Abstract: The examination is a scientific and objective way to assess the quality of teaching and the students′ learning outcomes. The construction of the item bank is an important part of the reform of the college course examination system. It could achieve the separation of teaching and testing, and the scientification and standardization of the test. This paper analyzes the problems existing on the current examination forms of theoretical courses in the university and the teaching process of natural pharmaceutical chemistry course. The web-based construction of open-ended item bank of natural pharmaceutical chemistry is well expounded. The experience and advantages of the open-ended item bank construction are summarized from various aspects， which include the aim, measures, and application. The issues which should be handled are pointed out for the further optimization of the item bank. It is seen that the open-ended item bank has positive effects on improving the quality of teaching and the ability of students′ self-study.

Key words: naturally pharmaceutical chemistry, open-ended item bank, construction, application