Can computerized tests be introduced to the Korean Medical Licensing Examination?

ABSTRACT

In November 2011, the standing Committee of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE) recommended that the National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board introduce computerized testing to the KMLE. Therefore this article contextualizes and explores the possibility of applying computerized testing to the KMLE. Computerized testing comprises computer-based testing (CBT), ubiquitous-based testing (UBT), internet-based testing (IBT), and computerized adaptive testing (CAT). CBT refers to testing administered via a computer as the user interface, while testing with a smart phone or smart pad as the user interface is known as UBT. IBT is testing done online, and CAT is testing tailored so that each item provided fits the examinee's ability level. The benefits and drawbacks of each computerized testing option were surveyed. Among them, I propose CAT as the final goal for KMLE. In order to implement the computerized testing more effectively, it is recommended that items contain multimedia data and should involve interpretation or problem-solving. More evidence is needed to support the positive impact of computerized testing for undergraduate medical education and primary health care. Since the rapid progress of information technology such as internet bandwidth and human-computer interface methods, the introduction of computerized testing to KMLE will soon be plausible. It is possible to increase the quality of the KMLE with the introduction of computerized testing. Medical schools should prepare for the new testing environment of the KMLE by recruiting or training specialists in this field.