Is it permissible to substitute exam questions during the administration of a written exam?

The correct answer is that the exam must remain unchanged. During the administration of a written exam, it is essential to maintain the integrity and consistency of the testing process. Any substitutions or alterations to the exam questions could compromise the validity of the assessment, making it difficult to accurately evaluate all students' knowledge and understanding of the material.

By keeping the exam consistent for all test-takers, you ensure that everyone is judged by the same standards and that all responses can be fairly compared. This standardization is crucial in an educational environment, particularly in courses involving lifeguarding and safety, where precise knowledge of procedures and protocols is vital. Maintaining original exam questions also aligns with established testing policies and helps to uphold the credibility of the certification process.