Nathan Thompson articles
Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): Smarter, shorter tests
Computerized adaptive testing is an AI-based approach to assessment that dynamically personalizes the exam based on your answers, using item response theory, in a dedicated platform like FastTest. If you do well, the items get
Test Administration: A Planning Guide
Test administration and other operations are a crucial part of the test development cycle, but often overlooked. Professional-grade exams such as certification or admissions are expensive to develop, so an organization wants to protect that
Oral and Practical Exams: A Guide for Success
Oral exams and practical/performance tests are important for many credentialing or educational organizations that seek a deeper assessment of complex skills, clinical reasoning, or real-life performance. In the past two decades, we have a seen
Certification Management System: Drive Your Profession
A Certification Management System (CMS) or Credential Management System plays a pivotal role in streamlining the key processes surrounding the certification or credentialing of people, namely that they have certain knowledge or skills in a
What is Psychometrics? The science of assessment.
Psychometrics is the science of educational and psychological assessment, using data to ensure that tests are fair and accurate. Ever felt like you took a test which was unfair, too hard, didn’t cover the right
Computerized Classification Testing: SPRT, GLRT, and Abraham Wald
Computerized classification testing (CCT) refers to tests or assessments that are delivered to people, obviously via computer, for the purpose of classifying them into groups. Unlike traditional testing, which aims to estimate a student’s ability
What are Microcredentials?
Microcredentials are short, focused, and targeted educational or assessment-based certificate programs that offer learners a way to acquire specific skills or knowledge in a particular field. They can also become stackable credentials. Traditional degrees may
Testing and Certification Platform: The Foundation for Credentialing
A testing and certification platform provides an efficient, scalable, and secure solution for managing the development of credentialing exams, delivering them securely, and automating the management of business aspects. It helps to ensure competency of
Norm-Referenced vs. Criterion-Referenced Testing: An Overview
The two terms Norm-Referenced and Criterion-Referenced are commonly used to describe tests, exams, and assessments. They are often some of the first concepts learned when studying assessment and psychometrics. Norm-referenced means that we are referencing how
Proxy Test Takers: What are they, and how to prevent these cheaters?
Proxy test takers are someone who takes a test on behalf of someone else, with the goal of doing better than the original examinee, usually for payment. This is a critical threat to test security,
¿Qué son los Modelos de Diagnóstico Cognitivo?
¿Qué son los Modelos de Diagnóstico Cognitivo? Los modelos de diagnóstico cognitivo (CDMs, por sus siglas en inglés) son un marco psicométrico diseñado para mejorar la estructura y la puntuación de los exámenes. En lugar
What are Cognitive Diagnostic Models?
What Are Cognitive Diagnostic Models? Cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) are a psychometric framework designed to enhance how tests are structured and scored. Instead of providing just an overall test score, CDMs aim to generate a
¿Qué es una rúbrica en evaluación?
Una rúbrica (rubric in English) es un conjunto de reglas que convierte respuestas no estructuradas en evaluaciones (como ensayos) en datos estructurados que pueden ser analizados psicométricamente. Ayuda a los educadores a evaluar trabajos cualitativos
What is a rubric? How does it improve test scoring?
What is a Rubric? A rubric is a set of rules for converting unstructured responses on assessments—such as essays—into structured data that can be analyzed psychometrically. It helps educators evaluate qualitative work consistently and fairly.
Exam Time Limits: Power vs Speeded vs Timed Test
Time limits are an essential parameter to just about every type of assessment. A time limit is the length of time given to individuals to complete their assessment or a defined portion of it. Managing
Exam Cheating: A Guide to Detection & Deterrence
Exam cheating refers to the use of illicit means to do better on a test, whether it is an individual a concerted group effort. It can be driven by just about any stakeholders, from the
What is a KSAO, and how does it impact assessment?
KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics) is an approach to defining the human attributes necessary for success on a job. It is an essential aspect of human resources and organizational development field, impacting critical
Summative vs Formative Assessment in Education
Summative and formative assessment are a crucial component of the educational process. If you work in the educational assessment field or even in educational generally, you have probably encountered these terms. What do they mean?
