OET, the world’s only international English language test specifically for healthcare professionals, has signed an agreement with global leader in technology-enabled assessment and testing solutions, Prometric™. The immediate focus of the relationship will be on aiming to launch a computer-based version of OET in the coming months that candidates can take safely and securely in the comfort of their own home through remote proctoring. This will allow OET to resume test delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and to continue to empower global healthcare by supporting the ongoing registration of overseas-trained healthcare professionals. As the name suggests, remote proctoring is managed remotely, under strict test conditions, by proctors who understand the high-stakes nature of the test. OET will be working concurrently on the availability of computer-based testing through dedicated test venues, as well as on resuming the paper-based test as soon as possible through our existing network of test venues. OET Chief Operating Officer Richard Brown said the signing of the agreement with Prometric was the culmination of a very competitive and thorough tender process that focussed on finding a highly secure solution that would meet the organisation’s commitment to delivering an excellent experience for our customers. Sujata Stead, CEO of OET, commented: “We are very excited about working with Prometric, one of the largest and most experienced testing organisations in the world. Over time, this relationship will allow us to expand our reach globally and to increase testing capacity and frequency.” “Prometric is pleased to be selected by OET as its remote assessment partner,” said Roy Simrell, CEO of Prometric. “We will leverage the considerable investment in our proven live proctoring solution to provide secure global access to the OET testing program. The ability to utilize the same reliable and easy-to-use testing system, whether in-person or online, will have value to both organizations well into the future.” While computer-based testing and remote proctoring will bring changes to the delivery mode, the test format and tasks, and level of English assessed will remain the same. The Reading, Listening and Writing sub-tests of OET will be available via computer-based delivery and the Speaking sub-test will be carried out with a human interlocutor via video conferencing software. The live human involvement and role-play nature of the OET Speaking sub-test, which is one of the key benefits of the test, will not be compromised. OET is working closely with organisations who recognize the test towards the ongoing acceptance of results issued via this delivery mode. Source
