A specific type of computer-based test, a computer-adaptive test, has been available for many years but has recently gained momentum.In a computer-adaptive test (CAT), each test-taker receives a set of questions that meet the test specifications and that are generally appropriate for his or her performance level. The CAT start with questions of moderate difficulty. As test-takers answer each question, the computer scores the question and uses that information, as well as the responses to previous questions, to determine which question will be presented next. As long as examinees respond correctly, the computer typically selects questions of greater or equal difficulty. Incorrect answers, however, typically bring questions of lesser or equal difficulty. The computer is programmed to fulfill the test design as it continuously adjusts to find questions of appropriate difficulty for test-takers at all performance levels. In CATs, rhe test-taker sees only one question at a time, and the computer scores each question before selecting the next one. As a result, test-takers cannot return to questionsor to any earlier part of the test.
Computer-baesd testing, with or without CAT technology, offers these advantages