E-Assessment Toolkit

Preparation of the e-test location and equipment should be carried out well in advance of any e-testing session, including any specific arrangements for candidates with disabilities.

• The test area should be comfortable specifically in relation to heating and lighting.
• Layout of the room should have a comfortable and accessible workspace for the learner.
• Each workstation should be equipped with appropriate IT hardware, seating and desk or table space.
• Suitable space should be allowed between each work station to allow for comfortable working and learner security and privacy during test session.
• Hardware, software, peripherals and communications links should meet with appropriate BSI standards.  ISO/IEC 23988:2007 Information technology—A code of practice for the use of information technology (IT) in the delivery of assessments gives recommendations on the use of IT to deliver assessments to candidates and to record and score their responses. Its scope is defined in terms of three dimensions: the types of assessment to which it applies, the stages of the assessment “life cycle” to which it applies and its focus on specifically IT aspects.
• To ensure security an invigilator should be present to detect any unauthorised activity by candidates.
• Security facilities should be appropriate to keep e-test content, correct responses, candidate responses and details secure at the test location before or after the session.

Additional support information is available in the published “e-Assessment – Guide to effective practice”, see section 3.3.  A number of checklists are also available.