Examensstrukturen

Examensstrukturen, or the structure of examinations, refers to how assessments are designed, scheduled, and graded within an educational program. It encompasses the formats used, the assessment timeline, and the rules that govern progression and certification.

Common formats include written exams (essay or short-answer), multiple-choice tests, oral examinations, practical or performance assessments, and continuous assessment such as coursework, projects, or portfolios. Many programs combine several formats to measure knowledge, understanding, and skills. Increasingly, exams may be taken online under supervised conditions, with secure delivery and digital rubrics.

Grading arrangements specify how different components contribute to the final mark, often using explicit criteria or rubrics to support consistency. Standards are usually tied to learning outcomes, and moderation or external review helps ensure fairness. Institutions publish policies on retake opportunities, grade boundaries, and appeals.

Administration covers registration, scheduling, venue or online access, invigilation, and exam security. Accessibility and accommodations for students with disabilities, language needs, or testing accommodations are typically required. Technical requirements, proctoring, and contingency plans for disruptions are also part of the structure.

Variants exist across educational levels and countries. In secondary education, exams may anchor a terms or year grade, while higher education often uses modular assessment where final marks reflect multiple components. Retake policies and limits on attempts vary.

Quality assurance involves policy standards, benchmarking, and audits by national authorities or accreditation bodies to ensure objectivity, reliability, and comparability of results within and across programs.