In a world rapidly reshaping itself around large language models and algorithmic decision-making, Artificial Intelligence has become the buzzword of the decade. From generating code to writing poetry, AI is everywhere. For the certification and testing industry, the narrative is no different, as AI proctoring, item generation, and scoring are often touted as the ultimate solutions for scalability and cost-cutting.
But in the rush to automate, a critical component is often overlooked: Natural Intelligence (NI). While others race to remove the human element, Kryterion has taken a different approach. We believe that the future of high-stakes certification isn’t about replacing people with algorithms. Instead, it’s about using AI to elevate human expertise. Here is how Kryterion leverages Natural Intelligence as part of its overall testing experience.
Artificial Intelligence is Just That – Artificial
AI is a powerful tool for processing data and identifying patterns. However, it lacks the nuance, empathy, and contextual understanding that comes from years of human experience. After all, its output is based on data without understanding. In other words, what AI creates is mechanical. Emotions, insight, and instincts are not factored into what it produces. What it is missing is Natural Intelligence.
Let’s take a deeper look at how Natural Intelligence is instrumental in both test development and test delivery for certification exams.
Natural Intelligence in Test Development Starring Psychometrics
Anyone can ask AI to write test questions. The result will be fast, but will it be fair, valid, and stand up in court?
This is where Natural Intelligence shines. For example, Kryterion’s Psychometric team brings the science of testing to the table, which is a discipline that requires deep human insight. This includes:
- Validity & Fairness: AI might generate a question that is technically correct but culturally biased or confusingly worded. Human psychometricians review items to make sure they measure the intended skill without introducing unnecessary friction for the candidate.
- Legal Defensibility: High-stakes certifications must be legally defensible. AI cannot testify to the rigorous standard-setting process or the nuanced job analysis that defined the exam. Human experts are there to make sure that an exam is built on a solid, defensible foundation.
- Strategic Alignment: An algorithm doesn’t understand a brand’s long-term goals. That’s why you need experts to collaborate with to design a credentialing program that aligns with specific business objectives.
The Human Touch in Test Delivery
Perhaps nowhere is the balance of AI and NI more critical than in test delivery and proctoring.
The industry is full of horror stories about fully automated proctoring systems where students were inaccurately flagged for cheating or exams were terminated because a candidate looked away from the screen to think. This robotic approach creates a high-anxiety environment that creates a poor candidate experience.
Kryterion uses AI as a silent proctor. It’s an assistant, rather than a judge. Our AI monitors for suspicious behaviors, such as gaze aversion or unauthorized devices. However, it does not auto-fail candidates. Instead, it alerts a live, trained human proctor.
That’s because a human proctor can differentiate between a cheat sheet and a nervous tic. They can also intervene to help a candidate with a technical glitch rather than locking them out. This human presence reduces test anxiety, allowing candidates to perform at their best.
By relying on Natural Intelligence, Kryterion drastically reduces false positives so that innocent candidates aren’t penalized by an algorithm.
The Synergy of Natural and Artificial Intelligence
We are not anti-AI, but rather pro-intelligence. By combining the processing power of AI with the discerning judgment of Natural Intelligence, Kryterion offers the best of both worlds, including:
- Scalability: AI handles the heavy lifting of monitoring thousands of streams and analyzing data points.
- Integrity: Human experts make sure the data is interpreted correctly and the content is valid.
- Experience: Candidates feel supported, leading to a better overall test experience.
In an AI-dominated world, the ultimate luxury is human expertise. Kryterion knows how important it is that your certification program is powered by the most advanced technology available, but guided by the irreplaceable value of Natural Intelligence. Let’s have a natural conversation about how we can help your organization.
About Kryterion
Kryterion Inc. is a global leader in innovative testing and credentialing solutions, helping organizations across various sectors develop and manage their assessments with our advanced test development platform and multi-modal delivery solutions. Established in 2001, Kryterion offers secure, integrated services and extensive support, empowering candidates to demonstrate skills and achieve success in world-class careers.