THE ROLE OF EXIT EXAMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Higher education exit exams have become a pivotal tool for ensuring academic quality and. This systematic literature review examines the role of exit exams in quality assurance, addressing their benefits, challenges, and evolving practices. The study employs the PRISMA framework to analyze 31 peer-reviewed articles (1994–2024) from databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ProQuest. Key findings reveal that exit exams standardize assessments, align curricula with industry needs, and validate graduate competencies. However, challenges such as inequitable implementation, cultural biases, and high-stakes pressures undermine their effectiveness. Innovations like digital and competency-based exams offer potential solutions but require careful design to ensure fairness and accessibility. The study concludes that exit exams are most effective when integrated into a holistic quality assurance framework, combining rigorous assessment with faculty development and student support.