What type of test adjusts the level of difficulty based on the candidate's response?

A computer-adaptive test is designed to adjust the difficulty of questions based on the candidate's responses. This means that as a candidate answers questions correctly, the test adapts by presenting more challenging questions. Conversely, if the candidate answers a question incorrectly, the test may adjust to include easier questions. This adaptive mechanism ensures that the test can accurately measure the individual's ability level, providing a more tailored assessment experience.

Linear tests, on the other hand, present a fixed set of questions of predetermined difficulty without adaptation. Standardized tests often refer to testing methodologies that follow a uniform process and scoring system, but they do not necessarily adjust difficulty during the administration. Criterion-referenced tests evaluate a candidate's performance against a fixed set of criteria or standards rather than adapting to their ability. Hence, the distinguishing feature of the computer-adaptive test is its dynamic adjustment based on the ongoing performance of the test taker.