How LanguageCert is transforming the exam-taking experience

Published 12/06/2020

LanguageCert offers a full range of internationally recognised language exams delivered in a wide variety of ways, writes chairman of LanguageCert, Michael Milanovic.

As a member of the much larger PeopleCert Group, a global leader in the certification industry, LanguageCert is part of a team that delivers millions of exams in many subjects in over 200 countries.

“The whole approach is designed to make taking our exams as accessible and friendly as possible”

One of the things we are proudest of is our state-of-the-art, innovative and award-winning exams administration technology and systems.

With teaching and learning moving online at such a fast pace, we recognise that exam delivery really has to do the same and, in this context, LanguageCert has recently launched its online exams with remote, live invigilation.

This system, developed by our parent company PeopleCert several years ago, is already tried and tested with many thousands of candidates all over the world. It allows candidates to take internationally recognised, Ofqual regulated high-stakes English language exams from a time and location of their choosing without having to go to a test Centre.

What are the key benefits of live online invigilated exams?

We all know that people’s lives are getting busier and busier, so being able to take an exam that fits in with your schedule is particularly appealing. LanguageCert Online exams offer candidates the chance to take high-stakes language exams anytime, anyplace, with the support and monitoring of a real person.

Our research has shown that candidates really value being able to take an exam at a time and place that suits them. The booking system is flexible and tailored to a candidate’s personal schedule, while the whole process is simple, secure and reliable with results available in just 3 working days.

Successful candidates are awarded an e-certificate, hard-copy certificate and digital badge. The whole approach is designed to make taking our exams as accessible and friendly as possible while maintaining security and offering international recognition.

Are online exams really secure enough?

An obvious question to ask is whether you can trust the security and integrity of online exams? In the case of LanguageCert, the answer is straightforward.

Our proprietary, cutting-edge software guides candidates through the exam process, making sure that their experience is comfortable and stress-free while maintaining the highest security standards.

“Candidates really value being able to take an exam at a time and place that suits them”

Candidates are identified by an online invigilator through a secure ID process and are monitored unobtrusively throughout, to ensure that the testing environment meets LanguageCert’s security standards. All candidates install ExamShield, our award-winning security software, that locks down their device and ensures that strict security is in place throughout.

Simultaneously, a series of compatibility checks make sure that all necessary device functions, such as microphone, sound and camera, are working correctly.

Once connected to one of our online carefully trained invigilators, further ID checks take place and candidates are asked to perform a 360-degree webcam rotation of the room they are in to ensure no inappropriate material is present.

Any issues identified are addressed before the exam can proceed. The online invigilator is always available to support candidates if needed.

In conclusion, I’m happy to say that LanguageCert is providing candidates with the opportunity to take high-stakes exams online and securely, which is helping to transform the exam-taking experience, making it more accessible and tailored to the needs of individual candidates.

Michael Milanovic has worked in English Language learning and assessment for many years and in several countries. He joined Cambridge English Language Assessment in 1989 first as director of research and evaluation and then CEO. He co-founded ALTE in 1990 and acted as its manager for nearly 25 years. He worked closely with the Council of Europe on its CEFR and with the European Commission on numerous projects. Since 2015, he has worked extensively with PeopleCert and is chairman of LanguageCert and a member of its Advisory Council.

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