Since the computer needs to adjust the level for each question according to the previous answer, the test taker must respond to each question as it appears. A question cannot be skipped for later nor can one return to a question or omit a question altogether. This being a placement test, there is no penalty for guessing. Generally a student completes a test in 20 to 30 minutes. The tests are most accurate on the beginning and intermediate levels.
Immediate results make it possible for students to be advised right away.
We normed the tests in the Fall of 1993 and the Spring of 1994. At the end of the Fall semester, we tested students in 101 and 201, and at the end of the following semester, we tested students in 102 and 202. We correlated the results of the CAPE tests with the students' grades in the respective courses and thereby established the cutoff points for each course. We periodically test our students to see if we need to adjust the cutoff points. Since the computer continually adjusts the level of the questions according to the answers given by the test taker, excessively easy and difficult questions are kept to a minimum.