Meeting the Needs for Computer-based Testing at University Level

Most international language tests now use computers as their mode of delivery in order to offer tests which are easier to administer, save time, and guarantee a higher level of reliability. The challenge arises when an individual university language centre with limited resources wants to change from pen and paper-based testing to a computer-based test. This article focuses on the development of a computer-based test by a team of test developers at an Italian university and discusses the opportunities and challenges that computer-based testing presents. The paper outlines the test format and briefly relates the learners’ reaction to the new testing system.