How A CAT "Adapts" To Your Performance, continued

Every time that you answer a question correctly

• your score goes up.
• you are given a slightly harder question.

Every time that you answer a question incorrectly

• your score goes down.
• you are given a slightly easier question.

In this way the computer tries to "home in" on your score. Theoretically, as you approach the end of a section, you will reach a point at which every time the computer raises the difficulty level of a question you get it wrong, but every time it lowers the difficulty level you get it right. At this point, according to the testmakers, your score will be an accurate measure of your ability.