What is a Test?

Tests, or assessments, define the continuity between Items, how they are ordered, and how they are presented to the Test-taker. They also define the constraints and settings, including those related to time and navigation policies. Tests may be built from building blocks called Item Sections that logically sort Items into groups, making configuring a Test easier.

In TAO, assessments are assembled from individual items that are later delivered to test-takers through an automated Delivery system. If there are enough items within a test, they can be sorted and grouped into item sections according to any logical set of criteria.

Tests should be given an appropriate title which helps test-takers to accurately identify the assessment if it appears in a list of other assessments which the test-taker must also take at the same time.

Test designers must consider issues such as whether the test-taker will need to follow a linear path through a test – where questions need to be answered in a specific order, with no option to revisit them later – or whether questions can be answered in any order and revisited if desired. Time limitations and feedback are also important elements in successful test design.