| Duration: |
4.5 hours (3x 90 min sessions) |
Credits: |
4.5 CPD accredited hours |
Book now
Bookings close 11 Nov 2025 at 11am (UK time).
Gain a comprehensive overview of the theory, design and practical implementation of Computer adaptive tests.
Why choose this workshop?
A Computer adaptive test (CAT) is a type of test that uses ongoing ability estimates of test takers to select the subsequent content that each test taker sees. This means each test taker will be given a 'test' with a difficulty that best suits their individual ability.
This helps the test measure each individual learner’s ability more accurately because it adapts to select content best suited to each test taker’s ability, instead of giving the same questions to everyone. This is an opportunity for personalised testing and learning.
For assessment practitioners, computer adaptive testing can improve accuracy and efficiency across a wider range of reporting levels through secure, precise, and instantly scored assessments.
Our three-part live online workshop series, Computer adaptive testing for beginners, is designed to equip you with the confidence and competence to make informed decisions on how to use CATs most effectively in your own context.
Led by expert Christopher Hubbard, this workshop series will give you a clear understanding of the principles and strategies behind CATs, including key elements like Item Banking and Item Response Theory (IRT).
If you’re new to adaptive testing, or you’re looking to reinforce your practical implementation of CATs, this series will give you an overview of everything you consider when getting started.
Who should attend?
Computer adaptive testing for beginners is an ideal workshop series for anyone new to CATs who wants an overview of the process, guidance on how to implement CATs, and examples of how they can be used in different testing contexts.
If you’re looking to improve the efficiency and precision of your testing through adaptive assessments, or you’re interested in understanding how adaptive tests are designed, delivered, and managed, this workshop series will give you everything you need to get going.
The session is open to anyone who would find it useful. Previous attendees have included:
- Assessment Managers
- Product Managers
- Assessment Developers
- Researchers
Why choose The Assessment Network?
We’re trusted by over 1,000 organisations across 100 countries and are backed by world-class research from the University of Cambridge.
We proudly hold Dual Accreditation by the Professional Development Consortium, officially recognising us as a Provider of Training Excellence.
Upon successful completion of Computer adaptive testing for beginners, you’ll be awarded a Certificate of Attendance from Cambridge University Press & Assessment as recognition of your learning.
Workshop outline
This workshop series is accredited with a Certificate of Attendance for continuing professional development (4.5 CPD hours). To be eligible, two live sessions must be attended.
Throughout the workshops, examples will demonstrate these ideas and how they can be applied to your own assessment context.
Workshop 1: 12 Nov 2025 | Introduction to the theory of CAT
12 Nov 2025 | 12:30 - 14:00 (UK time)
Learn about the fundamentals of Computer Adaptive Tests, and different types of adaptive tests. Understand the advantages CATs may give, and which types of CATs best fit different testing contexts. You will also learn about the basic psychometric elements that underpin CATs like Item Banking and Item Response Theory, and the elements which manage test operation such as starting points, selection algorithms and termination criteria.
Workshop 2: 19 Nov 2025 | Theoretical CAT to practical CAT - part one
19 Nov 2025 | 12:30 - 14:00 (UK time)
Learn how to approach the process of adopting a CAT, working through a high-level staged framework for managing the considerations and decisions needed to make, and a way of structuring preparation work. You will work through a case study for the introduction of a test which adapts at individual item level and focusses on the reporting of trait ability.
You will also consider questions around feasibility, item bank development, calibration, simulation, test publishing and test maintenance.
Workshop 3: 26 Nov 2025 | Theoretical CAT to practical CAT - part two
26 Nov 2025 | 12:30 - 14:00 (UK time)
Explore a range of example CATs to consider how and why adaptive testing has been used in each situation and consider the advantages and limitations of CATs as related to test purpose. You will also have a chance to discuss and answer questions you may have about your own testing context and the possible application of CATs.
If the dates are not suitable, this workshop series is also offered as part of the build your CPD programme portfolio of flexible workshops designed to suit your schedule.
What our attendees say
Computer adaptive testing for beginners is a thorough and most informative workshop series."
Debbie Mann, Recruitment Assessor, UK
Key learning outcomes
By the end of the three sessions you will have:
- Gained an understanding of the key concepts and considerations around the use of CATs, as well as the basic psychometric elements that underpin CATs
- Developed confidence in applying key considerations when adopting a CAT, having worked through a case study
- Built knowledge about a range of real-life applications of CATs to help you evaluate effectiveness and whether the use of a CAT may fit testing in your own context
Workshop trainer
Christopher Hubbard has been working at Cambridge University Press & Assessment since 2001, and in that time has been involved in a wide range of assessment contexts and projects across a number of international settings. Some of Chris's special areas of focus have been Performance testing, Assessment scale development, Statistical analysis & test creation, Benchmark testing & Educational planning and Computer Adaptive online Testing (CAT).
FAQs
What is Computer adaptive testing?
A Computer adaptive test (CAT) is a type of test that changes the difficulty of questions depending on how well your candidate answers. If you get a question right, the next one might be harder; if you get it wrong, the next one might be easier. This helps the test measure your learner’s ability more accurately because it adapts, instead of giving the same questions to everyone.
Why train with The Assessment Network?
The Assessment Network at Cambridge is a global community of assessment professionals, committed to equipping practitioners with a clear understanding of core assessment principles and practices. Through accredited training, professional membership, and career development opportunities, we support individuals and organisations in becoming recognised, up-to-date assessment leaders.
We enable positive change by helping practitioners enhance the impact of assessment for learners, offering CPD courses, bespoke solutions, and professional recognition for every challenge and role. Trusted by over 1,000 organisations across 100 countries, and backed by world-class research from the University of Cambridge, we unite professionals who connect, share learning, and stand out as experts in their field.
How much does it cost?
Computer Adaptive testing for beginners costs £265 or you can receive a 10% discount on your booking as a Member.
I want to register my team, what’s the best way to do this?
If you’re looking to book five or more places on an upcoming workshop or workshop series, you can receive a group discount. Please get in touch for a quote.
How do I register?
If this workshop is currently available use the Book Now button to complete your registration on our booking platform. If the workshop is not available, you can register your interest.
How will I learn?
Live workshops are interactive, practical sessions offered online, either as standalone sessions or as part of a series.
Led by assessment experts, these sessions require live attendance, via our online learning site, providing opportunities for direct guidance and real-time answers to your questions. These practical explorations and discussions with your assessment peers will help transform your assessment practice.
Will I be able to discuss the workshop topic during the session?
You can engage regularly throughout the online workshops via chat boxes, breakout rooms, polls, and quizzes.
What level of English do I need to be able to complete the course?
The course is delivered in English so you are required to have sufficient competence in English to participate in the training. You should have English language competence comparable to Level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). We recommend a minimum requirement of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System. Further information may be obtained through the IELTS website.
My place on the workshop is now confirmed, what happens next?
Once you’ve completed your booking you’ll receive a confirmation email. Joining instructions for the workshop or series are normally sent after the booking deadline has passed.
What happens if I can't attend one of the sessions?
To receive certification for a workshop series, you can only miss one session.
You’ll be able watch a recording of this missed session, but please note breakout rooms will not be recorded, and attendance is strongly recommended whenever possible.
What kind of certification is available upon completion of the workshop?
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Attendance from Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It is expected that participants will attend at least two out of three live sessions to be eligible for a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the series.
How many CPD learning hours is this accredited for?
This workshop series is accredited for 4.5 learning hours. You must meet the attendance requirements to be eligible to receive the learning hours.
The Assessment Network has been awarded Dual Accreditation by the Professional Development Consortium, meaning we are officially recognised as a Provider of Training Excellence, alongside being a trusted provider of fully CPD accredited assessment training activities.
The majority of our professional development courses are also CPD accredited. Accredited courses are clearly marked with the CPD hours available, and a full list can be found on the CPD Standards website.
Some newer workshops and courses may not yet be accredited by the CPD Standards Office. However, as an assured provider of training excellence, all our workshops meet the same rigorous standards as our accredited training.
What can I do with my learning hours?
At The Assessment Network, learning hours from completing professional development courses contribute directly toward earning awards that recognise your assessment expertise. There are two levels of awards, the Assessment Practitioner Award and the Advanced Assessment Practitioner Award.
How long will I have access to the recording/resources after the workshop ends?
Recordings, slides, and any extra resources will be available via the online learning site for 40 days for a standalone workshop or 90 days for a workshop series.
When is the next workshop running?
We aim to run our workshops at least once a year. If the workshop is not currently available to book, please use the register your interest page.