Testing by Talking: Rethinking Oral Examinations

Objectives The advent of artificial intelligence and other influences has spurred some to revisit the utility of oral examinations. This narrative review discusses the historical underpinnings of oral examinations as a testing modality, describing the advantages of their use as well as barriers to implementation, including issues surrounding reliability and validity. Findings The authors propose best practices that can be employed if oral examinations are used. Summary Oral examinations can be used as an assessment tool. They may have particular utility as artifical intelligence platforms become more prominent. Educators should judicuously use oral exmainations in concert with best practices.