Overview of the Evolution Process of Student Assessment Methods in Medical Education: Report of the Change Process in Iran based on the 8-Step Model

Introduction: In the era of increasing development of electronic technology, using technology and making favorable changes in student assessment have a prominent role. The purpose of this study was to review the evolution process of student assessment methods in medical education and report its process in Iran based on the 8-step model) In Line with the Package for Medical Sciences Assessment System and Tests Promotion). Methods: In this narrative review, databases of SID, Magiran, PubMed, Eric and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from 1950 onward in Persian and English using the keywords assessment, computerized test, evolution, change and medical education. Results: A total of 28 highly relevant articles were reviewed from 76 publications. Based on the 8-step model of change, the evolution process of student assessment has occurred as 1: creating necessity, 2: forming a powerful coalition, 3: creating a vision for change, 4: communicating with the vision, 5: removing the obstacles, 6: creating short-term achievements, 7: founding and building the change, 8: institutionalizing the change. Conclusion: The eight steps of change and evolution of Graduate and Medical Education Council tests have been administered with due precision in Iran. Given the challenges facing each change and in line with more favorable administration of this process in the coming years, identifying existing executive problems and contributing to resolve them would be an effective and constructive step forward.