Pre-Testing and Course Planning

Why Pre-Test?

Pre-testing is critical for both you and your students. First, pre-testing gives your students a real testing experience and a benchmark to help them set personal score goals. We know that testing may look different this year with some students testing in-person and others testing online. We are here to help you in any situation. Second, pre-testing helps you plan your course. You can use pre-test data to identify student strengths and weaknesses, adjust your lesson plans, and track your students’ progress throughout the course. And with Cambridge’s pre-testing reports, much of this work is already done for you. Cambridge breaks down the test items and gives you item-level and test-level data about your class, and Cambridge provides customized lesson plans based on your classroom data. We know pre-testing requires a time commitment, but it is key to making your program a success.

How to Pre-Test

Pre-Testing should be completed in four steps:

  • Step 1: Prepare for Test Day
  • Step 2: Administer the Test
  • Step 3: Submit Your Answer Forms
  • Step 4: Review Your Reports


Cambridge offers several testing options for both in-person (paper and pencil) and virtual learning. These include:

  • Paper test booklets
  • Paper answer forms
  • Paper test booklets and online answer forms
  • Completely online testing


Cambridge also supports several proctoring situations to fit your needs. We can help you administer tests in:

  • A classroom
  • A group remotely
  • An independent remote situation


Regardless of how you’re testing this year, you’ll need to prepare for pre-testing. Download and print a copy of this checklist and then review the information on the following pages to be sure you have what you need to administer your pre-test in any of the situations described above. 

Task
Completed
Know what materials/program you purchased*
Know how the test will be proctored
Collect all documents
Prepare and distribute your materials
Schedule the pre-test
Administer the pre-test
Review the data using Cambridge reports

*If you are a Program Administrator, you are responsible for ordering the materials and communicating all pre-testing details to your staff. If you still need to order or if you have questions about pre-testing, contact Cambridge at (847) 299-2930.