Online exam question types

Single correct multiple choice questions are ideal when there is one best answer and you need fast, consistent marking at scale.

Multiple correct questions are useful when candidates need to identify every valid option, not just the single best answer.

True or False questions are a quick, auto-marked way to check understanding of facts, rules and common misconceptions.

Choice matrix questions put a set of statements in rows and the answer options in columns, so candidates can answer several related items in one question.

Short answer questions bridge selected-response and long-form written answers, making them useful for concise recall or applied responses.

Numeric answer questions are auto marked against a numerical answer, making them ideal for calculations in maths, science, finance and dosage questions.

Cloze text questions are useful for applied recall and context-aware answers inside a sentence, case study or worked example.

Dropdown cloze questions combine contextual reading with auto-marked selected responses.

Drag and drop cloze questions create a more interactive way to complete diagrams, sentences or structured prompts.

Text selection questions ask candidates to highlight the right words, phrases or sentences in a passage, testing close reading and error spotting.

Matching questions ask candidates to pair related items, such as terms and definitions, cases and diagnoses, or causes and effects.

Classification questions ask candidates to sort a set of items into groups, testing whether they understand the features that define each category.

Ranked order questions are useful for processes, ordering decisions and priority-based judgement.

Bow tie questions present a scenario and ask candidates to choose the most likely condition, the actions to take and the parameters to monitor, testing clinical judgement in one structured item.

Hotspot questions are useful when the answer is spatial, visual or diagram-based.

Image labelling (drag and drop) questions ask candidates to place labels onto a diagram or image, ideal for anatomy, science and technical drawings.

Image labelling (dropdown) questions place a dropdown at each point on an image, so candidates choose the right label for each position.

Image labelling (text) questions ask candidates to type labels onto an image, testing recall rather than recognition.

Drawing questions let candidates sketch diagrams, graphs or annotations in the exam, for subjects where the answer is visual.

Free text questions are designed for open-ended answers that need human judgement, structured marking or qualitative feedback.

Coding questions are useful for technical hiring, programming courses and applied software tasks.

Spreadsheet questions support finance, accounting, data and operational tasks where candidates work in a tabular format.

File upload questions support assessments where candidates need to submit documents, designs, spreadsheets, images or other work products.

Audio recording questions are useful for language, communication and oral-response assessments.

Video recording questions support assessments where body language, demonstration or spoken delivery matters.

Off platform questions let you include practical tasks, observations and other work done outside Synap in the same exam, so all marks sit in one place.

Informational items are not answerable questions, but they help structure exams with instructions, context and supporting material.

Flashcards show a prompt on one side and the answer on the other. Learners flip the card and rate how well they knew it, making them ideal for revision.

Likert questions ask candidates to rate their agreement, confidence or experience on a scale, for surveys, feedback and self-assessment.