AI in Assessment: New Industry Survey Highlights Opportunities, Risks and the Road Ahead

A new survey from the e-Assessment Association (eAA) provides one of the most detailed snapshots yet of how artificial intelligence is being used in assessment across education, professional certification and workplace learning.

Drawing on responses from assessment organisations, educators and technology vendors, the 2026 AI in Assessment report reveals a sector that is actively experimenting with AI but proceeding cautiously, balancing potential gains in efficiency and scalability with concerns about reliability, integrity and trust.

The findings show that organisations are currently using AI most frequently for item generation, automated marking and data analytics, while higher-risk applications such as candidate identification and exam invigilation remain far less common.

At the same time, many respondents highlighted the operational benefits of AI, particularly its ability to automate repetitive tasks, improve consistency and free up assessment professionals to focus on higher-value work such as pedagogy, quality assurance and assessment design.

However, the survey also identifies significant challenges. Respondents frequently raised concerns about hallucinations and misinformation, academic integrity, bias, governance and data security, alongside wider questions about whether existing assessment methodologies and psychometric approaches remain fully fit for purpose in an AI-enabled environment.

Interestingly, while most organisations believe AI will support specific aspects of assessment rather than dominate it, expectations of AI becoming central to assessment strategy were higher among organisations that have not yet implemented it.

Vendor responses broadly mirror the experiences of assessment providers, highlighting client readiness, regulatory uncertainty and ethical or reputational risk as the most significant barriers to wider adoption.

Join the conversation
The issues raised in the report will be explored further at the International e-Assessment Conference, taking place in London in June 2026, including a dedicated full-day AI Symposium focused on practical implementation, policy implications and emerging research.

In addition, the eAA's AI Special Interest Groups, which meet regularly throughout the year, bring together practitioners, researchers and technology providers to share experience, discuss challenges and develop practical guidance for the sector.

Professionals working in assessment, education and certification are encouraged to join the discussion, contribute their insights and help shape how AI is used responsibly to strengthen trust, quality and integrity in assessment.

Download the report here: https://www.e-assessment.com/news/press-release-news/ai-in-assessment-new-industry-survey-highlights-opportunities-risks-and-the-road-ahead

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Contact: Tracey Shrimpton, pr@e-assessment.com

The e-Assessment Association plays a vital role in bringing together a global community of awarding organisations, assessment providers, technology experts, academics, and educational institutions dedicated to advancing the field of digital assessment. By fostering collaboration across these diverse stakeholders, we create a unique platform to share expertise, insights, and best practices that drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the assessment landscape.

This extensive network of professionals equips the eAA with a deep understanding of assessment technologies and their applications, enabling us to address complex challenges such as ethical considerations, accessibility, and the rapid pace of technological evolution. As digital assessment becomes more central to education and professional qualifications, our role in shaping this transformation ensures that it remains inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the highest standards of integrity.

Central to our mission is the eAA's unwavering commitment to fostering confidence and trust in digital assessments. This includes addressing critical issues like data security, ensuring assessments are accessible to all learners, and building frameworks that inspire trust among stakeholders. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, we help guide the global assessment community toward solutions that not only meet today's demands but also anticipate future challenges, ensuring that digital assessments are secure, fair, and impactful for learners worldwide.

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This release was published on openPR.