Automatically marked question. The question is answered by typing a numeric value.

The Numeric Entry question type allows candidates to answer by typing only a number or numerical value. If a candidate enters letters, an error message will appear. 

This article explains the layout of Numeric Entry questions, details their specific options and how to set correct answers, and clarifies decimal separator behavior and the candidate's experience.

Question layout

When you create or edit a Numeric Entry question, you'll find an editor where you can type your question directly. In the question's edit mode, you can do the following: 

1. Replace text with desired question text.
2. Add math (LaTex), files, tables, links, PDF, images and/or audio clips to the question text.
3. Insert multiple interaction elements by clicking on +Insert.
4. Set general options for the question type. For more information, refer to the Overview of General Options article.

Specific options

Clicking on the interaction element (the numerical text box) provides access to specific options unique to the Numeric Entry question type:

1. In this option, you can define the correct number range for the answer. If you want the answer to be a single number, just enter the same number in the lower and upper bound.
2. Select the number of decimals and the length of the interaction field.
   • Maximum number of decimals: Set a maximum limit on the number of decimals candidates can enter. This option allows the candidate to write numbers with fewer decimals or an equal number to what is set. If a candidate enters more decimals than allowed, they will receive a Too many decimals message.

   • Expected length (characters): This setting specifies the width of the text box for candidates. The length is chosen by entering the number of expected characters to be answered by the candidate. 

     This setting will not prevent the candidate from writing more characters than the set expected length. If you want to limit the actual number of characters allowed, use Restrict number of characters to input width.

   • Restrict number of characters to input width: This sets the maximum allowable candidate input to the exact length of the input field's width.

     Ensure this value is greater than or equal to the number of characters in your correct answer. If it is shorter, the candidate will not be able to answer correctly.

3. An External Identifier is a unique string that helps link the question to external systems for data collection, without serving any internal purpose in Inspera Assessment.

   For more information, refer to the External Identifiers article.

Candidate experience: Decimal separator behavior

By default, Numeric Entry accepts both a comma (,) and a point (.) as decimal separators from the candidate. However, when the candidate's response is stored in the system, any comma entered will be automatically transformed into a point. 

Candidates will consistently see the decimal separator as a point when they navigate back to a question they have already answered, or when they view their submission after the test.

• If your organization wants to enforce the use of a decimal point (.) only (instead of allowing a comma) for this question type, please contact the Service Desk for activation.

  Please be aware of the following when enforcing decimal point as decimal separator:

  • Enabling this will also add specific information about decimal points to both Authors and candidates.

  • This will also apply to the Numerical Simulation Question Type. 

    

  • An additional message will be displayed to users if they enter too many decimals.