Testing and Time Limits. ETS R&D Connections

Imposing time limits on tests can serve a range of important functions. Time limits are essential, for example, if speed of performance is an integral component of what is being measured, as would be the case when testing such skills as how quickly someone can type. Limiting testing time also helps contain expenses associated with test administrations, such as paying hourly fees for proctors in a paper-based administration or for seat time at computer testing centers. But limiting testing time too drastically can threaten a test?s validity, or the ability of the test to accurately reflect what the test was designed to measure. This is particularly true if the test is not intended to measure how quickly the test taker can answer questions or if the testing time is so limited that a large number of examinees taking the test cannot complete it; that is, if the test is "speeded." This research indicates that individuals taking either the SAT or the verbal and math sections of the GRE CAT have sufficient time to answer the questions.