All test takers must agree to the Oxford Test of English Test Taker Terms and Conditions and Oxford University Press (OUP)’s Privacy Policy when registering their account before they can take the test. This section provides information on:

• expectations of test taker behaviour
• test takers arriving late or leaving the test room.

1.1 Misconduct

Any misconduct by a test taker will be taken very seriously and will lead to their test results being withheld. The following behaviours are viewed as misconduct.

1.1.2. False representation

A test taker who is suspected of impersonating another person must not be allowed to take the test. If a test taker is suspected of impersonation after a test session has started, their results will be withheld while the incident is investigated. All incidents of suspected impersonation must be described in detail by the Invigilator in the Invigilator notes in the test session report. We recommend that the Test centre takes a photograph of anyone suspected of impersonation and asks a witness to write and sign a statement describing the situation. This statement should ideally be written by another member of the Test centre’s staff.

1.2. Malpractice

Test takers must not take part in any form of malpractice, including but not limited to:

• attempting to improve their score on the test by cheating, or fraud
• attempting to use an invalid ID
• offering a bribe (or any other advantage or improper payment) to Approved Test Centre staff
• attempting to steal test content before, during or after a test session
• communicating with each other in any way during a test session
• copying from other test takers
• the use of any electronic device, such as a mobile phone, for any reason during a test session
• copying or photographing test content
• the use of any written material such as dictionaries or notes
• having any other programs or websites running on their computer while taking the test
• sharing content from the test with others in any way
• helping other test takers in any way to gain or provide an unfair advantage before, during or after the test.

PLEASE NOTE:

this is not a complete list of malpractice behaviours. It is the Invigilator’s responsibility to make sure that no behaviour that could be considered malpractice is tolerated. Please refer to the Malpractice Policy on the website.

1.3. Disruptive behaviour

• Test takers are expected to act with respect towards Test Centre staff and other test takers at all times.
• No noise or talking is allowed during the test, other than during the Speaking module.
• Test takers should stay seated unless given permission to move by the Invigilator.
• All mobile devices must be switched off and handed to the Invigilator before entering the test room.
• No food or drink is allowed in the test room during the test, except drinking water in a transparent bottle with any labels removed.
• At all times, test takers should accept and follow any reasonable requests made by the Invigilator.

1.4. Dealing with misconduct

If misconduct is suspected during a test, the Invigilator should take action immediately.

If the misconduct is not disturbing other test takers, the Invigilator should:

• give a discreet but clear sign to the test taker that they have been seen
• allow the test taker to complete the rest of the test.

If the misconduct is disturbing other test takers, the Invigilator should:

• ask the test taker to leave immediately
• exit the Oxford Test of English Safe Exam Browser and shut down the test taker’s computer.

In all cases, the Invigilator must:

• include a detailed description of the incident in the Invigilator notes in the test report
• email otesupport@oup.com with details of the incident immediately after the test session.

1.5. Scheduled breaks

It is possible to schedule a break during a test session. This should be done between modules (for example between the Speaking and the Listening module). The Invigilator must re-check the ID of the test takers against their screen when they re-enter the room and ensure that they are sitting at the correct desk.

1.6. Unscheduled events

If a test taker requires to leave the room during a module, the module will continue automatically, so it is recommended that they are required to wait until the end of the module. Test takers should be told of this before they start the test and reminded that they will miss questions and lose marks if they leave the room during a module.

The next module should be started as normal by the Invigilator for the other test takers so that they are not kept waiting, as each test taker module can be started individually.

Only one test taker at a time should be allowed to leave the test room. Test takers leaving the room should be accompanied by an Invigilator. Their ID must be checked again by the lead Invigilator when they return by checking their ID against their registration details via the ‘My Details’ screen.

If there is an exceptional event (e.g. test taker sudden illness, fire alarm) the test will continue to the end of the current module automatically. The test will then pause.

A test can be paused for up to 24 hours from the start time. However, an exceptional event could cause internet connection problems or health and safety concerns which stop the test session from continuing. It is up to the lead Invigilator whether to continue or abandon the session.

If an unscheduled event interrupts a test session, test takers may need to take one or more test modules in a separate session later.

The Invigilator must provide full details of any unscheduled events in the Invigilator notes in the test report. Oxford University Press (OUP) checks these details and might wish to discuss the incident with those involved afterwards

1.7. Arriving late / leaving early

Once the test has started, test takers arriving late cannot join the test. They should not be allowed to enter the test room. If a test taker arrives late, they will need to arrange to take the test at another time.

Test takers can leave the test room once they have finished all assigned test modules, provided that this is agreed with the lead Invigilator and other test takers are not disturbed

Within the Oxford Test of English Safe Exam Browser, each computer should display the Oxford Test of English sign-in page. Test takers sign in with the username and password they set when they registered their accounts. If a test taker does not remember their password, they should raise their hand and wait for an Invigilator to help them.

2.1. Sound checks

All test takers will be asked to complete sound checks before the test starts.

• If the test contains the Listening and/or Speaking modules, these checks must be completed before the test can begin.
• If the test does not contain these modules, test takers can be instructed to click through the checks. Invigilators / IT Representatives may be required to support test takers either by adjusting their equipment or moving them to a spare computer if necessary.

2.2. Starting the test

The Invigilator starts the Oxford Test of English from their computer. When signed in, the Invigilator is able to see all test sessions booked for that day. When the Invigilator has chosen a test session, further details for that test session will appear. The Invigilator must check each test taker’s identification before starting the test.

2.3. Order of test modules

The modules of the Oxford Test of English will always run in the following order:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

PLEASE NOTE:

after all test takers have completed each module, the Invigilator will need to start the next module manually from their computer.

2.4. During the test

The Invigilator should monitor test takers, other Invigilators and any Oxford University Press (OUP) authorized observers (for example OUP Inspectors) during the test session, to make sure that there is no disruption and the test runs professionally.

The Invigilator must not allow any cheating or misbehaviour of any kind, or allow any photographs to be taken in the test room. Any person suspected of misbehaviour should be removed from the test room immediately. Details of any suspected misbehaviour must be included in the Invigilator notes in the test session report.

Test takers’ IDs should be re-checked during the test session. All test taker IDs should also be re-checked if there is any disruption to the test, such as a fire alarm or a test taker being removed from the test room for any reason.

Test takers can leave the test room once they have finished all assigned test modules, provided that this is agreed with the lead Invigilator and other test takers are not disturbed.

If there are any issues which cannot be solved by the Invigilator, IT Representative or Test Centre Manager, the Approved Test Centre can contact Customer Support at otesupport@oup.com.

2.5. Ending the test

When a test session is finished, the lead Invigilator must complete the Invigilator notes in the test session report. In the notes, Invigilators must record details of:

• any technical problems during the session
• disruptions to the test, such as fire alarms
• test takers who arrived late or did not attend the session
• abandoned tests
• suspected malpractice or misbehaviour from any test taker, Approved Test Centre user or other person in the test room
• incomplete or erroneous test taker details
• name of any additional Invigilators if these have not been added to the system beforehand.
• presence of an Oxford University Press (OUP) Inspector

Once the test session report has been submitted, the Invigilator must end the test session by clicking on ‘Complete session’.

This Invigilator notes section in the test session report is required as part of OUP’s monitoring process. The test session report may be used in data analysis of test results, or in case of complaints or appeals from a test taker.

If the Invigilator notes in the test session report are not submitted, test results may be withheld from test takers and the Approved Test Centre. Once the Invigilator notes have been submitted, the test session must be closed.

Please note that any unused licences will only be returned after the test session has been fully closed. Before leaving the test room, each computer should be checked to make sure that test takers have signed out. Test Centre staff must wait until the test takers have left the room before exiting the Oxford Test of English Safe Exam Browser. Test Centre staff must never give the password to exit the Safe Exam Browser directly to the test takers, and it must never be used in front of them as this will be considered malpractice.

If another session is scheduled, there is no need to exit the Safe Exam Browser. However, test takers must be signed out.

If there were any technical problems during the session, it is important that log files from the Oxford Test of English Safe Exam Browser are passed to OUP so that the issues can be investigated. Instructions on how to save the log files can be found in the Help and Support for IT Representatives, available on the Oxford Test of English platform.

3.1. Access to results

Test takers will be sent their results for the Speaking and Writing modules within 14 days of the test date. The 14-day period starts at midnight (UK time) after the test session ends.

Results for the Listening and Reading modules will be available to test takers immediately after the test session.

To access their results, test takers should sign into their Oxford Test of English account using the username and password they registered and took the test with.

Results will be made available to the test taker directly and visible to the Test Centre Manager while signed into the Oxford Test of English platform. A test taker can share their results with a third party, if they want to, by sending an email request to Oxford University Press (OUP).

OUP reserves the right to indefinitely withhold results for an individual test taker or an entire test session if misconduct is suspected.

3.2. Format of results

For each module, test takers receive a Module Report Card. This report card includes a standardized score and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level the test taker achieved for that module.

When a test taker has taken all four Oxford Test of English modules, they will also receive a Certificate of Proficiency with an overall standardized score and CEFR level for the test. This overall level is calculated as an average of all four standardized module scores.

3.3. Third party access to results

Test takers can have their results verified for third parties (e.g. employers or universities) by contacting otesupport@oup.com. Further details on how to verify results can be found on the Oxford Test of English website.

3.4. Retakes

Test takers can retake the Oxford Test of English in full or take individual modules multiple times if required.

Test takers can only take the test twice within an eight-week period. This means that within an eight-week period, a test taker is allowed to take each module (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing) twice in any combination.

For example, if a test taker takes the full test (four modules) on January 1st, then retakes the full test on January 14th, they are not allowed to take the test (i.e. any module or combination of modules) again until March 1st.

Test takers can only take the test a maximum of four times within 12 months. This means that within a 12-month period, a test taker is allowed to take each module (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing) four times in any combination.

For example, if a test taker took the full test (four modules) on January 1st, January 14th, March 1st and March 7th, they would not be able to take the test again until January 1st the next year.

For retakes, the Approved Test Centre can book a test session for the modules that a test taker wishes to retake.

Please refer to the Test Regulations

A test session for retakes should run in exactly the same way as any other test session.

If there are any concerns about the results a test taker receives, they can contact their associated Approved Test Centre to either:

• ask for a results review of one or more modules – this will be done by Oxford University Press (OUP)
• appeal the outcome of a results review if required – this will be investi- gated by OUP and the University of Oxford.

Listening and Reading modules are computer marked. This means that they cannot be re-marked. However, OUP can complete a results check for these modules to ensure the accuracy of the result(s). Please note that the check only verifies that the test tasks were delivered correctly, and the final ability estimate was accurate, so results changes are unlikely.

For Speaking and Writing modules a re-mark can be requested. All re-marks are completed by senior assessors.

PLEASE NOTE:

an appeal can only be made after a results review has been completed. The purpose of an appeal is to confirm that results reviews were appropriately conducted and does not include additional re-marks. The final decision for a results review rests with OUP. The final decision for appeals rests with the University of Oxford.

All results reviews and appeals must be made to OUP by the Approved Test Centre on a test taker’s behalf. The relevant form should be sent to otesupport@oup.com. OUP will then be in touch to arrange the payment of the relevant fees.

4.1. Fees for results reviews and appeals

A fee is charged for each results, review or appeal. This is paid by the Approved Test Centre and it is assumed that the costs will be passed on to the test taker.

The fee is refunded if the results review or appeal is successful. Success is defined as an improvement to the test taker’s score which gives them a higher CEFR level result, either for an individual module or the overall test.

4.2. Time scales for results reviews and appeals

Requests for a results review must be raised to Oxford University Press (OUP) a maximum of 60 days after the date that the results were released to the test taker. OUP will confirm the outcome of a results review within 30 days of payment being received.

Requests for an appeal must be made within one month of the outcome of a results review. OUP will confirm the outcome of an appeal within 60 days of payment being received.

This section explains how Approved Test Centres should deal with complaints from test takers.

5.1.Test taker complaints

Any complaint from a test taker should be made directly to the Approved Test Centre, not Oxford University Press (OUP). It is the responsibility of the Approved Test Centre to decide whether to forward the complaint details to OUP.

Test Centre Managers should keep a record of any complaints received. OUP may request an Approved Test Centre to send a report on complaints received and any actions taken.

If a complaint is received about the way a test session was run (e.g. noise in the test room or a problem with invigilation) the Approved Test Centre is responsible for resolving this within eight days of the complaint being raised. OUP may require an Approved Test Centre or an Affiliate to send reports on complaints they have received, and any actions taken. These reports may ask for:

• who raised the complaint and when
• the nature of the complaint
• the steps taken to resolve the complaint with clear timelines
• the final decision made.

Any requested complaints reports should be sent by the Approved Test Centre to OUP via email. Reports must be sent within ten working days of the request.

The following types of complaint must be escalated to OUP straight away:

• complaints about the Oxford Test of English platform
• complaints about the content of the Oxford Test of English
• complaints about malpractice or any other activity which could affect the integrity of the test

These complaints should be passed directly to OUP at otesupport@oup.com.

This section explains some of the key terms.

Approved Test Centre: an institution engaged by Oxford University Press to provide the Oxford Test of English and sell test licences to test takers.

Assessor / senior assessor: the person who assesses those parts of the test which are not marked electronically.

Certificate of Proficiency: the overall Oxford Test of English result for a test taker who has completed all four modules of the test. The Certificate of Proficiency confirms a test taker’s overall CEFR level.

Invigilator: the person who administers the test sessions and submits a test session report on the session after all tests are complete.

IT Representative: the person responsible for maintaining the hardware to an agreed specification and installing any software required for running the tests.

Module Report Card: the results of individual Oxford Test of English modules for each test taker. Not to be confused with a Certificate of Proficiency (see below).

Off-site test room: any test room that is not located at the main Approved Test Centre address, this includes Affiliate test rooms.

Scripts: the prescribed words the Invigilator needs to use at each test session.

Test Centre Manager: the person responsible for registering and managing an Approved Test Centre.

Test licence: every test taker requires a test licence to take a test

The platform: the online system that is used for the administration of the Oxford Test of English.

The Safe Exam Browser: the software that is used to deliver the Oxford Test of English.

Test taker: the person registered to take the test.

The test:Oxford Test of English comprised of four modules: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

The website: that is used to provide information about the Oxford Test of English, www.oxfordtestofenglish.com.

Workstation / machine: the desk area and computer terminal where a test taker sits to take the test.