Article verified for Release 14.2 on May 27, 2025.
This article explains how tests are graded in the YouTestMe application.
Test attempts can be graded either automatically by the system or manually by authorized users, depending on the predefined grading settings configured at the question level during question creation.
Questions Scoring Methods
YouTestMe supports ten different question types. With the exception of essay questions, which must be graded manually, all other types—including single-choice, multiple-choice, true/false, matching, ordering, matrix, open-ended, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank—can be automatically graded using predefined rules. This flexibility enables users to customize the grading process to suit their specific testing needs.
Each question type can be configured with a scoring method that determines how a candidate’s response is evaluated and how points are assigned.
By default, scoring is determined by the total points assigned to the correct answer(s). This method can be adjusted during question creation or editing, within the Grading and Duration Settings section of the question configuration.
Note: The available options depend on the nature of the question and the type of interaction it requires (e.g., selecting an answer versus composing a written response).
This chapter will explain in detail the grading options available for each question type.
Defining Correct/Incorrect Answers
When this method is selected, you will need to specify:
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The number of points awarded for a correct answer
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The number of points deducted (penalty) for an incorrect answer
Note: This scoring method is available for all question types except Essay.
Tip: You can include demographic questions when using this scoring method. These allow you to collect data about the candidate without the answers affecting their final score. For more information, refer to this article.
By Answer Weight
Each possible answer can be assigned a specific point value. Candidates earn points based on the answers they select, and the final score can be calculated either as the sum or the average of those points.
Note: This scoring method is only available for the following question types: Multiple-Choice, Fill-in-the-Blank, Matrix, True/False, and Single-Choice.
Tip: You can include demographic questions when using this scoring method. These allow you to collect data about the candidate without the answers affecting their final score. For more information, refer to this article.
By a Combination of Answers
This scoring method is available exclusively for the Multiple-Choice question type, where multiple answers may be correct. Candidates must select a specific combination of answers, and they will earn the number of points predefined for that particular combination.
When this scoring method is enabled, you will need to configure the following options:
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Penalty: Specify the number of points to be deducted if the candidate selects an incorrect combination—i.e., a combination that was not predefined during question setup.
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Limit the Number of Answers user can select: Enable this option to set the maximum number of answers a candidate can choose. This setting is essential for ensuring the accuracy of this grading method.
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Add Combination: Define the correct answer combinations and assign a point value to each. Clicking this button will open a dialog where you can create each valid combination and specify the points awarded when it is selected.
Manual Grading
This grading method allows authorized users to manually evaluate answers directly within the candidate’s attempt report after the exam has been completed. When this scoring method is selected, candidates can view their results only after their attempt has been manually graded.
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The maximum score is determined by the number of points assigned to the question. The minimum score is defined by any penalties applied (if set).
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Use a predefined grading template – Grade the question using a predefined grading template instead of manually assigning points to each answer. For details on how to create a grading template, refer to the following article.
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Answer Selection Limit
You may optionally restrict the number of answers a candidate is allowed to select.
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For more details on manually grading a test, please refer to this article.
Note: This scoring method is available for all question types.
By Grading Rules
Define rules to assign points based on how many sub-answers the candidate gets correct.
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Add a grading rule – For example, if the candidate selects X correct answers, they receive Y points. If the number of correct answers selected doesn’t match any rule, the candidate receives 0 points.
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Remove the last rule from the list.
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Answer Selection Limit
You may optionally restrict the number of answers a candidate is allowed to select.
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Note: This scoring method is available for Multiple-Choice, Fill-in-the-Blank, Matrix, Hot-spot, and Matching questions.
Test grading settings
The total test score is calculated by summing the points earned from all questions, based on the grading method set at the question level.
Manually graded questions (such as essays) must be reviewed and scored by an authorized user before they are included in the total score.
Once all question scores are combined, the final score can be further adjusted or interpreted using grading scales or passing marks configured at the test level.
Predefined grading scales
Tests can be graded using a predefined grading scale, which allows you to assign specific point ranges to corresponding grades. These grades can be numerical or descriptive — for example, a failing result might be labeled as “Needs more work”.
If a test includes multiple question pools or is divided into sections, you can apply different grading scales to each pool or section individually. This enables more flexible and targeted evaluation across various parts of the test.
For detailed instructions on how to set up and configure grading scales, please refer to this article.
Note: Test-level grading (like applying a grading scale or passing mark) uses the total score from all questions. This is separate from the scoring method configured at the individual question level, which determines how points are awarded for each answer
Real-Time Grading
Tests can also be graded in real-time, meaning candidates receive immediate scores after submitting each answer. This enhances the candidate’s experience by offering instant insight into their performance. This option is not supported if the scoring method is manual grading.
For more information, refer to this article.
Multiple Graders
There is also an option to assign multiple graders to a test. This allows more than one person to evaluate and score responses, which can be particularly useful for subjective or essay-based questions.
For more information, refer to this article.
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