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Board weighs computer‑based testing and revision of state exam to reduce redundancy with national exam
Summary
Board members discussed moving the Vermont state‑specific exam to a proctored, computer‑based platform and removing redundant national questions, balancing exam security and access for rural applicants and automating grading to reduce staff workload.
The Vermont Board of Land Surveyors discussed proposals to streamline and secure its state‑specific licensing exam, including removing questions redundant with the national exam and exploring proctored, computer‑based testing.
Joe and other members urged that the Vermont exam avoid repeating national questions so it can better test state‑specific competencies. "We weeded through the ... sections already," one member said, and the board discussed obtaining national exam blueprints to identify duplication.
Board members also discussed computer‑based testing options offered by test centers such as Pearson VUE. John noted that a computer‑based, proctored exam could reduce manual grading and improve security; staff described potential vendor costs (a cited test‑center fee example was about $100 per candidate for a computer‑based proctored exam) and the logistical steps for converting the current application‑embedded, take‑home format to an online proctored format.
Members raised access and equity concerns for candidates who would need to travel to a test center, and staff cautioned that the board should first determine whether there is evidence of cheating or a need for higher security given the current open‑book online exam. Staff suggested inviting a test‑center director to a future meeting to answer technical questions about administration, proctoring and anti‑cheating measures.
No final decision was made. The board asked staff to investigate vendor capabilities, costs and whether the state’s exam could be administered through a proctored computer‑based model while preserving reasonable access for rural candidates.
