Normalized Grading Scale converts a candidate’s achieved marks into a value on a custom scale from 0 to n, displayed with two decimal places. This option is useful when institutions want the result shown in Inspera to align more closely with the grade format used in their SIS or LMS.

The Normalized Grading Scale is available in Inspera Assessment as a supported grading scale with the system code GSNGS. It is designed for institutions that want a calculated result shown as a precise numeric value rather than a traditional grade band such as A–F or Pass/Fail.

Availability
This grading scale is not enabled automatically for all marketplaces. If your institution wants to use it, please contact the Service Desk and ask for the Normalized Grading Scale to be enabled for your marketplace.

What it does

When this grading scale is selected, Inspera calculates a candidate’s final grade by scaling the achieved marks to a numeric range from 0 to a chosen maximum value. The result is shown with two decimal precision.

This means the final grade is not taken from fixed grade thresholds. Instead, it is calculated directly from the candidate’s score relative to the maximum available marks in the test.

(marks achieved × scale maximum) / maximum marks

When to use it

The Normalized Grading Scale is a good fit when an institution wants to:

• show a precise numeric result instead of a threshold-based grade

• use a custom numeric scale such as 0 to 5, 0 to 9, 0 to 10, or another defined maximum

• present results in a format that is easier to compare with calculations in LMS/SIS

How it works

Calculation logic

Inspera takes the candidate’s achieved marks, compares them with the maximum marks available in the test, and converts that proportion to the selected grading scale maximum.

The result is then displayed with two decimal places.

Examples

• If the calculated value is 3.333, the displayed grade is 3.33

• If the calculated value is 3.336, the displayed grade is 3.34

• If the calculated value is 3.335, the displayed grade is 3.34

How it appears in the UI

In assessment setup

When the option is enabled for the marketplace, planners can select it in the test setup.

1. Open the test in Deliver

2. Go to Assessment settings

3. Under Grade scale, select Use grade scale

4. Choose Set grade scale

5. Select Normalized Grading Scale

 

After selecting it, Inspera shows an input where the planner defines the scale maximum, in other words the number the grade should be calculated out of.

 

For example:

• enter 10 to use a scale from 0.00 to 10.00

• enter 5 to use a scale from 0.00 to 5.00

• enter 9 to use a scale from 0.00 to 9.00

In grading

Once grading is complete, the normalized value is shown in the relevant grading views. Depending on the workflow, users may see the value reflected in areas such as:

• Your Grade

• Grades

• Final Grades

For candidates

When results are available, the candidate dashboard can display the normalized grade with two decimal precision, so the candidate sees the same grade format used for that assessment.

Default value

When the Normalized Grading Scale is enabled for a marketplace, a default value can be configured for the scale maximum. This is the value that appears automatically when a planner selects the grading scale.

For example, if the default is set to 10, the planner will see 10 prefilled when choosing the Normalized Grading Scale.

The planner can then use that value as-is or change it, depending on the assessment setup and institutional requirements.

Need a specific default?
If your institution wants this grading scale enabled or wants a different default value, contact the Service Desk. They can configure the option for your marketplace.

How it differs from other grading scales

FAQ

• Yes. The planner can use another maximum value, such as 5, 9, or 20, depending on how the assessment should be graded and how the marketplace is configured.
• No. It does not use threshold bands. The grade is calculated directly from the candidate’s achieved marks and the selected scale maximum.

• The option must be enabled for your marketplace before it becomes available. Contact the Service Desk for assistance.

• Yes. If your institution needs a different default value for the scale maximum, contact the Service Desk.

References

• Manage Grading Scales for tests