Who created exams?

Examinations, as we know them today, are a key part of educational systems worldwide. However, the origins of exams go back centuries and are rooted in ancient civilisations. Let’s explore the detailed history, evolution, and the person or system often credited with creating exams.

Historical Background: Who Created Exams?

Aspect	Details
Earliest Exam System	Imperial Examination System in Ancient China
Origin Period	Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD), expanded in the Tang Dynasty
Purpose	To recruit candidates for government positions based on merit
Creator/Founder	Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty is often credited for formalising the exam system
Spread to the West	Influenced the British civil service exams in the 19th century
Modern School Exams Introduction	Introduced in Europe, especially in Britain, during the Industrial Age
Notable Western Contributor	Henry Fischel is sometimes credited (though debated) for promoting academic assessments in the West

The Chinese Civil Service Exams

The earliest known standardized testing system was developed in ancient China. Known as the Imperial Examination (Keju), it was used to select the most capable candidates for government jobs. This merit-based approach helped ensure that roles were filled by talent rather than by inheritance or influence.

Western Adoption & Evolution

Europe adopted exam models influenced by the Chinese system in the 19th century. British colonial administration introduced exams in their colonies and education systems, shaping global academic structures.

• Henry Fischel, a 20th-century education reformer, is sometimes mistakenly credited as the “inventor of exams” due to his work on modernizing testing practices.
• However, he did not create exams, but rather helped shape academic examinations in universities and educational institutions.

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