EXaHM

EXaHM is an automation framework for digital exams: All steps from booting up the computers, switching to exam mode and starting the exam, to ending the exam and shutting down the computers are automated using a central server. Thanks to a secure desktop environment, EXaHM enables application- and competency-oriented exams. Numerous programs (e.g. Excel, MATLAB, Visual Studio) can be used during the exam. The exam files are regularly backed up redundantly. External access is not possible. Existing PC rooms at the university are used for the exams.

The predecessor system HMPD (University of Applied Sciences Munich Examination Desktop) developed at the University of Applied Sciences Munich already made it possible that only programs and tools approved for the examination could be started. This ensured that an exam-relevant program (for example Excel, MATLAB, Visual Studio, etc.) could be used during the exam (application orientation). HMPD was developed and used at the Munich University of Applied Sciences by Professor Dr.-Ing. Georg Braun starting in 2011. By 2017, additional users were added within the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Mechatronics, so that more than 700 students were successfully tested with HMPD in various courses of study at the faculty. As the system became known beyond the faculty boundaries, the desire arose to provide a university-wide usable system for all faculties. This is made possible with EXaHM and a university-wide exam server. Additionally, EXaHM improves the security of digital exams and the usability and reliability of the system.