How to create a Test (New vs Old Experience Comparison View)

How to create a Test (New vs Old Experience Comparison View)

At Mercer | Mettl, we recognize that each client has distinct needs regarding assessments. Our platform enables you to create customized tests that align seamlessly with your requirements.

Based on the usage status, the accounts are classified into two types:
i. Accounts having no active/created tests (Usually new accounts)
ii. Accounts already having (at-least one test for existing accounts)

Here’s how you can easily create a test that meets your specific goals.
The image below shows how the My Tests page looks when no test is created. To create a new test, select “Create Test.”


In the old interface, users had to click on “Create your own test”, which opened a popup as shown below. This has now been replaced with a more direct and visible entry point.



Test Information

Choose the Type of Test

Once you proceed, the “Begin with Test Creation” screen appears.

You can create the following types of tests:
  1. Timed Test – Perfect for assessments with a strict duration
  2. Deadline Based Test – Ideal for tests that need to be completed by a specific date
  3. Practice Test – A great way to provide a test-taking experience without grading
Select the type of test and click “Proceed.”

Earlier, test type selection was part of a single popup form. It is now presented as a dedicated step, making the selection clearer and more structured.

Enter Basic Test Details

Specify the following details:
  1. Test Name – The test name should be unique
  2. Language – Defines the language displayed during the test
  3. Use Case – Helps in deriving analytics and reporting insights
Click “Proceed” once completed.



In the older interface (image below), this field was labeled as “Purpose of the test.” It has now been updated to “Use Case” to better align with analytics and reporting.


Test Creation Workflow

The test creation process follows a structured 4-step approach:
1. Select the Content
2. Structure the Test
3. Test Settings
4. Finalize the Test

Previously, all configurations were managed within a single page as shown below:


The new interface introduces a step-by-step workflow for improved clarity and control.

Step 1: Select the Content

Once you proceed, you will be asked to select the content.
All skills/topics added under the “My Questions” tab can be searched. Alternatively, if access is available, you can search for topics/skills from the Prebuilt Content (Question Library).


Type or select the required skill name in the “Search Content” box and select the relevant skill from the options that appear. Multiple skills can be added to the same test.

Click on:
• “+” icon to add the skillset
• “📖” Preview icon to view questions within the skillset


You can also:
• Select/deselect questions
• Mark questions as mandatory (*)
• Filter by difficulty, question type, and date range
After confirming the selection, choose the number of questions to include.



Earlier, skills were directly added into a tabular view within the test creation screen as shown below:


The new interface separates content selection into a dedicated step, allowing better preview and control before structuring the test.

Step 2: Structure the Test

Once the content is selected, click “Next” to structure your assessment.


Introducing “Save as Draft” Functionality


"Save as Draft" allows you to save progress without the need to complete it in a single sitting.

In the earlier version, structuring, scoring, and configuration were all handled within a single table view and had to be completed in a single sitting. The new interface separates structuring into its own step while allowing you to save the progress as a draft.

1. Section Name

A test can have multiple sections depending on its structure.
• Click on the edit icon to rename sections
• Group multiple skills/question banks under a section
• Use “Add New Section” to create additional sections


Previously, section names were edited by directly double-clicking table fields as shown in the image below. Also, all unique section names were identified as different sections. This is now handled through clearer controls.


2. Organizing Questions and Scoring

You can organize questions and define scoring:
• Correct Marks – Marks for correct answers
• Incorrect Marks – Negative marking (prefixed with “-”)


The earlier interface displayed all parameters such as level, question type, and marks in a grid as below. These are now structured in a more guided format.


3. Managing Question Groups

You can:
• Move question groups
• Delete question groups



In the older test creation interface, there was no proper control of arranging skills in the required structure. These are now grouped under more accessible menu options.

4. Section-Level Settings

You can configure:

• Section timing
• Make all questions mandatory
• Shuffle questions
• Shuffle options


Additional configurations include:
• Show multiple questions per page
• Unidirectional navigation
• Questions to be attempted

Earlier, these settings were part of Section Settings under “Advance Options” as shown below. They are now explicitly available within the section configuration.


Step 3: Test Settings

Click Next to configure test-level settings.


In the previous interface, these configurations were spread across multiple sections. The new interface consolidates them into a single step.

Test Taker Instructions and Actions

• Test instructions
• Page redirect
• Compensatory test time
• Section order
• Upload answer images
• Marks visibility


Preventing Unfair Practices

• Watermark
• Copy-paste controls
• Disconnection rules


Test Taker Tools

• On-screen calculator
• Excel scratchpad
• Sample test link
• Custom test name


Report Settings

• Report after test completion
• Custom completion message
• File/Folder
• No Feedback



Test Taker Registration Fields


Under the old test creation interface, the settings were spread across under “Advance Options” however the new interface gives a more guided approach.


Step 4: Finalize the Test

Once all configurations are complete, proceed to finalize the test.
• Review overall summary
• Check sections, skills, questions, and marks
• Preview the test
• Save and publish


Earlier, users would directly save and exit after configuration. The new interface introduces a dedicated review step before finalizing.

Summary

The entire process of test creation can be executed in four steps:
• Step 1: Select the Content
• Step 2: Structure the Test
• Step 3: Test Settings
• Step 4: Finalize

Important Notes

Impact of Editing or Duplicating Existing Assessment

An assessment consists of multiple skills and questions. Changes to these may impact editing or duplication.

Scenario I: Skills Deleted

Errors may occur when editing or duplicating the test. Missing skills must be replaced.



Under the old test creation process if skill(s) are deleted, the following would be displayed:


Scenario II: Questions Deleted

Errors may occur if mandatory questions are removed. Review and update is required.


Scenario III: Incorrect Skill Levels

Skills must be added at appropriate levels before proceeding.



Conclusion
Creating a customized test with Mercer | Mettl is a structured and intuitive process. The updated interface enables better control over content selection, test structuring, and configuration.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to your account executive or support team.