The Chartered Quality Institute Digital Assessment Transformation: Enhancing Candidate Experience and Data-Driven Insights
The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), a professional body for quality professionals and auditors based in the UK, recently undertook an ambitious digital transformation of their examination process. With 18,000 members and 74,000 annual learners across 141 countries, CQI embraced the challenge of modernising their assessment methods moving from a paper-based model to digital assessment and online proctoring.
Before the transformation
Prior to the pandemic, CQI worked with a network of 100 worldwide training providers using a paper-based model for assessment. Whilst this was a robust and reliable form of delivery, it prevented the learners from having a fully online end-to-end learning and assessment experience.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated their transition to digital assessment methods including the use of online proctoring, prompting CQI to swiftly adapt to an online delivery model and in doing so unlocking the potential for a greater insight into test and operational performance.
The challenges
CQI serves a diverse global learner base, primarily comprising individuals aged 20 to 50. Some candidates access learning and assessment materials using company devices with strict security measures that prevent the installation of new applications. In addition, as with many global programmes, there are many localisation considerations and a variety of bandwidth standards.
To overcome the technical and user focused challenges, CQI partnered with global assessment provider, Excelsoft to develop a tailored online examination system and provide an easy to use online proctoring platform which would meet CQI’s technical requirements whilst maintaining integrity and enabling growth.
The implementation journey
The new platform was designed to accommodate various unique requirements, such as allowing access to ISO standards during open-book exams and managing different language versions of the tests.
The rollout in 2022 proved to be an enlightening experience. CQI navigated several areas of development, including:
- Implementing remote proctoring suitable for multi region access
- Providing comprehensive learner support across multiple time zones
- Adapting exam content for different languages while maintaining context
- Maintaining exam integrity while ensuring user-friendly access
- Manage non-homogenous internet and device specs with Bring-Your-Own-Device.
Key achievements
CQI has made significant progress in their digital transformation journey. They’ve successfully launched English and Spanish-language exams and are now working on Arabic, Japanese, and traditional Mandarin versions. The transformation has reduced delivery bottlenecks and improved the holistic candidate experience.
The shift to digital assessment has enabled CQI to elevate the candidate experience. This transition has also resulted in greater data insights, allowing CQI to continually refine their processes and offer more targeted assistance to their global training network.
Next steps
In addition to user-focused achievements, CQI has been able to automate and centralise marking tasks and improve the results turnaround time. The institute is also exploring new solutions, such as enhanced test forensics. CQI is open to leveraging innovative technology like AI to improve current processes and elevate learner experience.
As CQI continues to refine its digital examination process, it’s clear that the journey towards fully online, globally accessible professional certifications is complex but ultimately rewarding. The institute’s experience offers valuable insights for other organisations considering similar transformations in the assessment industry.
Readers interested in learning more about CQI’s experience and gaining tips and advice for international delivery are encouraged to join an upcoming webinar hosted by the Test Community Network on the 12th September.
Key takeaways
In an upcoming webinar you’ll hear from product and assessment leader, Debbie John of CQI who will provide further details on their digital transformation and key takeaways from CQI’s journey and sharing useful insights that will help organisations on a similar journey.
In addition, attendees will hear from Jonathan Ledger, UK Department for Business and Trade and Ajay Kulkarni from Excelsoft, who will be providing advice for similar organisations looking to scale globally and built partner and business relationships overseas.
Webinar: 11am BST, Thursday 12th September
Expert guests:
Debbie John, The Chartered Quality Institute: Product and assessment leader with over 20 years’ experience delivering a portfolio of qualifications, training courses and apprenticeships to international markets.
Jonathan Ledger, UK Department for Business and Trade: Advocate, expert, and global leader in vocational skills and TVET development, known worldwide for operational and strategic skills expertise.
Ajay Kulkarni, Excelsoft Technologies: Business development and digital transformation expert for global assessment and learning programmes.
Register or watch on-demand here
The sharing of CQI’s digital transformation by Debbie combined with the international business development advice of Jonathan and Ajay will help you plan and refine your own international transformation.