Quick Overview
- 1#1: Moodle - Open-source learning platform with advanced quiz authoring, question banks, randomization, and adaptive assessments.
- 2#2: Canvas LMS - Cloud-based LMS offering intuitive quiz creation, multimedia questions, auto-grading, and detailed analytics.
- 3#3: Blackboard Learn - Enterprise LMS with robust assessment tools including item analysis, secure delivery, and accessibility features.
- 4#4: Brightspace - Modern LMS featuring intelligent quiz design, AI-driven insights, question pooling, and mobile compatibility.
- 5#5: Inspera Assessment - High-stakes exam platform for creating digital assessments with AI grading, proctoring, and psychometrics.
- 6#6: ExamSoft - Secure exam software for authoring, delivering, and remotely proctoring computer-based assessments.
- 7#7: Questionmark OnDemand - Cloud-based assessment platform with flexible question types, branching logic, and certification management.
- 8#8: Respondus - Quiz authoring and lockdown tools for creating exams compatible with major LMS and secure delivery.
- 9#9: ClassMarker - Online testing platform with anti-cheat measures, customizable certificates, and comprehensive reporting.
- 10#10: ProProfs Quiz Maker - User-friendly tool for building interactive quizzes, exams, and lead-generation assessments with analytics.
Tools were chosen based on evaluation of key features (including question creation, grading efficiency, and security), user experience quality, versatility across scenarios, and long-term value, ensuring relevance for educators, trainers, and organizations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights leading exam making software tools such as Moodle, Canvas LMS, Blackboard Learn, Brightspace, and Inspera Assessment, providing a clear overview of their key features. It helps readers evaluate usability, functionality, and suitability to find the best fit for their unique teaching and assessment needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moodle Open-source learning platform with advanced quiz authoring, question banks, randomization, and adaptive assessments. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Canvas LMS Cloud-based LMS offering intuitive quiz creation, multimedia questions, auto-grading, and detailed analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Blackboard Learn Enterprise LMS with robust assessment tools including item analysis, secure delivery, and accessibility features. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 4 | Brightspace Modern LMS featuring intelligent quiz design, AI-driven insights, question pooling, and mobile compatibility. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Inspera Assessment High-stakes exam platform for creating digital assessments with AI grading, proctoring, and psychometrics. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | ExamSoft Secure exam software for authoring, delivering, and remotely proctoring computer-based assessments. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Questionmark OnDemand Cloud-based assessment platform with flexible question types, branching logic, and certification management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Respondus Quiz authoring and lockdown tools for creating exams compatible with major LMS and secure delivery. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ClassMarker Online testing platform with anti-cheat measures, customizable certificates, and comprehensive reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | ProProfs Quiz Maker User-friendly tool for building interactive quizzes, exams, and lead-generation assessments with analytics. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Open-source learning platform with advanced quiz authoring, question banks, randomization, and adaptive assessments.
Cloud-based LMS offering intuitive quiz creation, multimedia questions, auto-grading, and detailed analytics.
Enterprise LMS with robust assessment tools including item analysis, secure delivery, and accessibility features.
Modern LMS featuring intelligent quiz design, AI-driven insights, question pooling, and mobile compatibility.
High-stakes exam platform for creating digital assessments with AI grading, proctoring, and psychometrics.
Secure exam software for authoring, delivering, and remotely proctoring computer-based assessments.
Cloud-based assessment platform with flexible question types, branching logic, and certification management.
Quiz authoring and lockdown tools for creating exams compatible with major LMS and secure delivery.
Online testing platform with anti-cheat measures, customizable certificates, and comprehensive reporting.
User-friendly tool for building interactive quizzes, exams, and lead-generation assessments with analytics.
Moodle
enterpriseOpen-source learning platform with advanced quiz authoring, question banks, randomization, and adaptive assessments.
Adaptive quiz mode with dynamic question difficulty adjustment and unlimited attempts per question
Moodle is a free, open-source learning management system renowned for its robust Quiz module, enabling educators to create sophisticated online exams with diverse question types like multiple-choice, essays, matching, and drag-and-drop. It supports advanced features such as question randomization, time limits, adaptive quizzing modes, automated grading, and detailed reporting on student performance. As a scalable platform used by millions worldwide, it integrates seamlessly with plugins for proctoring, accessibility, and custom assessments.
Pros
- Extensive question library with 15+ types and behavioral grading
- Fully customizable via plugins for proctoring, AI grading, and accessibility
- Scalable for thousands of users with strong security and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise; UI feels dated
- Limited out-of-box mobile optimization without plugins
Best For
Educational institutions and experienced educators needing a highly flexible, enterprise-grade exam platform.
Pricing
Completely free open-source; self-hosting costs vary ($0-$500+/year), or paid cloud plans from $80/year.
Canvas LMS
enterpriseCloud-based LMS offering intuitive quiz creation, multimedia questions, auto-grading, and detailed analytics.
New Quizzes engine with modern item banking, randomization, and standards-aligned outcomes for scalable, secure assessments
Canvas LMS by Instructure is a robust learning management system designed for educational institutions, with powerful quiz and exam creation tools at its core. It supports a wide range of question types including multiple-choice, essays, file uploads, and interactive items, along with features like question banks, randomization, and time limits to create secure assessments. Canvas integrates proctoring solutions and provides automated grading, detailed analytics, and accessibility compliance, making it a comprehensive platform for online exams within a broader course management environment.
Pros
- Extensive question types and banks with randomization for cheat-resistant exams
- Seamless proctoring integrations (e.g., Proctorio, Respondus) and auto-grading
- Detailed analytics and SpeedGrader for efficient feedback and grading
Cons
- Learning curve due to full LMS complexity for exam-only users
- Performance lags reported in large-scale deployments
- Customization requires admin access in institutional setups
Best For
Educational institutions and instructors needing integrated exam tools within a complete LMS ecosystem.
Pricing
Free for Teachers edition; institutional plans are custom-quoted, typically $10-20 per active user annually.
Blackboard Learn
enterpriseEnterprise LMS with robust assessment tools including item analysis, secure delivery, and accessibility features.
Advanced question pools and randomization engine that ensures unique exams for each student to prevent cheating.
Blackboard Learn is a robust learning management system (LMS) primarily used by higher education institutions, featuring comprehensive tools for creating and delivering online exams and quizzes. It supports diverse question types including multiple-choice, essay, and multimedia, with features like question pools, randomization, timed assessments, and automated grading. The platform integrates with proctoring tools for secure testing and provides detailed analytics on student performance.
Pros
- Extensive question banking and randomization for varied exams
- Seamless integration with proctoring tools like Respondus LockDown Browser
- Automated grading and detailed performance analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface
- High institutional costs with no transparent public pricing
- Occasional performance lags during peak usage
Best For
Large universities and colleges needing an integrated LMS with solid exam capabilities for high-volume course assessments.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing for institutions; annual subscriptions typically range from $10,000+ depending on user count and features, with custom quotes required.
Brightspace
enterpriseModern LMS featuring intelligent quiz design, AI-driven insights, question pooling, and mobile compatibility.
Objectives-based assessment that ties exams directly to learning outcomes with mastery tracking and adaptive pathways
Brightspace by D2L is a full-featured Learning Management System (LMS) with advanced quiz and exam creation tools designed for educational institutions. It enables educators to build secure assessments using a wide array of question types, including multimedia, drag-and-drop, and randomized question pools for fairness and security. The platform also supports automated grading, proctoring integrations, and detailed performance analytics to enhance learning outcomes.
Pros
- Extensive question library with 19+ types including interactive and accessibility-compliant options
- Strong security features like question randomization, time limits, and third-party proctoring integrations
- Advanced analytics and reporting for exam performance and learning objectives alignment
Cons
- Complex interface with a learning curve, especially for non-LMS users
- Enterprise-focused pricing not ideal for individuals or small groups
- Overkill for basic exam needs as it's part of a broader LMS ecosystem
Best For
Large educational institutions and universities needing scalable, integrated exam tools within a comprehensive LMS.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically $10-25 per active user annually with volume discounts for institutions.
Inspera Assessment
enterpriseHigh-stakes exam platform for creating digital assessments with AI grading, proctoring, and psychometrics.
AI-driven remote invigilation with forensic proctoring for real-time exam integrity
Inspera Assessment is a robust digital platform for creating, delivering, and evaluating secure online exams, primarily targeted at educational institutions and certification providers. It offers advanced question authoring with support for multimedia, interactive elements, and adaptive testing, alongside strong security features like browser lockdown and AI proctoring. The tool provides automated grading, detailed analytics, and seamless LMS integrations for streamlined assessment workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional security with browser lockdown, plagiarism detection, and AI proctoring
- Extensive question library including rich media and adaptive formats
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for institutional insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex authoring and setup
- Enterprise-focused pricing less ideal for small users or individuals
- Occasional performance issues with very large-scale deployments
Best For
Large universities, schools, and certification organizations requiring secure, scalable high-stakes exams.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at €5,000+ annually for mid-sized institutions, scaling with users and features.
ExamSoft
specializedSecure exam software for authoring, delivering, and remotely proctoring computer-based assessments.
Secure Integrated Mode (SIM) that fully locks down the exam-taker's device to prevent external access or cheating.
ExamSoft is a secure digital assessment platform designed for higher education and professional certification programs to create, deliver, and analyze exams. It features a locked-down testing environment called Secure Integrated Mode (SIM) that prevents cheating by restricting device access during exams. The software includes question authoring tools, item banking, and advanced analytics for performance insights and psychometric validation.
Pros
- Exceptional security with SIM lockdown and AI proctoring (ExamMonitor)
- Robust analytics and reporting for item analysis and psychometrics
- Extensive question bank and customizable assessment tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and authoring
- High pricing model that's not transparent
- Requires software download, limiting flexibility on some devices
Best For
Universities and certification bodies prioritizing exam security and detailed analytics over simplicity.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $15-30 per student per year or per-exam fees, with volume discounts.
Questionmark OnDemand
specializedCloud-based assessment platform with flexible question types, branching logic, and certification management.
Advanced psychometric tools for item analysis and equating to ensure reliable, fair assessments
Questionmark OnDemand is a robust cloud-based assessment platform specializing in creating, delivering, and analyzing secure exams, quizzes, and certifications for enterprises. It offers over 50 question types, adaptive testing, branching logic, and integration with LMS systems for seamless deployment. The tool emphasizes psychometrics, compliance (e.g., WCAG, GDPR), and detailed reporting to validate assessment integrity and learner outcomes.
Pros
- Extensive item banking with advanced psychometrics and adaptive branching
- Strong security features including remote proctoring and anti-cheating AI
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for certification programs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex authoring
- Enterprise pricing lacks transparency for smaller teams
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Large organizations and certification providers requiring secure, scalable high-stakes assessments.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ annually for enterprise subscriptions based on users and assessments.
Respondus
specializedQuiz authoring and lockdown tools for creating exams compatible with major LMS and secure delivery.
LockDown Browser's kiosk-mode lockdown that disables printing, copying, and browser switching to prevent cheating.
Respondus is a comprehensive suite of tools for educators focused on creating, securing, and proctoring online exams, primarily for higher education and K-12 settings. Key components include Respondus 4.0 for authoring quizzes from Word documents or question banks, LockDown Browser to restrict student devices during tests, and Respondus Monitor for AI-powered remote proctoring via webcam. It excels in seamless integration with major learning management systems like Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and Brightspace.
Pros
- Superior exam security with LockDown Browser and AI proctoring via Monitor
- Quick quiz creation and import from Word or publisher files
- Deep integrations with popular LMS platforms for easy deployment
Cons
- Desktop-only application limits accessibility and collaboration
- Proctoring features raise privacy and equity concerns for some users
- Institutional pricing can be expensive for small schools or individuals
Best For
Higher education instructors and institutions needing secure, LMS-integrated online exam delivery and proctoring.
Pricing
Institutional site licenses start at $5,000-$10,000 annually depending on size; LockDown Browser is free, Monitor charges ~$7-10 per proctored exam with discounts for volume.
ClassMarker
specializedOnline testing platform with anti-cheat measures, customizable certificates, and comprehensive reporting.
Customizable certificate generation with automated delivery upon passing scores
ClassMarker is a web-based platform designed for creating, delivering, and analyzing online quizzes, exams, and assessments. It supports diverse question types like multiple-choice, true/false, essay, fill-in-the-blank, and multimedia embedding, with options for randomization, timing, and password protection. The tool provides robust reporting, grading automation, and certificate generation, making it suitable for educators, trainers, and businesses.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop quiz builder
- Detailed analytics and automated grading
- Flexible sharing options including embeds and links
Cons
- Limited advanced proctoring without add-ons
- No native mobile app for test-takers
- Higher-tier features required for unlimited tests
Best For
Educators, corporate trainers, and small businesses needing quick, customizable online assessments without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Pro plans from $39.95/month (200 tests) to Enterprise custom pricing.
ProProfs Quiz Maker
specializedUser-friendly tool for building interactive quizzes, exams, and lead-generation assessments with analytics.
Vast library of over 100,000 ready-made quizzes and flashcards for instant use
ProProfs Quiz Maker is a versatile online platform designed for creating, sharing, and analyzing quizzes, tests, and exams with a wide variety of question types including multiple-choice, true/false, and essay. It offers customization options like branding, timers, and randomization to enhance engagement and security. The tool provides detailed reporting and analytics to help educators and trainers assess performance effectively.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick quiz creation
- Extensive library of templates and 1,000+ question types
- Comprehensive analytics and certificate generation
Cons
- Limited advanced proctoring for high-stakes exams
- Some premium features require higher-tier plans
- Occasional glitches in mobile responsiveness
Best For
Educators, corporate trainers, and small businesses needing easy-to-create quizzes and assessments for training or certification.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; paid plans start at $19.99/month (Basic) up to $59.99/month (Enterprise) with more quizzes and advanced tools.
Conclusion
Navigating the top exam making software reveals Moodle as a standout leader, excelling with its open-source foundation, advanced quiz authoring, and adaptive assessment features. Close behind, Canvas LMS impresses with intuitive design and robust multimedia capabilities, while Blackboard Learn stands out for its enterprise-grade security and accessibility tools—each offering unique strengths to suit diverse needs. Together, these tools redefine efficient and effective exam creation, ensuring learners and educators find tailored solutions to meet their goals.
Whether you prioritize flexibility, security, or user-friendliness, start with Moodle to unlock a seamless, powerful way to build and deliver assessments that drive success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison