Rethinking rigour: why accessible exams are the fairest of all

You’ve probably come across the concern: if we make exams more accessible, are we at risk of making them less rigorous?

It’s a common worry, especially when accessibility can be misunderstood as simply making things easier. But here’s the thing: truly rigorous exams are inclusive by design. They don’t just reward the most tech-savvy or the neurotypical; they aim to challenge every candidate fairly, regardless of their circumstances.

As accessibility becomes standard practice, that kind of fairness is quietly becoming a hallmark of quality.

The Kindness-Rigour Paradox

Rigour has long been treated as synonymous with difficulty. A tough exam is a good exam, right? If candidates aren’t sweating, how can we be sure they’re really learning?

As expectations around inclusive design grow, and regulations like the European Accessibility Act come into force, it’s time to rethink what we really mean by a “rigorous” exam. Because rigour isn’t about stress levels or how many people fail, and accessibility isn’t a shortcut or a soft option. It’s part of designing exams that work. And when it’s done right, it makes assessments fairer, clearer, and often more effective — not just for disabled candidates, but for all test-takers.

In this piece, we’ll unpack why accessibility and rigour are not opposites — and why the best exam design puts real thought into both. We’ll share practical examples, bust a few lingering myths, and look at what happens when accessibility is built in from the start, not bolted on at the end.

Because the truth is: kind doesn’t mean easy. It means fair. And that’s what makes an exam truly rigorous.

Practical advice: Conduct regular usability testing with a diverse candidate group. Include learners who rely on assistive tech and those from non-traditional backgrounds. The goal is not universal perfection, but broad-based usability.

The Myth: accessible means easy

It’s easy to see where the assumption comes from. Add extra time, offer audio narration, allow keyboard navigation — and suddenly, it feels like someone’s getting an advantage. But that line of thinking misses the point of assessment entirely.

Myth: Busted. Exams aren’t meant to test how well someone can read small fonts, navigate dense layouts, or manage a ticking clock. They’re meant to test what someone knows. And if the design of the exam gets in the way of that, then it’s not doing its job — no matter how traditional it looks.

Accessibility isn’t about giving certain candidates a leg up. It’s about removing irrelevant barriers so that everyone is judged on the same thing: their understanding of the material. And in many cases, accessible features don’t just help those with disabilities — they create a better experience for all candidates.

A high-contrast mode reduces eye strain during long sessions. Audio support helps candidates who are stressed or tired process complex wording. Keyboard navigation cuts through clutter for anyone who just wants to focus. These aren’t “special features”, they’re signs of a well-designed system.

And if we’re being honest, the exams that resist these changes often aren’t more rigorous. They’re just harder in all the wrong ways.

The Myth: rigorous exams should make the candidates sweat

Let’s clarify our terms. A rigorous exam should:

• Measure what it sets out to measure (validity)
• Produce consistent results across conditions (reliability)
• Allow all qualified candidates a fair chance to succeed (fairness)

A rigorous assessment is reliable, fair, and valid. It holds up under scrutiny. That means being consistent across different groups of candidates. It means giving every test-taker a clear and equal opportunity to show what they know, not setting traps or creating friction unrelated to the subject.

Badly designed exams often fail this test. A cluttered layout can mislead. A fixed time limit might pressure candidates into rushing — not because they don’t know the answer, but because the format punishes their pace. These are distractions, not indicators of academic strength.

The real work of rigour is thoughtful. It’s about stripping away what doesn’t belong in the measurement process — and making sure what’s left gives you an honest reflection of someone’s ability.

If that sounds simple, it isn’t. But that’s what makes it rigorous.

Designing for Real Humans: Accessibility Options in Action

You don’t need to overhaul your entire exam system to improve accessibility. Often, the biggest impact comes from thoughtful interface design and a few key features:

Keyboard Navigation

Not everyone uses a mouse — whether due to motor impairments, temporary injury, or preference. Keyboard navigation allows candidates to navigate confidently and precisely, regardless of their setup.

Keyboard shortcuts in Cirrus

Dark Mode and High-Contrast Themes

Eye strain is real. So is visual sensitivity. Giving candidates the option to toggle to dark mode, or increase contrast, can help reduce fatigue and improve focus. For some learners, it’s the difference between making it through the exam or not.

Cirrus Assessment ‘dark mode’

Screen Reader Support

For visually impaired candidates, screen readers are essential. Platforms that support tools like JAWS and NVDA enable these users to hear content read aloud, follow instructions clearly, and complete exams independently.

Find out more about the difference between Text To Speech and screenreaders.

Text To Speech and Assessments

Not all text-to-speech tools are approved for exams, so it’s essential that learners can use the same tools they rely on in class during assessments.

ReadSpeaker is authorised for use in assessments worldwide, meeting key accessibility standards including ADA, the Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice, and JCQ.

Text-to-speech technology fosters an inclusive testing environment, supporting diverse learners. ReadSpeaker can be seamlessly embedded into Cirrus assessment platform exams.

The Cirrus Candidate Interface, with ReadSpeaker installed

WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer a practical framework for inclusive digital experiences. Meeting level AA helps ensure your exams can be accessed across a range of abilities, devices, and environments.

Flexible Timing and Pausing

Rigid time limits can cause unnecessary anxiety, particularly for neurodivergent students or those with attention disorders.

Allowing exam timers to pause for pre-approved reasons — or building in flexible breaks — can help candidates perform more accurately.

An exam paused by an invigilator in Cirrus

Simplified Navigation and Clear Instructions

A confusing layout can disadvantage candidates before they even start answering. Streamlining the interface and using plain, direct language helps reduce cognitive load.

Cirrus Assessment simplified layout, without the need to scroll

From Accommodation to Advantage: What the Data Shows

When accessibility is built into assessment design, the benefits extend far beyond compliance, they enhance outcomes for all learners.

• Platforms with accessibility features like screen readers, captions, and adjustable layouts see 42% more student engagement across the board – not just from students with disabilities.
  
• In a university study, students using captions and transcripts – including those without hearing impairments – scored 3–8% higher on tests. These tools help with focus, comprehension, and retention.
  
• Text-to-speech, screen magnifiers, and similar tools improved outcomes by 36% – and that uplift often extends to all students, not just those with accommodations.
  
• Research indicates that students who receive accessibility support, such as Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs), are more likely to continue and complete their courses compared to those who do not receive such support.
  

More Friendly ≠ Less Fair

It’s time to retire the notion that accessibility compromises rigour. In reality, accessible design enhances the validity and fairness of assessments.

At Cirrus, we’ve seen how integrating features like ReadSpeaker’s text-to-speech and customisable exam settings not only support diverse learners but also improve the overall testing experience.

If your assessments still cater only to the most tech-savvy, able-bodied candidates, it’s time to rethink. Designing with accessibility in mind isn’t just about compliance — it’s about creating fair, effective, and inclusive assessments for all.

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