The RCEC review system for the quality of tests and exams
RCEC has developed a unique system for an objective and expert assessment of the quality of examinations. The RCEC review system is scientifically based and contributes to the substantive, organisational and psychometric quality of the examination process and examination product: from construction and administration to scoring and evaluation.
The RCEC review system is initially intended for certified RCEC auditors to evaluate the quality of tests and exams. In addition, those involved with examination can use the RCEC review system to construct and improve their tests and exams according to the RCEC quality standards. It can also be used to help the users of tests and exams such as teachers, schools, commercial/in-service training and examination committees to assess and select the best quality tests and exams.
Six criteria
The RCEC review system evaluates the quality of the educational test or exam based on six criteria.
Separately these criteria create a picture of the substantive, organisational and psychometric aspects of the four steps of the testing cycle: construction, administration, scoring and evaluation. Jointly, the six criteria reflect the overall quality of the educational test or exam. In this way, RCEC guarantees an integral and evidence-based quality assessment.
Substantive and organisational aspects
Criterion 1. Purpose and use
What is being examined and why?
Criterion 2. Test and examination material
Are the questions and procedures standardised?
Criterion 6. Test administration and security
What has been done to secure the exam, give clear instructions and prevent fraud?
Psychometric aspects
Criterion 3. Representativeness
Are the questions operationalised in a test matrix and is the degree of difficulty of the questions evenly distributed?
Criterion 4. Reliability
Does the exam give comparable results if it is taken again by the same target group?
Criterion 5. Standard setting and maintenance
How is the cut-off score determined and maintained?
An appropriate review system for every exam
There are several types of tests and exams, each of which requires its own specific assessment. That is why we offer three variants of our review system. So there is always one that suits your situation.
- RCEC review system for the quality of paper and digital study tests and of (practical) exams
- RCEC review system for the quality of oral exams
- RCEC review system for the quality of simulator exams
Two additional variants of the review system are currently being developed. The RCEC review system for the quality of exam programmes and the RCEC review system for the quality of the exam construction process will soon be available.
The different variants of the RCEC review system can be requested via the application form at the bottom of this page. This first step makes the contents available to you and gives you an overview of the operation of the whole review system. It's a practical guide to constructing your exams.
For more information about the theoretical background of the review system, our white paper 'RCEC Review System for the Quality of Examination' is available. You can also request this via the application form at the bottom of this page.