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Who Invented Exams? History of Testing From Ancient China to Modern Times
Exams are definitely a topic worth a dedicated video — it’s fascinating and hotly debated. But while that doesn’t exist yet, we can take a look at the history and see what’s around us.
Where did exams actually come from? Like many things we use today, exams originated in China.
Ancient China: The Origins of Exams
The idea of examinations traces back to China during the Sui Dynasty (605 AD). This is when the Imperial Examination appeared — the first testing system in history, created to select government officials.
The goal was noble: to choose people based on merit, not birthright. Those who passed successfully entered the elite ranks of civil servants and worked under the emperor’s administration.
Later, the Tang Dynasty refined the system, and Empress Wu Zetian opened participation to people from different social classes. This examination lasted for over a thousand years (!!), until it was abolished in 1905.
The History of Examinations Spreads Across Europe
The concept of Chinese examinations inspired many countries around the world.
In Great Britain in 1806, following China’s example, a testing system was introduced to select civil service employees. Later, in 1853, the British East India Company adapted this practice to screen officials in India.
Modern examinations emerged in the late 19th century. Their creation is attributed to Henry Fischel, a German-American educator. (Though this may well be nothing more than a myth!) Fischel proposed a system where testing evaluates not only knowledge, but the ability to apply it. This approach spread quickly around the world and became the standard in schools and universities.
Interesting Facts From the History of Exams Around the World
France held its first national baccalaureate examination thanks to Napoleon. In 1808, he issued a decree establishing the baccalauréat to identify talented young people for state needs.
Japan has conducted a national university entrance exam since 1979, where even the smallest mistake can dramatically alter a student’s future.
South Korea’s university entrance exam lasts 8 hours and is so significant that air traffic is halted and road movement is restricted during the test to avoid disturbing participants.
Britain’s A-Level exam has existed since 1951 and allows students to choose which subjects to study, preparing them for admission to specific universities — similar in concept to Russia’s USE.
The United States first administered the SAT in 1926. It was originally designed to identify capable students regardless of their social background, and is known for its notoriously “strange” questions.
Norway runs what could be called an exam “lottery” — students find out which exam they will take only one day before it happens.
Which approach do you think is most valuable?