About test types in the Test Wizard

The Test Wizard section of Surpass lets you create tests with predetermined test and delivery settings appropriate to the type of test you are creating. There are five test types available in Surpass.

This article explains the differences between the Learning, Formative, Summative and Paper and Onscreen test types. For more information about test delivery, About Surpass test delivery options.

Learning

Learning tests are delivered in a web browser and are used for the purpose of candidate development. This allows candidates to view feedback at the end of their test.

Formative

Formative tests are designed to be used as low-stakes tests and are delivered in a web browser. Some of the test feedback options are available to candidates immediately after a test, including the Printable Summary, Show Candidate Details, and the Show View Feedback Button.

Summative

Summative tests are designed to assess the final result of a candidate’s learning process. When you create a summative test, the Requires Invigilation and Requires Moderation to release results test settings are automatically selected. For more information, read About test settings and About test form settings.

Some of the test feedback options are available to candidates immediately after a test, including the Printable Summary, Show Candidate Details, and the Show View Feedback Button.

Summative tests are delivered in locked down SecureClient. This prevents candidates from accessing the internet and ensures full security during a test. Summative tests must be moderated before results can be released to candidates.

Paper and Onscreen

In the Test Wizard, you can create tests that can be taken both on paper and onscreen. When your paper test has been created, it is printed and handled externally until results are uploaded back into Surpass using OMR software. For more information, read Uploading OMR results in the Results screen.

You can also deliver paper tests onscreen. For this type of test, the Requires SecureClient test setting is automatically selected. Candidate feedback is not available for paper tests delivered onscreen and moderation is not required. For more information, read Creating a Paper and Onscreen test with the Test Wizard.