Multiple choice exam (MCQ) scanning

Step 1: Order answer sheets

You can order answer sheets and other exam materials through UQeMarket. 

These answer sheets allow you to use multiple choice options (up to 5), true or false options, or a combination of both.

You must use original answer sheets for the correct answers sheet you submit for scanning and all student answer sheets.

Step 2: Fill in the request form

Complete the multiple choice marking request form (PDF, 181.5 KB). 

Make sure you enter your UniFi account details.

Step 3: Complete a correct answer sheet

Fill in an answer sheet with the correct answers.

Enter the course code and write ‘Answers’ as the surname.

To get the best results:

• Use a 2B pencil so it’s dark enough to be read by the scanner. Don’t use anything harder than HB.
• You must start at question 1 and continue sequentially e.g. 1-50. Don’t skip questions e.g. you can’t fill in only 5–10 and 15–25.
• Fill in the circles completely. Use columns A–E for multiple choice (depending on how many options you gave, or columns A or B for true or false questions. You can mix both types of questions on one exam.
• Don’t write or mark anywhere else on the form, including in the white space at the top and sides.
• If you need to, use a soft eraser and make sure all erasures are clean.

Questions with multiple correct answers

You can only nominate one correct answer per question on your answer sheet.

If there are two correct answers for a question, you can:

• leave the question blank
• select one answer and request the relevant reports to manually change marks yourself, or
• give everyone a mark for that question.

Giving all students a mark for a question

If you want all students to receive a mark for a question:

• fill in all circles for that question on your answer sheet, including the question mark (?) bubble
• note the question number under ‘Special instructions’ on the request form and state that you want all respondents to receive a mark for the question.  

Subtests

Use subtests if you need to give separate marks for particular questions of the exam. For example, if you have sets of questions that are worth different marks, or if you just want to see how students did in particular sections.

Note the question numbers and mark values under ‘Special instructions’ on the request form.  

Withdrawing questions from the exam

If you don’t want a question to be marked, leave the question blank on your answer sheet and state that you want it withdrawn under ‘Special instructions’ on the request form.

Step 4: Prepare student answer sheets 

After the exam prepare the student answer sheets for processing. Make sure you:

• arrange the sheets so they’re all upright and facing the same way
• check for obvious errors such as missing names or incomplete student numbers
• put all papers in an envelope or enclosed box.

Damaged or torn sheets may be unreadable to the scanner.

Step 5: Submit to ITS for processing

Book your exam at least two business days in advance, to ensure ITS is adequately staffed.

To book, email uqmcq@uq.edu.au, and include the following information:

• Subject: MCQ Marking Request - [course code]
• Date & time of submission
• Number of papers
• course coordinator
• Faculty/School/Department
• Contact email address
• Contact phone number

Exams can be submitted to ITS on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8am-4pm. During exam periods (i.e. end of semester) you can request a booking Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.

You'll receive an email from uqmcq@uq.edu.au confirming your booking. If you haven't received a confirmation email within one business day, please contact the ITS Service Desk on 3365 6000.

Bring the exam papers to ITS Service Desk (Joyce Ackroyd building #37, level 4 help counter) at the confirmed time and date. Please ring the bell if the counter is unattended and someone will come out to meet you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact uqmcq@uq.edu.au.

Processing times depend on the time of year:

• during peak times (end of semester), allow 4 working days
• at other times, allow 2 working days.

We'll scan all answer sheets, do error corrections, produce and email reports and return student answer sheets as specified on your request form. Usually, student answer sheets are sent back to the nominated recipient through internal mail, but they can be collected from ITS on request.

How errors are handled

• No response to question: The question is visually scanned and if there is a discernible mark, the question is amended with the response. If no mark can be discerned the question is left blank.
• No student number: Marking is not possible. A complete student number must be provided.
• No name or initials: If the name or initials are written the file is amended. If blank, it's left that way.
• Two marks for a question: If the operator can't discern the respondent's intention, then the response is left blank.

We provide a standard set of reports and analysis for scanning each exam. You can nominate which reports you’d like on the multiple choice marking request form.  

You can choose from:

• results in alphabetical order with score, percentile and sub-test score if requested
• results in descending score order with score, percentile and sub-test score if requested
• individual item response in alphabetical order
• item analysis eg. detractor and percentage for each response
• a spreadsheet in alphabetical order with student number, surname, initials and score
• a spreadsheet in alphabetical with student number, surname, initials, score and actual response for each question.