CCO Certification: Are online exams fair?

More certification programs are moving online, and the issue of fairness for older candidates is becoming a large topic of discussion. These discussions are particularly important for the construction industry, where computers are not part of the daily job responsibilities. CCO Certification in the USA tackled this issue by conducting a data-driven study to assess whether online proctored exams are fair for older crane operators.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators conducted a study to assess whether online exams are fair for older crane operators. PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Age equity

The study, conducted by a team of psychometricians, looked at candidates for the Mobile Crane Operator certification and compared the experiences of older candidates to those of younger, first-time test takers. With data from more than 16,000 candidates, the study looked at test-taking behaviors, performance, and preferences for the exam modality.

The findings indicated preferences for modality were age-neutral. While older candidates were slightly less likely to choose online proctored testing (OPT), a significant number still ultimately decided to test through OPT. Most older candidates preferred in-person settings tied to training centers, not because of technology issues but because of familiarity and the support that these environments offer.

In terms of performance, the differences were minimal. Older candidates scored slightly lower on complex specialty exams but performed at or above the level of younger candidates on the Core exam, which is required for all Mobile certification programs. Notably, these performance trends were consistent, regardless of the mode of the exam, which suggests that online formats did not place older candidates at a disadvantage. When it came to pacing, older test-takers took a bit longer to complete the exams, especially those with digital navigation. However, this pattern was consistent across all testing formats and did not indicate any unfair disadvantage specific to online proctoring.

The study did not yield any significant evidence that online proctored testing places a barrier for older candidates. While there are some slight differences in preferences and pacing, the overall performance on exams were consistent across age groups and testing modalities. These findings are reassuring, as they suggest that flexible exam delivery methods can support a broad range of candidates without compromising fairness.

Removing barriers

These results may encourage employers to invest in support systems – such as digital literacy workshops or hybrid preparation models – to help ease the transition for candidates less familiar with online formats. By taking a proactive approach, the construction industry can remove barriers before they arise and ensure that all test-takers, regardless of age or background, are positioned for success in an evolving certification landscape.

As CCO and other certification bodies continue to innovate, our research provides a valuable precedent for balancing technological progress with accessibility, so that all candidates, regardless of age, have a fair opportunity to succeed. CCO is committed to continuing to research this topic to ensure fairness among all test-takers. ■