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Grading scale or competency-based assessment: what's the difference?

Compare Examino's two grading modes — numeric grading scale and competency-based assessment — to choose the one suited to your exam.

When you create an exam, Examino asks you to choose between two grading modes. This choice matters: it determines how the AI grades papers and how results are presented.

The grading scale

The grading scale assigns a numeric grade to each question, aggregated into a total grade (for example, out of 20). This is the classic mode for most subject-based assessments: tests, supervised assignments, baccalaureate-type exams.

  • Each question has a defined number of points.

  • AI grading suggests a grade per question and automatically calculates the total grade.

  • You can adjust any grade manually after grading.

Competency-based assessment

Competency-based assessment relies on a grid of competencies evaluated across 4 proficiency levels, with no numeric grade. This mode is particularly well suited to competency-based assessments of the core curriculum, or to teaching approaches that favor progression over grades.

  • Each question is linked to one or more competencies.

  • The AI places the paper at one of the 4 proficiency levels, competency by competency.

  • No overall grade is calculated: the result is a competency profile.

How to choose

If your school or your practice requires a grade out of 20 (or another total), choose the grading scale. If you're assessing competency progression without a numeric grade, choose competency-based assessment. This choice is made when the exam is created: think it through before launching grading, as it structures the entire subject.

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