Digital Assessment at Scale: Global Momentum and Proven Success

As education systems around the world explore ways to modernise assessment, one thing is becoming clear: digital assessment is no longer just a future aspiration—it’s happening now, and it’s happening at scale.

The e-Assessment Association (eAA), a global thought leader in digital assessment, recently brought together a panel of industry experts to share real-world examples of successful implementation in high-stakes environments. The session, “Leading the Way: Successful Digital Assessment at Scale” drew an engaged audience, signalling the growing interest—and demand—for credible insight into what’s truly possible with digital assessment. The event attracted a global audience including attendees from Ireland, Toronto, Kansas, Zimbabwe, Japan, Baltimore, The Bahamas, Sweden, New Hampshire, Oxford, New Jersey, Cardiff, London, South Africa, Glasgow and Bratislava.

Chaired by the eAA’s CEO, Patrick Coates, we also heard from :

• Jennifer Hove from Canada’s Education Quality and Accountability Office discussing the Modernization and Transformation of Ontario’s K-12 Large Scale Assessment Program.
• Richard Spiby from British Council discussing the British Council Primary English Test.
• Hans-Otto Sterling from TAO by Open Assessment Technologies with extensive experience delivering digital assessment in high stakes environments globally.
• Isabelle Gonthier, Chief Assessment Officer at PSI Services. PSI has over 70 years of experience providing worldwide testing solutions to corporations, federal and state government agencies, professional associations, certifying bodies and leading academic institutions.

Moving Beyond the Myths

There’s still a perception in some circles that digital assessment might not be robust enough for high-stakes use. But the examples shared by our speakers challenged that notion head-on. From large-scale professional certifications to national-level exams, digital assessments are being adopted successfully across sectors and continents. The panellists—leaders from education, technology, and awarding bodies—shared how they’ve scaled solutions that are secure, inclusive, and fit for purpose.

Best Practice in Action

What does success look like?

• Reliability at scale: Systems that can handle thousands of candidates simultaneously without compromising on integrity or security.
• Enhanced learner experience: Adaptive formats, on-demand testing, and built-in accessibility tools are making assessments more flexible and learner-centred.
• Operational efficiency: From automated marking to digital invigilation, organisations are improving turnaround times and reducing costs—without sacrificing the integrity of the assessment.

Each case study highlighted by the panel served to reinforce a central message: high-stakes doesn’t have to mean high risk, as long as the technology and planning are right.

What Needs to Change?

While the momentum is global, the UK policy landscape hasn’t quite caught up. As eAA CEO Patrick Coates pointed out following the recent publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report by the UK Government, what’s needed is clearer recognition of the potential that technology holds to transform assessment for the better.

At the eAA, we believe that evidence-led innovation should drive policy—not the other way around.

For the Curious and the Cautious

Whether you’re exploring digital assessment for the first time, or you’re sceptical about its suitability in high-stakes settings, the e-Assessment Association is here to inform, support, and provide best practice examples. Our role is to connect you with global best practice, foster collaboration, and ensure that decisions about the future of assessment are rooted in what works.

Watch our recent webinar, Leading the Way: Successful Digital Assessment at Scale, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYjlgvWmm8A&t=2705s

Join the Conversation

Digital assessment isn’t just possible at scale—it’s already being done. The question now is how we learn from those doing it best.

The eAA will continue to share insights, convene experts, and lead the conversation about how to implement digital assessment with confidence. We invite you to be part of it. Join the eAA today (membership is free for individuals).  Find out more here.

About the eAA

The e-Assessment Association plays a vital role in bringing together a global community of awarding organisations, assessment providers, technology experts, academics, and educational institutions dedicated to advancing the field of digital assessment. By fostering collaboration across these diverse stakeholders, we create a unique platform to share expertise, insights, and best practices that drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the assessment landscape.

This extensive network of professionals equips the eAA with a deep understanding of assessment technologies and their applications, enabling us to address complex challenges such as ethical considerations, accessibility, and the rapid pace of technological evolution. As digital assessment becomes more central to education and professional qualifications, our role in shaping this transformation ensures that it remains inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the highest standards of integrity.

Central to our mission is the eAA’s unwavering commitment to fostering confidence and trust in digital assessments. This includes addressing critical issues like data security, ensuring assessments are accessible to all learners, and building frameworks that inspire trust among stakeholders. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, we help guide the global assessment community toward solutions that not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate future challenges, ensuring that digital assessments are secure, fair, and impactful for learners worldwide.