The Use of the ETS Major Field Test for Assurance of Business Content Learning: Assurance of Waste?

Exit exams have become the currency of choice for both institutions and accrediting bodies seeking to demonstrate student learning. Most researchers have ignored the opportunity costs of these tests and the fundamental question of whether the exams add value to the assessment process already in place on college campuses (course testing and GPA). A statistical model that uses a student's GPA, SAT score, and demographic characteristics predicts the student's Major Field Test (ETSB) score quite well. Furthermore, the opportunity cost of administering these exams at the institution in question exceeds $25,000 annually. The authors argue that the cost-benefit tradeoff of the ETSB exit exam is unfavorable.