Fairness and Test Security

One of the most critical topics in the testing industry today is test security. In fact, it might be the most important. For a host of reasons, some individuals today are able to get better scores on tests by cheating or having someone take the tests for them. The security measures that have been in place for a hundred years aren't working well; there are too many ways to beat the system.



The problem isn't just that some people are able to get higher scores by cheating. This is bad, of course, because those high scores get them into the schools they shouldn't or lead to the promotion they don't deserve. The real problem is that these people take spots that others deserve. The conclusion is that if you don't cheat on the test you are at a disadvantage. When cheating is allowed to happen the tests simply aren't fair.



And if they aren't fair, the tests should never be administered.



It should be the highest priority of every testing program and every measurement professional to shore up security and stop cheaters from succeeding.