certification and education system. The test constructor plays a crucial role, after all, forms the basis of any test or examination. But who ensures the quality between the construction and the actual taking of the exam? Here we enter the territory of the fixer. Let’s take a closer look at this essential role and discover why setting high-stakes exams is so important.
Setting an exam is often seen as “just a formality. However, this is a fallacy. Setting is an essential link between the development and administration of an exam. It provides a thorough evaluation of the exam to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. Think of it as a pair of extra, careful eyes scrutinizing each question to ensure that the exam actually tests what it is supposed to test.
The determiner, often a member of the determination committee, is the guardian of exam quality. This person represents the exam board or industry association, gives the official green light and verifies that the exam accurately measures what it is supposed to measure. Moreover, the fixer plays a key role in identifying and preventing technical and substantive errors.
As with any step in the examination process, there are challenges and pitfalls in setting. Errors in the assessment process or misconceptions about the role of the determiner are just a few examples. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve put together a comprehensive blog article.
Setting an exam can be significantly simplified using digital testing software such as Optimum Assessment Platform. This software allows you to streamline the determination process within one central environment. This improves cooperation and transparency between test constructors and (different) determiners.
The role of the setter is often overlooked, but in high-stakes exams it is invaluable to the quality and relevance of exams. Do you have questions or want to know more? If so, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always ready to help you further.
