Asking the Right Questions
At Aspeq, we know that high-quality assessments begin with well-crafted questions. When partnering with a new client, one of our first priorities is to collaborate on developing or migrating a comprehensive question bank.
A robust question bank is essential for delivering assessments with integrity, and it sits at the heart of what we do. Aspeq manages question banks for more than 25 international clients, providing flexible solutions tailored to each organisation’s requirements.
At Aspeq, we know that high-quality assessments begin with well-crafted questions. When partnering with a new client, one of our first priorities is to collaborate on developing or migrating a comprehensive question bank.
A robust question bank is essential for delivering assessments with integrity, and it sits at the heart of what we do. Aspeq manages question banks for more than 25 international clients, providing flexible solutions tailored to each organisation’s requirements.
Global Expertise, Local Knowledge
From sourcing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and crafting new questions from scratch to maintaining and delivering high-stakes assessments through a secure online portal, Aspeq provides end-to-end support.
Our global network includes more than 80 technical and non-technical SMEs who write, review, and test questions. These experts are leaders in their fields, holding the qualifications and experience necessary to ensure industry and regulatory compliance. Many maintain active practising licences, and all undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including security and conflict-of-interest checks, to meet Aspeq’s high standards.
New SMEs are paired with experienced professionals who have long-standing relationships with Aspeq, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the question development process. With experts based worldwide, we can leverage both local knowledge and global expertise to create the most effective assessments.
Rebecca Premraj, Aspeq’s Assessment Coordinator, explains:
"We work with SMEs across the globe, each with a deep understanding of their country’s regulatory requirements. This ensures our assessments meet local needs while also benefiting from a global perspective. We’re not restricted by geography, which means we can always engage the best person for the job."
The Art of Question Writing
No matter a client’s specific requirements, Aspeq follows a rigorous process for writing, editing, reviewing, and testing exam questions.
"A new question goes through at least six pairs of hands — four technical SMEs and two non-technical SMEs — before it is finalised," explains Rebecca Premraj, Aspeq’s Assessment Coordinator.
The process begins with a syllabus defining the topics to be assessed. An exam blueprint is then created to determine how questions are allocated across different subject areas.
Each question is reviewed by a non-technical editor specialising in copywriting and style guides, working with the SME to ensure clarity and consistency. New SMEs also have their work evaluated by senior technical SMEs to confirm their aptitude for question writing.
After multiple iterations, an independent technical moderator reviews the question, followed by a proofreader who ensures grammatical accuracy and adherence to industry style guides.
"This step is crucial," Rebecca notes. "For example, we check how units of measurement are represented to ensure consistency and avoid confusion."
Before a question is included in a live assessment, it undergoes a final test by a technical expert who was not involved in its development.
"At this stage, the SME sits the exam as a candidate would, to identify any ambiguities or technical issues before it goes live," Rebecca adds.
Ensuring Quality Through Data
Once new questions are added to an assessment, Aspeq’s in-house statisticians monitor their performance closely. Candidate feedback is also collected to help refine and improve the question bank.
All insights are compiled into a comprehensive report shared with clients as part of our ongoing quality assurance. Most clients update a portion of their question bank each year to keep assessments fresh, reduce the risk of shared questions, and ensure fairness and reliability.
"This process helps identify problematic questions early, so candidates are treated fairly and clients receive assessments they can trust," explains Rebecca Premraj.
Meet the Team
Aspeq’s question banks are managed by our dedicated Assessment Services Team, based in Lower Hutt and led by Manager Duncan Macgregor. The team of ten specialists covers assessment coordination, technical expertise, statistical analysis, and client support.
While team members specialise in different industries, such as aviation or health, they work closely together to provide seamless service for clients.
"This structure allows us to build strong relationships with clients and develop a deep understanding of their subject matter and assessment needs," says Rebecca Premraj. "At the same time, we support each other as a close-knit team."
"I’m proud to be part of this team," Rebecca adds. "We uphold the highest standards of integrity while always keeping our clients and candidates at the centre of our work."