Computerized Adaptive Testing

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is a method of sequentially selecting test items or larger test units in real time so that the final difficulty of each test form is optimally matched to the proficiency of each examinee. This tailoring of a test form by difficulty to each examinee’s proficiency helps ensure an accurate final score using as few test items as possible. The statistical efficiency of a CAT is therefore realized by reduced test lengths and less testing time and/or improved score accuracy relative to a fixed-test form where every examinee is administered the same items.

Various applications of adaptive testing are found in educational achievement testing, placement, and college readiness, for a variety of psychological tests and aptitude tests, and in many types of employment ...