We currently offer a wide range of onscreen tests for qualifications such as BTEC, Entry Level, adult functional skills and GCSE alongside our established Skills for Life onscreen tests.

Our onscreen testing system has been successful in reducing the administrative burden on centres and has proven to lead to higher pass rates than paper-based tests.

Onscreen testing makes assessment more enjoyable for the candidate and increases flexibility for the centre, but is designed and validated with the same rigour as the traditional testing method. Onscreen tests offer benefits such as instant results for most qualifications, interactive onscreen questions and displays, and greater accessibility than paper-based tests.  

“Onscreen testing enables a seamless transition from the online course to the onscreen test. As such, learners are much more relaxed about attempting the test.” Shaun Morgan CLC Manager, Mitchell High School

 What is onscreen testing?

Onscreen testing is an alternative to traditional paper-based testing. It involves installing software and running the tests in a computer room or on laptops. Questions are displayed onscreen and are answered using a keyboard or mouse. Candidates’ responses are recorded automatically by the testing software and, for most qualifications, provisional results are made available instantly once the test has been completed.

“Onscreen testing has become an integral part of our learning processes, all of which are geared towards securing achievement.” - Shaun Morgan, CLC Manager, Mitchell High School.                   

What does onscreen mean?

An ‘onscreen’ test is a test which is computerised, and is completed by candidates using a mouse or keyboard to respond to questions displayed on the screen. All onscreen tests contain help and guidance for candidates on how to use them, and free sample tests are available to help familiarise students with the look and feel of an onscreen test.

How do onscreen tests reach centres?

Initially, the test is downloaded to a computer at an approved Edexcel onscreen testing centre through a secure internet connection. The test can then be sent to other secure computers, to be accessed by candidates once usernames and passwords (provided by Edexcel) have been entered.

The test is not run online; there is no live internet connection during the running of an onscreen test. The test is run directly from candidates’ computers. This minimises any problems or security risks caused by online system failures.

What equipment do we need?

Each candidate needs a computer with a colour screen, keyboard and mouse (and earphones for some tests, such as GCSE French listening exams). The software for the onscreen testing system will be provided; however, there is a further set of software specifications to which every onscreen testing centre must adhere. Find out more about these specifications here.

Key benefits

All onscreen tests offer:

• Free software installation, training and technical support
• Improved accessibility and less paper-based administration.

BTEC and Skills for Life onscreen tests offer:

• On-demand testing – tests can be taken when learners are ready.
• Instant provisional results, along with diagnostic feedback for students.
• Detailed feedback on results through Edexcel Online.

For some qualifications which are subject to higher levels of security, such as GCSE and functional skills, features such as on-demand testing and instant provisional results are not available. For these tests, the same timetable will apply as for their paper-based equivalents. Onscreen tests will be sat at the same time as paper-based tests, and results for onscreen tests will be made available on the same day as results for the paper-based versions.

 Instructions for the conduct of Onscreen Tests (BTEC and Skills for Life)