Computer-based test versus Paper-based test

Every candidate who started with the idea of taking an exam was eventually faced with the significant decision over whether to choose between a computer and a paper-based test. Such points as those below will help you to make a wise decision:

- Exam dates

- Registration

- Preparation

- Exam duration

- Technical points during the exam

- Practical points during the exam

- Results

- Certificates

- Fee

All possible dates of any preferable, internationally recognized examinations are accessible on the internet for both computer and paper-based tests.

Registration is quick and easy for both. Nowadays centers try to make it as simple as possible.

It is always nice to hear that preparation materials for all types of exams are usually provided by examination centers. If there is no information on the center's website, don't hesitate to ask for available materials.

Exam duration is also the same for both.

However during computer-based tests, you are able to adjust the volume during the listening part because every candidate uses headphones; whereas during paper-based tests, only the examiner can turn the volume up or down. Choice of text size, and even the colour of the font and screen background during the whole exam could prove essential for many potential candidates for a whole host of reasons.

In a computer-based test, every task in every part is sequential. You have no need to check whether you are writing where you ought to write. In a paper-based test, it is extremely important to double check before you start to write your answer. If you have enough time, you could check any task in each part of both exams (for ex.: checking your first answer after or during the process of writing your second answer). But you can’t check one part of the exam whilst completing another part (for ex.: checking the writing part during the listening part is impossible and forbidden).

When it comes to the results, we should mention that generally the result of computer-based tests are ready approximately twice as fast as any paper-based test results.

The validity of the certificates doesn’t depend on whether your test was paper-based or computer-based. Each of them are equally valid (provided your examination center has the appropriate accreditation).

In addition, it is still important to ask your examination center about the fee, because an examination fee may vary according to the country where you would like to take the exam, the subject and the examination center.

Thus I hope this short description will help you in the future to make a more informed choice about paper-based and computer-based tests.


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