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Using PRISMA, it synthesizes empirical studies from 1994 to 2024 via broad database searches and thematic narrative synthesis. PICO structures the research questions, and findings show improved accountability, curriculum alignment, and job readiness through standardized assessment. It also documents risks such as stress and anxiety, teaching to the test, and inequities. 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Drawbacks include increased stress and anxiety, incentives to teach to the test, and equity concerns driven by cultural and socioeconomic disparities.","https://schema.org",{"og:url":83,"og:type":124,"og:title":65,"og:site_name":95,"og:description":67},"article",{"robots":126,"canonical":83},"index,follow",{"doc_id":128,"site_id":62},472972,1791334016,{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":131},{"doc_id":128,"user_id":132,"nickname":92,"user_avatar":133,"doc_module":4,"category_id":39,"category_name":40,"doc_title":65,"doc_description":67,"doc_content":134,"file_id":135,"file_url":136,"file_type":137,"file_size":138,"view_count":81,"is_deleted":4,"is_public":8,"is_downloadable":8,"audit_status":8,"page_count":52,"language":139,"language_code":63,"site_id":62,"html_lang":63,"table_of_contents":140,"faqs":141,"seo_title":142,"seo_description":67,"update_tm":143,"read_time":144},962090760730,"https://ap-avatar.wpscdn.com/davatar_9964176cb1d06d4a9deccf72a44ae3dc","Exit Exams in Higher Education—A Blessing or Curse:  \nA Systematic Review  \nSamson Worku Teshome  \nDepartment of Management, JIGDAN College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  \nReceived January 18, 2025; Revised March 17, 2025; Accepted April 14, 2025  \nCite This Paper in the Following Citation Styles  \n(a): [1] Samson Worku Teshome , \" Exit Exams in Higher Education—A Blessing or Curse: A Systematic Review,\"Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 52-61, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2025.130203.  \n(b): Samson Worku Teshome (2025). Exit Exams in Higher Education—A Blessing or Curse: A Systematic Review. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 13(2), 52-61. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2025.130203.  \nCopyright©2025 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree that this article remains permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License  \nAbstract This systematic literature review critically examines the dual nature of exit exams in higher education, focusing on their benefits, drawbacks, and impact on students and educational systems. Using a structured methodology named PRISMA, the study synthesizes empirical research published between 1994 and 2024, employing a comprehensive search strategy across databases like Google Scholar, ERIC, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and applying thematic narrative synthesis. PICO was used to formulate the research questions. Key findings reveal that exit exams enhance accountability, improve curriculum alignment, and prepare students for job readiness by standardizing assessments. They also foster critical thinking and inclusivity, ensuring consistent educational quality across institutions. However, significant drawbacks include increased student stress and anxiety, the risk of teaching to the test, and equity concerns due to cultural and socioeconomic disparities. These issues can lead to narrowed curricula, stifled creativity, and disproportionate disadvantages for underrepresented groups. The review concludes that while exit exams can improve educational quality and workforce preparedness, their high-stakes nature and potential for inequity necessitate a balanced approach. Ongoing research and dialogue among educators and policymakers are crucial to ensure these assessments support a fair and equitable educational environment. This study highlights the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of exit exam practices to maximize their benefits while mitigating adverse effects.  \nKeywords Exit Exams, Higher Education, Benefits of Exit Exams, Drawbacks of Exit Exams, Standardization  \n1. Introduction  \nExit exams have become a globally significant tool in education systems, spanning from secondary to higher education, as they aim to standardize assessment and ensure accountability across diverse institutions. In many countries, these exams are integral to certifying student competency and readiness for either the workforce or further education, with examples ranging from Germany’s statewide exit exams to India’s pharmacy exit assessments [1, 2] . While some nations, like Sweden, emphasize their role in improving educational efficiency [3], others, such as the United States, face debates over their high-stakes nature and potential inequities, particularly for underrepresented groups [4] . Despite their widespread adoption, concerns about stress, teaching to the test, and cultural biases persist, prompting calls for reforms that balance rigor with fairness [5, 6] . These tensions highlight the ongoing global struggle to design exit exams that effectively measure learning outcomes while promoting equitable opportunities for all students.  \nThe implementation of exit exams in higher education has become a topic of considerable debate, reflecting the evolving landscape of educational assessment [7] . Exit exams are designed to evaluate student learning at the conclusion of academic programs, serving as a standardized measure of educati","cbCaiuBCsehqdKjS","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiuBCsehqdKjS","pdf",419299,"English","# Introduction\n## Purpose and global adoption\n## Debate on benefits and drawbacks\n# Key findings and conclusions","[{\"question\":\"What is the main purpose of this systematic review?\",\"answer\":\"The review critically examines the dual nature of exit exams in higher education, including their benefits, drawbacks, and overall impact on students and educational systems.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the study conduct its review and select evidence?\",\"answer\":\"It uses a structured PRISMA methodology, synthesizing empirical research published between 1994 and 2024, supported by database searches and thematic narrative synthesis. PICO is used to formulate research questions.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the major benefits and major drawbacks identified for exit exams?\",\"answer\":\"Benefits include stronger accountability, improved curriculum alignment, and better preparation for job readiness, along with inclusivity and consistent educational quality. Drawbacks include increased stress and anxiety, incentives to teach to the test, and equity concerns driven by cultural and socioeconomic disparities.\"}]","Exit Exams in Higher Education—A Blessing or Curse - A Systematic Review | PDF",1790781710,25]