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Multiple-choice questions and scoring

Multiple choice is SkillCort's most-used auto-scored question type, available as single-select or multi-select. This article covers answer keys, partial credit with per-option multipliers, negative marking, and CSV import for bulk authoring.

Single-select and multi-select

A single-select question accepts exactly one answer, which fits questions with one best option. A multi-select question lets candidates pick several options, which fits "select all that apply" checks. Multi-select questions can also carry selection limits — a minimum and maximum number of picks. Candidates see the rule under the question (for example "Select between 2 and 4 options."), further picks lock once the maximum is reached, and the limits are enforced server-side. The answer layout is also yours to choose: the standard list, two to four columns (a compact form for Likert-style scales), inline chips in a row, or — for single-select questions — a dropdown menu that keeps long option lists tidy.

Answer keys and classic scoring

The answer key is what makes an MCQ auto-score. Without per-option credits, classic correct-key scoring applies: the response is scored against the keyed correct option or options. Set the key when you author the item, and the platform scores every response instantly and consistently.

An item with no answer key auto-scores as null. Null means "needs manual review" — it is never treated as zero, so an unkeyed item will not silently penalize candidates. If you see null scores in results, check whether the item has a key.

Partial credit and negative marking

With partial scoring enabled, each option carries a credit multiplier between -100% and 100% of the item's points. This lets you reward near-correct choices and penalize clearly wrong ones, so the score reflects the quality of the choice, not just whether it exactly matched the key.

Single-select scores the picked option's credit. Multi-select sums the credits of all picked options. In both cases the result clamps to plus or minus the item's points: a candidate can never gain more than the item's full points or lose more than that amount, no matter how the credits add up.

  • 100% credit: full points for that option.
  • Partial positive credit: a proportional share of the points.
  • Negative credit: points deducted for picking that option (negative marking).
  • Total is always clamped to the range from minus points to plus points.

Bulk authoring with CSV import

When you have many multiple-choice questions in a spreadsheet, use the CSV import to create them in bulk instead of entering each one by hand: download the template, fill one question per row with pipe-separated options and the correct answer's position, then upload the file or paste the rows. It pairs well with AI generation, which can draft up to 100 items per run into a destination folder as drafts you review before use.

At a glance

  • Two variants: single-select and multi-select, with list, column, inline-chip, or dropdown (single-select) layouts.
  • The answer key drives auto-scoring; without one, the item auto-scores as null and needs manual review.
  • With partial scoring, each option carries a credit multiplier from -100% to 100% of the item's points.
  • Single-select scores the picked option's credit; multi-select sums picked credits; both clamp to plus or minus the item's points.
  • The CSV import creates many MCQs at once from a spreadsheet.

Frequently asked questions

Can a candidate end up with a negative score on an item?
Yes, if you assign negative credits. Negative marking is supported, but the item's total always clamps to plus or minus its points, so the loss is bounded.
What if I forget to set an answer key?
The item auto-scores as null, which flags it for manual review. Null is never converted to zero, so candidates are not penalized by a missing key.

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Multiple-choice questions and scoring | SkillCort