Top tips for adaptive exams

What is an adaptive exam?

An adaptive exam changes the difficulty of questions based on how a student is doing.

• The test starts with questions of average difficulty

• Correct answers lead to harder questions

• Incorrect answers lead to easier ones

Each question depends on the last answer, so every child’s test is different. Adaptive exams are always taken online and adjust in real time to a child’s ability.

Top tips for adaptive exams

1. Accuracy matters most

   Getting questions right at the start is especially important. Early correct answers unlock harder questions, which are usually worth more marks. Encourage your child to focus on accuracy rather than speed.

2. Take time with each question
   
   Children can’t skip questions or go back to change answers. Each response affects what comes next, so it’s important to pause, think, and only move on when they’re confident.

3. Use all the time available
   
   There’s no benefit to finishing early, as answers can’t be reviewed at the end. Using the full time helps your child read carefully and check their thinking on every question.

4. Use the process of elimination
   
   Adaptive exams are multiple choice. If your child isn’t sure, ruling out wrong answers can make the correct choice much clearer - even when guessing.

5. Expect the test to get harder

   Harder questions are a good sign. They show your child is doing well. Let them know to expect easier questions at the start and more challenging ones later. Knowing this in advance can really boost confidence on the day.