Systems and methods for computer-based testing using network-based synchronization of information

A method of operating a testing center comprising the acts of:

• establishing, via a wide-area network, a communication link with a first server remote from said testing center;
• transmitting, to said first server via said communication link, first information indicative of a version of testing materials installed at said testing center;
• receiving, from said first server via said communication link, first testing materials comprising one or more test questions;
• and
• electronically delivering said test questions to an examinee at said testing center.

A protocol engine which implements a test servicing protocol, the protocol engine being installable on a computing device at a test servicing center, the protocol engine being adapted to facilitate communication between the test servicing center and a testing center, the protocol engine comprising:

• a service module which generates service data that provides a service to the testing center;
• a service authorization module which is communicatively coupled to said service module, which receives the service data, and which engages in an authorization inquiry with the testing center to determine whether said test service center may perform said service for said testing center, and which forward said service data to the testing center according to a result of said authorization inquiry;
• an encryption module which is communicatively coupled to said service authorization module, which receives data from said service authorization module, and which encrypts said data;
• and
• an authentication module which receives encrypted data from said encryption module and which engages in an authentication protocol with said testing center prior to forwarding said encrypted data to said testing center, said authentication module forwarding said encrypted data using a transport protocol different from the test servicing protocol.