Adaptive Testing

Test Taker Reactions

Survey Results (from a sample of over 3000 test takers who have experience with adaptive tests on technical topics from information technology certifications).

	43% of test takers prefer adaptive tests; 19.4% prefer conventional tests; 19% have no preference.
	86% of test takers believe that adaptive tests are accurate in measuring abilities or knowledge.
	Despite the fact that adaptive tests are not more accurate than conventional tests, twice as many test takers believe that adaptive test are more accurate than conventional tests.
	Positive Comments:
	I believe that I study more for adaptive tests.
	Adaptive and conventional seem to measure knowledge about the same. I like adaptive because it is quick.
	Adaptive exams seem to be an efficient way of taking tests.
	Adaptive exams allow a more thorough examination of a user’s knowledge in much less time than in a conventional exam.
	Don’t care for adaptive, but it forces better study habits.
	I was very time crunched on the standard test. This was not the case on the adaptive exam.

	Negative Comments:
	I wish it gave me more questions to show I know the information.
	I would like more time and to be able to review my answers.
	I’d rather they were longer and tested knowledge more broadly rather than have a few very difficult questions.