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Numbas

numbas.org.uk

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Spec score 7.9 #18 of 35 in Online Exam Software

What it is

Numbas is a free, open-source e-assessment system for mathematics and other numerate disciplines. Educators can deliver exams in a browser, through a virtual learning environment (VLE), or from a DVD or USB key. The public mathcentre editor offers over 5,000 questions that users may use or modify. Numbas supports VLE integration through an LTI tool for Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and Brightspace, and can generate SCORM 2004 packages for compatible VLEs. The project does not provide a public LTI instance, so users need to host that tool themselves or discuss paid hosting with the team. Standalone browser exams give immediate feedback, but scores are not saved automatically. The interface is designed for assistive technology and varied accessibility needs; extensions and themes provide options for changing functionality or exam delivery. For high-stakes summative exams, the documentation recommends a locked-down browser because students may inspect answers or alter reported data. Numbas began in 2011 and is based at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Numbas is an open-source e-assessment system aimed at mathematics and other numerate disciplines.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.numbas.org.uk
Integrations
The Numbas LTI tool supports adding assessments to VLEs including Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and Brightspace.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Support
Users can seek help by emailing [email protected] or posting in the Numbas Users group.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Headquarters
Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United KingdomRead 28 Sep 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Founded
2011Read 28 Sep 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Accessibility
The Numbas interface is designed to work with assistive technology and accommodate a wide range of accessibility requirements.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Assessment delivery
Exams can run standalone in a browser, through a virtual learning environment, or from a DVD or USB key.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Customization
Extensions can add functionality, while themes can change the interface or how an exam is delivered.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Lockdown app
The Numbas lockdown app is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
LTI hosting
The project does not offer a publicly accessible LTI instance; users must host it themselves or discuss paid hosting with the team.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
Question bank
The public mathcentre editor includes over 5,000 questions that are free to use or modify.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk
SCORM
Numbas generates SCORM 2004 packages that can be used with compatible VLEs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.numbas.org.uk
Security consideration
Because exams run in the browser, students may be able to inspect answers or alter reported data; the documentation recommends a locked-down browser for high-stakes summative assessments.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.numbas.org.uk
Standalone limitation
Standalone exams provide immediate feedback, but scores are not saved automatically.Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk

Plans and prices

Numbas Free Free and open-source; no price listed. No public LTI hosting instance; install and run the LTI tool on your own infrastructure, or contact the team about paid hosting. Read 7 Oct 2026 · numbas.org.uk

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Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source.
  • Public editor has over 5,000 questions.
  • Supports browser, VLE, DVD, and USB delivery.
  • LTI supports four named VLEs.
  • Designed to work with assistive technology.

Limits

  • No public LTI hosting instance is provided.
  • Standalone exam scores are not saved automatically.
  • Browser exams may expose answers or reported data.

Who it suits

Numbas suits educators who need to create and deliver assessments in mathematics or other numerate subjects. It can fit teams using VLEs or those prepared to host the LTI tool themselves.

Verdict

Numbas offers multiple delivery routes, question editing, and VLE integration without a listed price. Teams planning high-stakes exams should account for the browser security caveat and the need to host LTI themselves or arrange hosting.

Where Specifiction places it

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