Debates about exam format continue to be at the forefront of conversations surrounding assessment security, with remote assessments often under fire for introducing new vulnerabilities.  While these conversations usually present an “either/or” conclusion, suggesting one model is better than the other, there is another answer: a hybrid exam solution — one which proactively protects against risks across both formats whilst offering candidates an inclusive and truly global assessment approach.  

So, why choose a hybrid assessment solution?  To answer this question, let’s take a look at the realities of traditional test centre exams and remote solutions, as well as their risks and limitations.  

Test Centre Exams 

Test centre exams are generally seen as one of the most trustworthy assessment formats.  They have a longstanding legacy and require candidates to take their exam in a pre-determined location, usually with invigilators and strict exam conditions.  This format is known, understood and straight forward, with the environment under control of exam centre staff and invigilators.  This helps ensure consistency within each exam and across exam centres. 

While test centre exams have been taking place for many years and are generally considered the legacy format, they have their limitations.  If an assessment is in-person only, it naturally reduces the number of candidates who can take the exam due to geographical and monetary restrictions, as only those who live near a test centre or who can afford to travel to one can take the exam.  In-person exams can also be less suitable for those candidates with disabilities or neurological disorders such as autism, who may find the environment of an exam hall inaccessible or overwhelming.  Though many assessment providers do their best to provide one-on-one rooms and meet the accessibility requests of every candidate, the rise of SEND requests means this is becoming harder to do because of staff costs and limited venue infrastructure. 

Crucially, despite being a longstanding fixture of assessment, test centre exams are not impervious to cheating.  Wearable devices, impersonation, and more traditional methods of cheating, such as sneaking in notes, still occur in test centre exams.  Awarding organisations must rely on venue security, as well as the diligence and integrity of invigilators, to catch anyone attempting malpractice.  

Remote Exams 

Introduced at scale during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote exams (much like remote work) have remained an option for many forms of assessment.  They are often met with distrust, as candidates taking their exams remotely are not in a controlled space and the quality of remote technologies can differ drastically.  But this exam format undoubtedly has its positives.  

Unlike test centre exams, remote exams enable candidates to take their assessment from anywhere in the world as long as they have WiFi and a suitable device.  This exam type can therefore be seen as democratising qualifications, and a way of opening doors to those who would otherwise be unable to take assessments integral to their dream profession. 

Remote exams can also be more accessible for candidates with disabilities or neurological disorders, as they can take the assessment in a chosen, comfortable environment. 

But it’s the environment which is a cause for concern amongst many working in assessment.  Some awarding organisations, such as the ACCA, have stopped their remote exam option as they believe there are more possibilities to cheat when candidates are taking their exam from home.  However, many remote invigilation and exam solutions, such as our own at VICTVS, utilise multi-mode monitoring, 360-degree room tours, and expert invigilation to maintain the same high degree of security in remote exams that is present in test centres.

Why Choose a Hybrid Solution? 

Whilst both types of exam format have their positives, they are not without their downsides.  And for those candidates determined to cheat, the format of their exam is unlikely to put them off — it will simply determine the way they try and do it.  

By combining test centre and remote exams, awarding organisations can offer the best of both worlds, providing a more flexible exam solution at a truly global scale.  In-person exams can continue for those within reach of a test centre, whilst those further afield can take the exam remotely.  Disabled candidates, or those with specific requirements, can also take the exam remotely if it better suits their needs.  

Of course, there are necessary steps to be taken to safeguard assessment integrity across both assessment formats.  Exams need to be monitored by vigilant proctors who are well-trained in the latest cheating techniques and technologies, such as wearables and AI-powered devices.  They also need to know what to look for when monitoring candidates, as well as the body language associated with these emerging threats, both when invigilating in-person and online. 

Assessment and invigilation software must be protected with robust technical security to stop digital intruders or hacks from taking place.  This goes for test centre exams as well as remote, given that many assessments now take place on a laptop as standard procedure.  

Ultimately, cheating will always exist, no matter the format.  Awarding bodies must simply mitigate these risks by using stringent security protocols, professional invigilation services, and the latest in remote invigilation technology.  

It is up to awarding organisations to decide who can take their exams remotely, but it is only by supporting both forms of exam delivery that they can cater to a wide variety of candidates’ needs, wherever they are based.  

To find out more about our remote and in-centre exam solutions, contact us here.