In this article, you'll find a complete overview of the assessment and certification options available in LearnWorlds.
Exam (Graded Assessment)
Exams are assessments in which learners always receive a grade upon completion, with no exceptions. They serve as diagnostic tools to evaluate knowledge recall and determine a student's understanding of a subject or concept.
If the exam contains open-ended questions (like Text, File, Video, or Audio assignments), the grade cannot be calculated automatically. Instead, the exam enters a pending state, meaning the admin/instructor must manually evaluate and grade the student's responses. Once the grading is completed, the student is notified and can check their final grade.
Question types:
- Multiple Choice: Text choice, Image choice, Video options, True/False, Dropdown, Custom.
- Multiple Answers: Text Answers, Image Answers, Video Answers, Custom.
- Match & Ordering: Match, Ordering
- Short Text, Fill in the blanks
- Text Assignment
- File Assignment: This option is not available for free courses or free sections in a paid course (available in the Pro Trainer plans or higher)
- Record Video/Audio (available in the Learning Center plans or higher)
Key Features & Benefits:
- Supports various question types
- Can include time limits for structured testing
- Provides detailed performance tracking through the Gradebook
- Allows manual or automated grading
Graded SCORM Package
Graded SCORM packages (Pro Trainer or higher) are interactive learning modules that include assessment functionality. Unlike regular SCORM activities that focus solely on content delivery, Graded SCORMs allow educators to track learner performance, collect scores, and evaluate learning outcomes based on defined scoring or pass/fail criteria. They are particularly useful in training environments that require measurable, data-driven results.
When a Graded SCORM is completed, LearnWorlds collects the final score and pass/fail status (as defined in the SCORM file). These results appear in the Gradebook, providing insights into learner engagement, time spent, and overall performance.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Automated Grading: Collects scores directly from the SCORM file or applies custom pass/fail rules
- Performance Tracking: View learner results and time spent inside the SCORM activity
- Supports SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 standards
Self Assessment (Non-Graded Assessment)
Self-assessments allow learners to check their knowledge without pressure or formal grading. They're ideal for practice and don’t require admin approval—except for open-ended questions or when manual feedback is enabled.
You can combine exam and form questions in a single self-assessment:
- Exam questions provide instant feedback and appear in the Responses tab. Open-ended, file or video responses are sent to the Review Center for instructor comments (no grading).
- Form questions collect user data without right/wrong answers. Responses are also listed in the Responses tab, and enabling Manual Feedback sends them to the Review Center.
Example: A quiz with 10 multiple-choice knowledge questions and an open-ended reflection at the end.
Important Distinction:
- Exam Multiple Choice: Has correct/incorrect answers
- Form Multiple Choice: Gathers info without grading
Key Benefits
- Instant feedback
- No grading required
- Encourages independent learning
- Highlights knowledge gaps
For survey purposes, you can use our forms feature (Pro Trainer plan or higher).Certificates in LearnWorlds recognize users' achievements. There are two main types:
Certificate of Completion
Certificates of Completion are awarded automatically when a user finishes a course based on specific requirements. These show that a learner has completed a program, and are not related to exams or the assessment authority.
Certificate of Knowledge
Certificates of Knowledge are awarded to learners who successfully pass a graded exam. These exams function like standard tests, assessing a learner's understanding of the material through cognitive questions that have definitive correct or incorrect answers. As a result, each exam is graded and a final score is always issued at the end of the evaluation process.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Official recognition of learner achievements
- Encourages course completion and motivation
- Ensures learners meet required standards before certification