A new survey from the e-Assessment Association (eAA) provides one of the most detailed snapshots yet of how artificial intelligence is being used in assessment across education, professional certification and workplace learning.
Drawing on responses from assessment organisations, educators and technology vendors, the 2026 AI in Assessment report reveals a sector that is actively experimenting with AI but proceeding cautiously, balancing potential gains in efficiency and scalability with concerns about reliability, integrity and trust.
The findings show that organisations are currently using AI most frequently for item generation, automated marking and data analytics, while higher-risk applications such as candidate identification and exam invigilation remain far less common.
At the same time, many respondents highlighted the operational benefits of AI, particularly its ability to automate repetitive tasks, improve consistency and free up assessment professionals to focus on higher-value work such as pedagogy, quality assurance and assessment design.
However, the survey also identifies significant challenges. Respondents frequently raised concerns about hallucinations and misinformation, academic integrity, bias, governance and data security, alongside wider questions about whether existing assessment methodologies and psychometric approaches remain fully fit for purpose in an AI-enabled environment.
Interestingly, while most organisations believe AI will support specific aspects of assessment rather than dominate it, expectations of AI becoming central to assessment strategy were higher among organisations that have not yet implemented it.
Vendor responses broadly mirror the experiences of assessment providers, highlighting client readiness, regulatory uncertainty and ethical or reputational risk as the most significant barriers to wider adoption.
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The eAA's AI in Assessment report explores current practice, perceived benefits and risks, and how AI adoption may evolve as organisations gain experience.
Contributing to the wider policy debate
The survey findings will also help inform the eAA’s contribution to the UK Parliament Select Committee inquiry into AI and education, ensuring that the voice of the assessment community is represented in national discussions about the role of AI in learning and evaluation.
To continue building evidence across the sector, the eAA plans to run the survey again next, allowing the industry to track how adoption, confidence and governance evolve over time.
Join the conversation
The issues raised in the report will be explored further at the International e-Assessment Conference, taking place in London in June 2026, including a dedicated full-day AI Symposium focused on practical implementation, policy implications and emerging research.
In addition, the eAA’s AI Special Interest Groups, which meet regularly throughout the year, bring together practitioners, researchers and technology providers to share experience, discuss challenges and develop practical guidance for the sector.
Professionals working in assessment, education and certification are encouraged to join the discussion, contribute their insights and help shape how AI is used responsibly to strengthen trust, quality and integrity in assessment.
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