For test integrity and security reasons most Password tests (all those except those for “at home” testing) are delivered on a “locked down” PC under invigilation using a secure web browser, and are proctored (invigilated) in person by staff of the test purchaser or trusted representatives.

Using this browser a test “interrupts” when it perceives an attempt at cheating by the test-taker trying to access another computer application or website such as email or Google, or indeed anything outside the test page. A warning message is displayed, and in order to re-enter the test the test-taker has to call over the invigilator. It is up to the invigilator to decide whether or not the test-taker should be allowed to proceed with the test.

Password test questions are randomly selected for that unique test as it is started from a large question data bank, resulting in countless variations of each test.

The purchaser of a Password test verifies the results of their tests taken by accessing its private results database. The purchaser can, if they wish, also issue a paper test results certificate to the test taker as a record of their achievement.

For information on recommended invigilation and testing procedures, see “Procedures for the Delivery of Password Tests“.

Password Skills Plus is designed to deter, detect and disqualify test taker cheating. Organised fraud, systemic cheating and differing cultural attitudes to test taker behaviour create major problems for universities each year when students are enrolled with insufficient English language ability to successfully engage in their studies.

Test results meet the stringent requirements of high stakes university admissions whilst being fair to test takers. Innovative test design, delivery, and review procedures therefore ensure academic misconduct is systematically identified and reported by our academic and compliance teams.

Whilst automation has its place, our experience shows us that humans are still much better at holistically interpreting and evaluating test taker output and behaviour, which means you will find human elements throughout our entire test process.

Invigilation is undertaken by our specialist online proctoring partner, Meazure Learning, who provide live human invigilation. They are the market leader for scalable online invigilation with exams accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to test takers anywhere in the world. In addition, the test taker to invigilator ratio of 4:1 compares well with a typical test centre ratio of 25:1.

A multitude of security features are embedded in the test itself, the invigilation process before and during the test, and the review procedure after the test.