<p>I change my tests all the time, including the format. I do it for the very reason you’ve put forward.</p>
<p>Technically, I’d say that test banks are not “cheating” because it is not a copy of the current test. If faculty members insist on recycling the same tests out of laziness, then they are at fault. I think a stong case can be made that old tests make good study guides, since they force people to learn what they should have been learning during the class.</p>
<p>Having said all that, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life was taking over a survey course known throughout the school as a “gut” (easy) course. I waited until the drop deadline had passed before I hit them with the first test. From the screaming, you’d think I’d asked them to forego a good education ;-).</p>