As organizations look for ways to improve candidate results while maintaining the standards and prestige of their credential, practice tests continue to be an essential component of the assessment ecosystem, both for testing organizations and test- takers. Practice tests, especially those that provide test-takers with basic corrective feedback, allow potential test-takers to engage with an assessment and determine their areas of strength and weakness. Organizations that provide practice tests, either for a fee or free of cost, are engaging with their potential candidates, and are providing an essential tool that allows test-takers to achieve their desired testing outcomes. Studies have found that in addition to providing a helpful preparatory tool, practice tests improve candidate performance, with test groups performing up to 40% better in a testing environment over one without practice tests provided, and that overall, practice tests with simple corrective feedback can have a substantial effect on learning.

Let's examine the ways that practice tests can provide a material advantage to both testing organizations and candidates:

1. Familiarization

   Firstly, practice tests familiarize test-takers with the format of the actual test. This is important because becoming comfortable with the format can help reduce test-taking anxiety and improve performance on the day of the test. Reducing testing anxiety and building candidate confidence are two sure-fire strategies to improving scores and improving the perception and prestige of a certification.

2.  Identification

   Secondly, practice tests provide an opportunity for test-takers to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This information can then be used to focus study efforts and ensure that time is spent effectively preparing for the test. Identifying “weak spots” allows a candidate to shape their preparation and focus on problem areas accordingly and allocate their preparation time effectively to skills that need the most attention. This highlights why practice tests that provide corrective feedback are more valuable to candidates, as they allow individuals to identify their knowledge and skill gaps.

3. Acclimation

   Finally, practice tests give test-takers a chance to get used to the time pressures of the test. Being aware of the time limits and knowing how to pace oneself are important skills that can only be developed through practice. Interactive practice tests, that provide tools such as timers, word counters, and other computer-based tools that test-takers would have during an actual exam are additionally helpful here, as recreating the conditions of an assessment will go further in preparing candidates for the experience they will have on assessment exam day.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating practice tests into your organization’s testing process ensures candidates know what to expect and can help ease their stress, increase their confidence, and improve their overall testing experience. For testing organizations, that can mean increasing candidate satisfaction scores and pass rates, all while unlocking additional revenue streams to help grow your program.
For organizations looking to expand their offerings, and include additional preparation options to accompany their assessments, we are pleased to offer the Practice+ solution, a comprehensive practice test experience that provides your candidates with an exact simulation of our ProDriver testing platform, fully integrated directly into your candidate portal and delivered via your ecommerce platform.

Learn more about how Practice+ can drive the growth of your testing program!