This study examines remote proctoring as emerging practice for ascertaining the validity of offsite test administration regarding test security. While Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) has the potentials for greater precision in determining examinees ability level, its gains can be jeopardized with off-site testing if the test is not ensured. This study simulated CAT assessment while focusing on item administration, varying the option of using pre-test items and how it impacts students’ ability estimation and item exposure. Monte-Carlo simulation was employed to generate data for answering the research questions raised for the study. The study’s findings revealed that CAT administration was more consistent with no pre-test items once tightly controlled at ±2theta level, upon which recommendations were made. This finding is particularly germane, with more institutions moving their assessments online and rapidly becoming a new normal as an aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The data for this study were generated from computer simulations using SimulCAT, a free software package designed by Dr. K. C. T. Han of Graduate Management Admission Council.