Oet

OET Test Regulations Booklet 2013

OET Test Regulations 2013

1.

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 3

1.1.

Definitions

3

1.2.

Important note

3

2.

GENERAL REGULATIONS AND CONDITIONS ......................................................... 4

3.

APPLY FOR OET ......................................................................................................... 4

4.

LEADING UP TO TEST DAY ....................................................................................... 4

4.1.

Registration confirmation and timetable

4

4.2.

Deferral to a future test date

5

4.3.

Withdrawal

6

4.4.

Changing venue location

7

5.

TEST DAY .................................................................................................................... 7

5.1.

Reporting at the venue on test day

7

5.2.

ID discrepancy

8

5.3.

ID discrepancy process

9

5.4.

Rescheduled tests

9

5.5.

Serious illness on test day

10

5.6.

Failure to attend on test day

10

5.7.

During the test

10

5.8.

Malpractice Procedure

10

6.

AFTER THE TEST ..................................................................................................... 12

6.1.

Assessment materials and results

12

6.2.

Statement of Results

12

7.

COPYRIGHT .............................................................................................................. 13

8.

DATA PROTECTION ................................................................................................. 13

9.

CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................................. 14

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OET Test Regulations 2013

1

Introduction

These are the Test Regulations relating to Occupational English Test (OET). These regulations, policies and procedures are designed to ensure that all OET candidates are treated equitably and fairly, that the testing environment is secure and that all staff conform to high-quality performance standards. Anyone who requires additional information should go to the „Help and Information‟ section of http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ 1.1

Definitions     

1.2

OET: Occupational English Test CBLA: Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment, Owner of OET Venue: an authorised OET Test Venue. Venues are independently run institutions and CBLA is not responsible for any actions or omissions by venues Venue Manager: the main point of contact at a venue Candidate: someone who has registered with CBLA via http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ to take OET

Important note

CBLA accepts test applications on the basis that venues and candidates fully understand the Test Regulations incorporating the Notice to Candidates (see last page of this document). Candidates will be asked to confirm, as part of the test-day registration process, that they have read and understand these documents and that their ability to complete the test or their results may be affected if they do not comply with them. Any questions before test day can be directed to CBLA at the „Help and Information‟ section at http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ On test day, questions should be directed to the Venue Manager or invigilator. This document contains policies and procedures relevant to candidates. It is important that venues also familiarise themselves with this document so they can advise candidates accordingly.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

2

General regulations and conditions

2.1

OET may be taken by anyone, regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or other attribute protected by Australian anti-discrimination laws. Although OET is designed for native speakers of languages other than English, no language-related restrictions apply.

2.2

The following restrictions apply:   

3

All sub-tests must be taken on the dates specified. All four sub-tests are compulsory for first-time OET applicants. Responsibility rests with candidates to check the English Language Skills Registration Standard of the authority that regulates their profession or the minimum OET grade accepted by the institution to which they are applying.

Applying for OET

3.1

Applying for OET is done via http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ CBLA will advise the venue or candidate on matters such as the test dates, test closing dates and test fees.

3.2

Candidate fees for OET are charged by CBLA for each candidate registered.

3.3

CBLA does not advise on textbooks or courses of study, or recommend teaching establishments. Where a venue is permitted to use OET branding, this only indicates that they are certified to administer OET. It does not indicate they are endorsed as a teaching establishment.

3.4

CBLA is committed to providing access to candidates with health-related and any other special needs. Requests for special requirement should be made via the „Help and Information‟ section at: http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org during the application process. We endeavour to accommodate special requirements where reasonably possible.

3.5

Applications will not be accepted after the application closing date, which is published at http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/

4

Leading up to test day

4.1

Registration confirmation and timetable

4.1.1

Candidates will receive an initial email confirmation of application from CBLA. This confirmation must be checked very carefully, particularly for any incorrect spelling and ID details, and any corrections should be drawn to the attention of CBLA immediately via http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/. ID or any other corrections can only be made up to three weeks before the test date for which you have applied.

4.1.2

Approximately two weeks prior to the test date, timetables will be emailed to candidates with details of where and when the test will take place.

4.1.3

For security reasons, requests to deviate from the published timetable cannot be approved.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

4.2

Deferral to a future test date

If you are registered to sit OET but then find you are not able to attend the test for any reason, you can defer to the next available test date more than 3 weeks before the test date. See Table 1 and the other conditions below: 4.2.1

You must defer the whole application – it is not possible to defer some sub-tests and leave the application for others the same.

4.2.2

A deferral cannot be reversed.

4.2.3

Administration fees apply.

Table 1: Deferring your application to a future test date Timeline More than 3 weeks before test date

Reason Any reason

Will I incur a financial penalty? You may defer more than 3 weeks before the test date for any reason. An administration fee of AUD $120 is payable.

Deferral Procedure  



Within 3 weeks of the test date

Serious medical reason

Any other reason

You may defer within 3 weeks before the test date if you have a serious medical reason and can provide a medical certificate within 5 days stating the medical reasons why you had to withdraw from the test and confirming why you were unfit to sit the test and had to defer. An administration fee of AUD $120 is payable. You may not defer within 3 weeks of the test date.







Access your online candidate profile and click the 'Defer' button pay a non-refundable administration fee by credit card only (Visa or MasterCard) be prepared to sit the next available administration. Contact CBLA via the „Help and Information‟ section at: http://www.occupationalenglishtest .org/ pay a non-refundable administration fee by credit card only (Visa or MasterCard) be prepared to sit the next available administration.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

4.3

Withdrawal

If you are registered to sit OET but then find you are not able to attend the test, you can withdraw and request a refund more than 3 weeks before the test date. See Table 2 and other conditions below: 4.3.1

if you withdraw you may be eligible for a refund depending on the reason and time when you withdraw, see Table 2 for details.

4.3.2

if the request is approved, the application will be removed and no Statement of Results will be issued.

Table 2: Withdrawing your application Timeline More than 3 weeks before test date

Reason Any reason

Within 3 weeks of the test date

Serious medical reason

Any other reason

Will I incur a financial penalty? You may withdraw more than 3 weeks before the test date for any reason. An administration fee of AUD $120 will be deducted from your refund.

Withdrawal procedure

You may withdraw within 3 weeks before the test date if you have a serious medical reason and can provide a medical certificate within 5 days stating the medical reasons why you had to withdraw from the test and confirming why you were unfit to sit the test and had to defer. An administration fee of AUD $120 will be deducted from your refund. You may not withdraw within 3 weeks of the test date.









Access your online candidate profile and click the 'Withdraw' button an administration fee will be deducted from your refund. Contact CBLA via the „Help and Information‟ section at: http://www.occupationalenglishtest .org/ an administration fee will be deducted from your refund.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

4.4

Changing venue location

If you are registered to sit OET but then find you need to change your venue location, for example, if you move location, you can change to another OET venue published on http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org more than 3 weeks before the test date: See Table 3 and the other conditions below: 4.4.1

Administration fees apply.

Table 3: Changing venue location

5

Timeline More than 3 weeks before test date

Reason Any reason

Will I incur a financial penalty? You may request a change of venue more than 3 weeks before the test date. An administration fee of AUD $120 is payable.

Within 3 weeks of the test date

Any reason

No venue change is allowed within 3 weeks of the test day.

Change of venue procedure Contact CBLA via the „Help and Information‟ section at: http://www.occupationalenglishtes t.org/

Test Day

Note that some venues may be subject to video monitoring for security purposes. CBLA regularly inspects its authorised venues to ensure that they are administering OET according to its strict regulations. Most inspections are unannounced and can be carried out at any venue used to administer OET. 5.1

Reporting at the venue on test day

All venues will require candidates to do each of the following:  You must present the ID document you used when you applied for OET. Your ID document must be current and the ID document details must match exactly the details you provided in your application for this test; otherwise, you will not be allowed to sit the test.  Your signature will be verified against your official photo identification.  You will be asked to sign the Candidate Register as part of the test-day registration process.  Your photo will also be taken. Venues will notify candidates about procedures accordingly.  You will be required to show your ID and/or sign a Candidate Identity Check form at various points throughout the test administration.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

Table 4: Acceptable ID Country Australia

Rest of World

ID Accepted In Australia:  you must provide your original current passport as proof of identity: no other type of photo identification will be accepted. Outside Australia:  you must provide your current passport or if you hold an official National Identify Card for the country in which you are sitting the test you may use your current card as your ID document.  if you are testing outside your country of origin you must use your passport as evidence of identity and provide evidence of recent travel.

If you do not have an accepted ID document please contact CBLA via the „Help and Information‟ section at: http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ 5.2

ID discrepancy

The venue staff checking candidates‟ ID have the right to decide what will happen in the case of ID problems. Please note the process and the general conditions below:  Prior admission to a test venue based on a given ID document does not guarantee that the document will be considered acceptable.  All reported cases of questionable ID are subject to review and approval by CBLA after the test administration. CBLA reserves the right to withhold and/or cancel grades in the event that the ID requirements are not met. You will not be admitted to the test if the last name on your primary ID does not match the name you used when you registered. Your test fee will not be refunded if you are not permitted to sit the test or if your grades are withheld or cancelled because of invalid or unacceptable ID. You may be admitted, but will need to provide supplemental ID within 5 days of the test if your primary ID document is otherwise acceptable but shows minor discrepancies when compared to the OET Candidate Register. If you need to provide further ID after test day you will be given an ID/name discrepancy form by the venue. The following ID documents are generally acceptable as supplemental ID:  Government-issued ID card  Student ID card  Working with Children Check card (within Australia)  Medicare card (within Australia).

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OET Test Regulations 2013

5.3

ID discrepancy process

The venue staff have the right to decide whether you will be admitted to the test.

if you are not admitted to the test your test fee will not be refunded ID not valid or the name does not match exactly the name on your registration

5.4

If you are admitted to the test you will be required to provide supplemental ID after the test date

send through supplemental ID/disrepancy documentation within 5 days after test date

If positive confirmation is made, you will receive your test scores, but these may be delayed depending on processing time If positive confirmation is not made, your test grades may be withheld or cancelled

Rescheduled tests

Circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, may result in a delayed start or rescheduled test, or may result in grades being cancelled after you take the test. Table 5: Rescheduled test When Test is rescheduled before the test date Test is cancelled on the day

Test happens on the day but your grades are cancelled

What happens? You can select a different test date with no administration fee charged. You may select a different test date with no administration fee charged or request a full refund. If you have incurred travel costs to get to the venue, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable and documented travel expenses for yourself within 30 days of your original test date, on condition that appropriate receipts are presented. CBLA will determine whether you are eligible to select a different test date with no administration fee charged or request a full refund. If you have incurred travel costs to get to the venue, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable and documented travel expenses for yourself within 30 days of your original test date, on condition that appropriate receipts are presented.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

5.5

Serious illness on test day

If you could not attend the test day due to serious illness, and you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administrative fee of AUD $120. Please note this does not apply to minor illnesses. 5.6

Failure to attend on test day

If you do not attend on the test day for any reason other than serious illness, you will lose your full fee. 5.7

During the test

5.7.1

If there is any problem that might affect the performance of a candidate during the test, this must be reported to the venue on the day of the test. If appropriate, the Venue Manager will report it to CBLA. A Special Consideration Form may be given to the candidate in such instances. Special Consideration must be requested on test day.

5.7.2

If you would like to make a complaint regarding any aspect of the test day, please see the Venue Manager on test day as there may be associated forms that need to be filled in on the day.

5.7.3

The rules and regulations on how candidates must behave during the test are given in the Notice to Candidates. You sign up to this when you apply for OET; a copy is available on http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ and a copy will be displayed at the venue on test day. Anyone not following the instructions contained in the Notice to Candidates may be stopped from taking the test or may be subject to CBLA Malpractice Procedures, as detailed below. Malpractice such as copying is likely to be noticed by an invigilator or supervisor, but may also be detected by assessors during marking and by routine statistical checks applied to candidates‟ answers. Any candidate found to have been involved in malpractice will not receive a result. Candidates should note that the inclusion of offensive comments, such as obscenities or racist remarks, in test responses is unacceptable and may lead to results being disqualified.

5.8

Malpractice Procedure

The CBLA Malpractice Procedure deals with cases of suspected irregular conduct. Irregular conduct is any action which gives or aims to give unfair advantage to a candidate or causes disadvantage to other candidates. The Notice to Candidates, which is displayed outside all test rooms, warns candidates of the consequences of such actions. Examples of malpractice include:  obtaining unauthorised access to test material  using or trying to use unauthorised material, e.g. notes, study guides, mobile phones  copying/collusion or attempted copying/collusion  disruptive behaviour or not following the instructions of an invigilator, supervisor or Venue Manager, e.g. not switching off mobile phones  impersonation (pretending to be someone else)  altering any results document, including a certificate.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

Cases of suspected malpractice may be reported:  by the venue, e.g. a report from an invigilator  by an invigilator, e.g. unusual incorrect answers shared by candidates who were sitting next to each other  by statistical analysis of candidates' answer sheets  via an application for Special Consideration, e.g. where a mobile phone has disturbed a group of candidates. The Procedure usually has two stages. However, if all the information needed is not available at Stage Two, a Stage Three meeting may also be required. Stage One Malpractice Committee meeting The Malpractice Committee looks at all available evidence in relation to the case (e.g. seating plans, question papers and answer sheets). If the Committee feels that there is no case to answer, it recommends that the candidate's results be released. If the Committee decides that further investigation is needed, it recommends that the candidate's results be withheld. This means that no final result or certificate is issued at this stage. If results are withheld, the venue informs the candidate and asks them to give a statement. This statement is returned to CBLA, together with any other information requested. Stage Two Malpractice Committee meeting The Malpractice Committee looks at the case again, taking into account the candidate statement and any other additional information. After carefully considering all the evidence, the Committee recommends whether the candidate's result should be released or permanently withheld. If it is decided that a candidate's results can be released, the original results will be issued, unchanged. If it is decided that the results should be permanently withheld, the candidate will not receive a result. However, the candidate can enter for OET in the future. This procedure is designed to ensure that all decisions are consistent, fair and based on the fullest information available. We usually aim to complete the investigation of malpractice cases within eight weeks.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

6

After the test

OET sub-tests are marked by qualified assessors who are subject to a rigorous training-and-monitoring programme. Statistical analysis of interlocutor performance is provided to CBLA and assessor feedback also forms part of the monitoring. 6.1

Assessment materials and results

6.1.1

CBLA cannot be held responsible for the loss of test scripts or materials while in transit from the venue and/or its venues to CBLA.

6.1.2

Results are issued online approximately 15 working days after the test. A grade ranging from A–E is issued for each sub-test. An overall grade for OET is not issued.

6.1.3

From time to time CBLA is unable to release results in the timeframe stated in 6.1.2. Possible reasons for this might include that we are investigating a claim of malpractice, we are unable to match the identity documents provided, a candidate has applied for special consideration and we are considering that request or we are experiencing technical issues.

6.1.4

CBLA may withhold results in some instances relating to rescheduled tests, malpractice, ID mismatch, special consideration requests and technical issues. See relevant sections in this document for further information.

6.1.5

CBLA does not re-mark on request. The assessment process is rigorous, involving routine double marking, triple marking as required and statistical analysis.

6.1.6

CBLA does not provide feedback on the performance of a candidate (e.g. “Where did he or she go wrong?”). Information about a candidate‟s performance in sub-tests is limited to what is contained in the Statement of Results. No further information will be given to candidates or venues. Under no circumstances will CBLA return work done by candidates.

6.2

Statement of Results

6.2.1

Statements of Results are mailed directly to candidates approximately 7 days after the results are published online. At the time of application candidates can also order and pay for additional copies to be sent to professional authorities (see http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org for applicable fees). CBLA Statements of Results are important documents containing a number of security features in order to make it difficult for them to be forged or copied.

6.2.2

Statement of Results can only be replaced if the original was issued less than two years before the request date. The replacement Statement of Results will contain the original test date. See Table 6 for more information.

6.2.3

Statements of Results are issued in the name of the candidate at the time OET was taken. Replacement Statements of Results will not be provided to accommodate a subsequent change of name.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

Table 6: Additional Statement of Results

7

Reason

Requirement

Accidentally damaged, lost or for any other reason, and issued less than two years ago

Apply for replacement Statement of Results through http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org

Will I incur a financial penalty? You will be charged a fee of AUD $35.00.

Copyright

7.1

CBLA holds the copyright on all question papers and test material. Question papers and test material may not be taken from the test room or reproduced in whole or in part without permission in writing from CBLA.

7.2

CBLA does not allow candidates or venues to view candidates‟ answers or any other work done as part of OET.

7.3

CBLA will not return any work produced by candidates in the test to candidates or venues.

8

Data protection

8.1

CBLA is subject to various data-protection and privacy laws and authorised venues are required to comply with applicable data-protection and privacy laws. As well as collecting personal information from you directly, CBLA may collect personal information from OET venues and third parties such as those to whom personal information may be disclosed under this Data Protection section and our Privacy Policy.

8.2

The personal information of candidates may be collected, used and disclosed by CBLA in connection with the administration of OET, quality control, identity verification, research and development, the investigation and prevention of fraud, crime and misconduct (including cheating) and any acquisition or potential acquisition of CBLA. Without personal information of candidates, we may not be able to do these things, for example candidates will not be able to undertake OET. Unless candidates opt out by contacting us, we may provide marketing communications to candidates on an ongoing basis by telephone, electronic messages (like email) and other means. We may exchange the personal information of candidates with Cambridge University Press, who may also use information for these purposes.

8.3

Work produced in OET will be used in the assessment of performance in the test and written work, video and audio recordings of candidates‟ Speaking tests may also be used as part of CBLA‟s qualitycontrol, research and development activities, or extracts in anonymised form may be reproduced in published test-preparation material. This work may include activities within Cambridge University, such as with Cambridge University Press.

8.4

Information on how candidates performed in OET will be sent directly to the candidate and may be sent to another third party authorised by the candidate for verification purposes related to professional registration, immigration or work or study applications. In addition, certain third parties may view information; details can be found at http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ Work produced by candidates in the test will not be returned to the candidate or to their venue.

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OET Test Regulations 2013

8.5

If a candidate is suspected of and investigated for malpractice, their personal details and details of the investigation may be passed to a third party. For example, if they want to use their result for visa purposes, CBLA may need to share this information with the relevant immigration authority or registration board.

8.6

We may also share the personal information of candidates with our related companies, agents and service providers, including those providing mailing house, legal, accounting, business and financial consulting, archival, auditing, banking, marketing, advertising, delivery, customer contact, information technology, research, utility, insurance, data processing, data analysis, investigation or security services.

8.7

Some of the third parties to whom we may disclose the personal information of candidates may be located in other countries. CBLA is required to protect your information under the Privacy Act in relation to these disclosures. While these third parties outside Australia will often be subject to privacy and confidentiality obligations, you acknowledge that they may not always comply with the particular requirements of Australian privacy laws.

8.8

Our Privacy Policy contains further details about how we handle personal information and matters such as access, correction-and-complaint procedures and website privacy. Our Privacy Policy is accessible via www.occupationalenglishtest.org and on request.

9

Contact details

For help and information please contact: The ‘Help and Information’ section at http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/

© CBLA 2013 | 30/3Y08

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Notice to Candidates (part of OET Test Regulations 2013)

This notice contains important rules and regulations for the day of the test. Invigilators have the power to enforce these rules and regulations and have the right to ask you to leave the test room immediately. Any instruction they give must be followed carefully and quickly.

RULES AND REGULATIONS YOU MUST bring to the test the ID document you used when you applied for this test. Your ID document must be current and the details must match exactly the details you provided otherwise you will not be allowed to sit the test. 

 

  

 

In Australia: you must provide your current passport as proof of identity.  Outside Australia: you must provide your current passport or if you hold an official National Identify Card for the country in which you are sitting the test, you may use your current card as your ID document. You MUST bring your candidate number. It is not necessary to bring any printouts. Note – a 'hall ticket' is not provided. YOU MUST only take into the test room what you need to complete the test. You may bring:  pens, pencils, erasers, a pencil sharpener, a small bottle of water in a clear plastic bottle and your identification document. YOU MUST disable any alarms on your mobile phone or other electronic items, then switch them off before handing them over with your personal belongings at registration. YOU MUST stop writing immediately when told to do so. YOU MUST make sure your name and candidate number are on each book/sheet you have used. Wait until the invigilator has collected your question paper and answer sheet(s) before you leave the test room. YOU MUST be on time – if you are not in the test room at the start of the test you will not be allowed to take the test. DO NOT cheat, copy, give anything to, take anything from,

 

    

or talk to another candidate. You will be held responsible if your test papers are exposed so that other candidates can copy them. DO NOT talk to or disturb other candidates during the test. DO NOT bring into the test room any bags, notes, study materials, dictionary, electronic items such as mobile phones, digital sound recorders, MP3 players, cameras, highlighters, mechanical pens, mechanical pencils, scrap paper, correction fluid or tape. DO NOT attempt to record or reproduce any part of the test. DO NOT smoke, eat or drink in the test room, apart from drinking water in a plastic bottle. DO NOT take any question papers, answer sheets or rough paper out of the test room. DO NOT make any noise near the test room. DO NOT leave the test room for any reason without the permission of the invigilator. You are not allowed to leave the test room during the following times:  between the subtests  during the Listening sub-test  during Reading Part A  during the Speaking sub-tests, or  in the last 10 minutes of the Reading Part B and Writing sub-tests. At all other times you must be accompanied by an invigilator and will not be admitted back into the test room if you have not been accompanied. No additional time allowance will be given if you choose to leave the room.

ADVICE AND INFORMATION Make sure you are on time  You are responsible for knowing the date, time and place of your test and arriving well before the scheduled start time.  If you arrive late you will not be permitted to sit the test. Advice and assistance during the test  Listen to the invigilator and follow the instructions.  If you are not sure about what to do, raise your hand to attract attention. The invigilator will come to your assistance  You must not ask for, and will not be given, any explanation related to the questions.



If you do not feel well on the day of the test or think that your work may be affected for any other reason, tell the invigilator immediately.

Listening, Reading and Writing sub-tests  Read carefully and follow the instructions on the question papers and answer sheets.  Tell the invigilator at once if: – your personal details on the answer sheet are wrong – you think you have been given the wrong question paper – the question paper is incomplete or badly printed.

DISQUALIFICATION WARNING If you cheat, use any unfair practice, break any of the rules or regulations, or ignore any advice or information, you will be disqualified and no results will be issued. You may also be subjected to further disciplinary action at CBLA’s discretion.

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