CBT is a method of administering tests at a pre-determined testing location in which the responses are electronically recorded, assessed, or both.
Computer Skills Required for CBT
Computer Skills Required for CBT
The user interface is designed to minimize reliance on computer skills. You do not need to have prior computer experience to use CBT. At the beginning of the test, you will receive a brief introductory tutorial that will instruct you on how to use the computer to answer questions and review responses. No typing skills are needed. You will use the computer mouse to highlight and confirm the response selected as each question appears on the screen. A proctor will always be available to answer questions regarding navigation throughout the duration of the test. A demo test is also offered free on the website for you to acclimatize yourself before the test.
Advantages of a CBT
Experience with computerized testing reveals that it usually takes less time to complete the test. There are no test booklets and answer sheets to manage and no need to transfer answers manually to an answer sheet with CBT.
- Time saving – Test takers generally have to report at a P&P test centre much ahead of the scheduled time for the test, start at the same time and take mandatory breaks and lunches to prevent test takers moving in and out of the testing room at different times. In a CBT environment, conditions are much more flexible. Test takers can report up to half an hour prior to the test time and choose to take breaks as per their convenience.
- Flexibility in scheduling – A P&P test is offered at a limited number of test locations on limited test dates, therefore test takers may have to incur high travel costs and forgo opportunities as a result of the limited access to the test event. The greater frequency of administration dates and venues provides test takers with increased access and scheduling flexibility, thus resulting in savings for them.
- Test security – Test security is enhanced due to controls built into the delivery systems that limit questions to be seen by the test taker (test taker can only see one question at a time) and limit test access to authorized individuals only.
- Differently-abled test takers – Most CBT interfaces are easy to use and they offer a standard testing environment that can be effectively adapted for test takers with special needs.
- User interface – User Interface is designed to minimize reliance on computer skills. Test takers are not required to have prior computer experience to use CBT. At the beginning of the test, each test taker receives a brief introductory tutorial that instructs him or her on how to use the computer to answer the questions and review responses. No typing skills are required. As each question appears on the screen, the test taker uses the computer mouse to highlight and confirm the response selected. An invigilator is always available to answer questions regarding navigating throughout the duration of the test.
- Format – the NMAT by GMAC™ exam is a test which gives each candidate a personalized test, one question at a time, based on responses to previous questions. Due to the nature of the exam, candidates will not be able to review or change answers to preceding questions.
- On-site assistance – Adequate on-site support is provided in the event that test takers need assistance during the testing session.