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CBT exams for schools: benefits and what you need

Computer-based testing is becoming normal in secondary school and beyond. Here is how a school can begin.

ICT AccessPointUpdated 31 October 20266 min read
CBT exams for schools: benefits and what you need: illustration

Key takeaways

  • CBT saves marking time and gives faster results.
  • It prepares students for exams that are taken on a computer.
  • You need devices, stable power and a reliable platform.

What CBT is

Students take tests on a computer or tablet. Objective questions are marked automatically and results are available quickly.

Benefits

  • Faster marking and results.
  • Fewer marking errors.
  • Question banks that can be reused.
  • Practice with the format many public exams use.

What you need

  • Enough working computers or tablets.
  • Backup power.
  • A local or online platform that holds questions securely.
  • A plan for invigilation.

Prepare the questions

Build a question bank by subject and level. Review questions for accuracy and difficulty.

Keep it fair and secure

Use time limits, shuffled questions and supervised sessions to reduce cheating.

Start small

Begin with class tests or practice exams, learn from them and expand to larger exams.

Frequently asked questions

Do CBT exams need internet?

Not always. Some run on a local network inside the school.

Can CBT mark essay questions?

Automatically marked tests suit objective questions. Essays still need a teacher.

Is CBT suitable for primary schools?

It can be used for practice and basic assessment, with age-appropriate design.

Written by the ICT AccessPoint team

We repair laptops and build websites and business systems. Have a question this guide did not answer? Message us.

This guide is general advice. Every device and business is different, so if you are unsure, ask a technician before you act.

Planning CBT in your school?

Schoolics, the school operating system for modern schools, can help with tests, results and records.

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