Choosing Test Question Types

Learn how to create test questions that ensure comprehension of training by adding and utilizing multiple choice and written answers.

Cindy Bellers avatar
Written by Cindy Bellers
Updated over a week ago

There are currently two test question types available in Trainual: multiple choice and written response. Using a healthy mix of both throughout your tests will encourage trainees to think critically about the information they've just learned rather than passively participating just to pass your courses.

πŸ‘‰ Before you start:

  • The test feature option is available on all Trainual plans.

  • Contributor+ permission levels will be able to add tests to content.

  • Review the help article "Create A New Test" if you are unfamiliar with adding tests to subjects.


To review the benefits of multiple choice questions:

One of the main advantages of using multiple choice questions is that they are objective, meaning that there is typically only one correct answer, and therefore they are simpler to grade. Overall, this type of test option works best for standardized tests and large-scale assessments that include prompts about recalling facts, quickly summarizing concepts, applying topic knowledge, and evaluating situational scenarios where certain employee behavior is preferred.

Have some team test questions like this in mind? πŸ‘€ Re-review how to add a multiple choice question to a test below to get started:

  1. Navigate to the subject you want to add or edit a test in.

  2. Create or edit your desired test.

  3. Click "+ Add Question" to insert a multiple choice question.

  4. Create a question prompt by typing something into the text editor box.

  5. Add potential answer choices to the text boxes provided, and click "+ Add Answer" if you need to include more than two choices.

  6. Select one of the answers to be the correct choice, and you're done! All edits are saved automatically. πŸ™Œ

    1. πŸ“ Please note: Only one answer choice can be selected as the correct one.


To review the benefits of written response questions:

While multiple choice questions are great for testing general knowledge, they do not always fully measure a trainee's understanding of a topic. Written responses offer a great alternative to testing on the more complex training you've assigned that will allow you to ask for demonstrations of teammates' critical thinking skills and provide a more comprehensive assessment. Additionally, written responses help trainers to identify areas where employees may be struggling and provide more targeted feedback for improvement and growth within the company.

Have some team test questions like this in mind? πŸ‘€ Re-review how to add a written response question to a test below to get started:

  1. Navigate to the subject you want to add or edit a test in.

  2. Create or edit your desired test.

  3. Click the "+ Add Question" button and change the answer type to "Written response."

  4. Create a question prompt by typing something into the text editor box.

  5. Set a minimum word count for the response, if desired, and that's it! All edits are saved automatically. πŸ™Œ

More About the Minimum Word Count Option:

Trainual cannot auto-grade written responses at this time. Deciding whether an answer is right or wrong will be up to you! However, you can set a minimum word count for the responses, as previously mentioned, as an extra level of assessment. When set, teammates will need to reach the minimum word count you have designated to "pass" the question. If you leave this field blank, Trainual will not require a minimum word count from the trainee, and all responses will be automatically marked as correct when submitted.

πŸ”₯Tip: Since written responses are not auto-graded in Trainual, a best practice suggestion would be to manually review all submitted responses and let your team know that you'll follow up on all written responses with them individually. You can always reassign a test after the feedback is given to reassess a teammate!


Need some extra help?

Email support@trainual.com or press on the bubble on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to start a chat to let us know what you need help with. β†˜οΈ


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