Standardized Tests at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University

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Definition:

In line with the decision of the Council of Universities' Affairs, which emphasized the implementation of standardized tests annually for programs that do not have national professional exams.

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) seeks, through the application of these tests, to enhance the quality of the educational process and strengthen academic outcomes in a way that ensures its students' competitiveness in the job market and guarantees them access to efficient employment, identifies strengths and areas for improvement, and formulates development plans at the program level.

Standardized tests have been implemented at PNU since 1443AH and serve as a means to:

  • Directly measure the extent to which academic program learning outcomes have been achieved

  • Align PNU's graduate attributes with the job market requirements

  • Identify strengths and areas for improvement and develop enhancement plans at the program and course level

  • Obtain national and international accreditation


Significance:

  • Enhancing the quality of academic programs and their outcomes.

  • Contributing to the continuous development of academic programs and ensuring their quality.

  • Preparing students for professional licensing examinations.


Purpose:

To ensure the quality of academic program outcomes and develop improvement plans.


Outputs:

  • Specialized outcomes targeting the program's approved learning outcomes.

  • General outcomes focusing on essential skills (information literacy, analysis and thinking, problem solving, awareness and knowledge).


Targeted programs:

All specialized programs in colleges at PNU except those subject to professional licensing examinations.

Targeted Students:

  • Bachelor's students in the second level

  • Bachelor's students in the sixth level

  • Bachelor's students in the final level of the program (expected graduates)

  • Students in diploma programs at the Applied College who are about to graduate (Final level of the program)


Implementation Mechanism:

Standardized tests are administered electronically through the university's system, with students attending in person.


Incentives:

  • Certificates of completion are awarded to those who attend the test, and certificates of excellence are awarded to top performers.

  • Honoring outstanding students at the annual graduation ceremony.

  • Possibility of awarding volunteer hours for participating students, as determined by the department.

  • Possibility of granting supportive bonus grades for participating students, as determined by the department.