Test Regulation.pdf

21
OET Test Regulations Booklet 2014 Version: 17/4Y04

Transcript of Test Regulation.pdf

Page 1: Test Regulation.pdf

OET Test Regulations Booklet 2014 Version: 17/4Y04

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OET Test Regulations 2014

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Version Control

Version Name

Issued Supersedes Changes from previous version

17/4Y04 17 April 2014 06/4Y02 5.7.2 Candidate feedback and complaints – process clarified 5.7.4 Disqualification process explained 5.8 Malpractice – updated Malpractice definition, sharing of information in an investigation and malpractice procedures and reiterated that all test responses are subject to statistical and qualitative analyses for the for the detection of unusual response patterns and irregular score profiles. 6.1.2 Results are now issued online approximately 14 working days after the test.

06/4Y02 6 February 2014 20/3Y12 4.3 Withdrawals – updates to policy

20/3Y12 20 December 2013 OET Test Regulations 2013

New edition for 2014. Please review all and read thoroughly.

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1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 4

1.1. Definitions 4

1.2. Important note 4

2. GENERAL REGULATIONS AND CONDITIONS ......................................................... 5

3. APPLYING FOR OET .................................................................................................. 5

4. LEADING UP TO TEST DAY ....................................................................................... 6

4.1. Registration confirmation and timetable 6

4.2. Deferral to a future test date 7

4.3. Withdrawal 8

4.4. Changing venue location 10

5. TEST DAY .................................................................................................................. 10

5.1. Reporting at the venue on test day 10

5.2. ID discrepancy 11

5.3. ID discrepancy process 12

5.4. Rescheduled tests 12

5.5. Serious illness on test day 13

5.6. Failure to attend on test day 13

5.7. During the test 13

5.8. Malpractice 16

6. AFTER THE TEST ..................................................................................................... 17

6.1. Assessment materials and results 18

6.2. Statement of Results 18

7. COPYRIGHT .............................................................................................................. 19

8. DATA PROTECTION ................................................................................................. 19

9. CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................................. 20

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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

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.

Days: any instance in this document mentioning days refers to ‘Business days’ unless

otherwise stated. A business day for the purpose of this document is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Melbourne time,

1.2 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 understood these

documents. Their ability to complete the test and/or their results may be affected if they do not comply with

the Test Regulations.

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

an 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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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:

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.

3. 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 Provision requirements should be made via the ‘Help and Information’ section at:

http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org during the application process. This includes anything that

would require special provision on test day, for example, if, due to a medical reason you would need to

visit the bathroom more frequently than rules allow on test day. We endeavour to accommodate

candidates with 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/

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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 no later than 5 days after the closing date for the test

date for which you have applied. Refer to the OET website for closing dates.

4.1.2 If your travel plans require that you arrive at or leave the test venue at a specific time, you can notify

CBLA at www.occupationalenglishtest.org and we will endeavour to timetable your Speaking sub-

test timeslot to suit. We must be notified before the closing date for the test you are attending, and

we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate.

4.1.3 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.

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

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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 provided you do so before the closing date for applications for

the test date for which you applied. 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 (see Table 1).

Table 1: Deferring your application to a future test date

Timeline Reason Will I incur a financial penalty? Deferral Procedure

Before the

closing date

for

applications

for the test

date for

which you

originally

applied

Any

reason

You may defer before the closing

date for applications for the test

date for which you originally

applied for any reason. An

administration fee of AUD $120 is

payable.

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.

After the

closing date

for test

applications

Serious

medical

reason

You may defer after the closing

date for test applications if you

have a serious medical reason and

can provide a detailed medical

certificate no later than 5 days after

the test. The certificate must state

the medical reasons why you had

to withdraw from the test and

confirm why you were unfit to sit the

test and had to defer. An

administration fee of AUD $120 is

payable. Please note, if you did

not sit the test due to the following

reasons:

you were refused entry on test

day

you chose the wrong venue

you chose the wrong sub-test

you will not be able to defer for

serious medical reasons.

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.

Any

other

reason

You may not defer after the closing

date for applications.

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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 provided you do so before the closing date for applications for the test date for which

you originally applied. If you need to withdraw after the closing date there are only certain conditions in

which you may do so. 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.

4.3.3 Administration fees apply (see Table 2).

4.3.4 The AUD $7 online booking fee paid will not be refunded.

4.3.5 Processing your refund may take up to 4 weeks.

Table 2: Withdrawing your application

Timeline Reason Will I incur a financial penalty? Withdrawal procedure

Before the

closing date

for

application

for the test

date for which

you originally

applied

Any reason

You may withdraw before the

closing date for applications for

the test date for which you

originally applied for any reason.

An administration fee of AUD $120

will be deducted from your refund.

.

Access your online

candidate profile and click

the 'Withdraw' button

an administration fee of

AUD $120 will be deducted

from your refund.

After the

closing date

for

applications

Serious

medical

reason

You may withdraw after the

closing date for applications if

you have a serious medical reason

and can provide a detailed medical

certificate no later than 5 days

after the test. The certificate must

state the medical reasons why you

had to withdraw from the test and

confirm why you were unfit to sit the

test. An administration fee of AUD

$120 is payable. Please note, if

you did not sit the test due to the

following reasons:

you were refused entry on test

day

you chose the wrong venue

you chose the wrong sub-test

you will not be able to withdraw for

serious medical reasons.

Contact CBLA via the ‘Help

and Information’ section at:

http://www.occupationalengl

ishtest.org/

an administration fee of

AUD $120 will be deducted

from your refund.

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If you do not

need to resit

due to

achieving

the

minimum

results

required

You may withdraw after the

closing date for applications and

upon the publication of your

results for your previous test (to

your online candidate profile) if you

have achieved the minimum results

required. You must notify CLBA in

writing within 2 days of your

results being published to your

online candidate profile at

http://www.occupationalenglishtest.

org/ . An administration fee of AUD

$120 is payable.

Only candidates who meet the

following criteria will qualify for

withdrawal for this reason:

You took the test on the

test date immediately

preceding the test from

which you wish to withdraw

Your results for the test

(immediately preceding the

test date from which you

wish to withdraw) were not

published at the time of

registering for the new test

You achieved a minimum

of grade B for each sub-

test on the test date

immediately preceding the

test from which you wish to

withdraw

Any request for withdrawal not

received within 2 days of your

results for the previous test being

published to your online candidate

profile will not qualify for

withdrawal.

Contact CBLA via the ‘Help

and Information’ section at:

http://www.occupationalengl

ishtest.org/ an

administration fee of AUD

$120 will be deducted from

your refund.

Any other

reason

You may not withdraw after the

closing date for test applications.

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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

provided you do so before the closing date for the test date for which you originally applied: See Table 3 and

the other conditions below:

4.4.1 Administration fees apply (see Table 3).

Table 3: Changing venue location

Timeline Reason Will I incur a financial penalty? Change of venue procedure

Before the

closing date

for the test

date for

which you

originally

applied

Any reason You may request a change of

venue before the closing date for

the test date for which you

originally applied. An

administration fee of AUD $120 is

payable.

Contact CBLA via the ‘Help and

Information’ section at:

http://www.occupationalenglishtes

t.org/

After the

closing date

for test

applications

Any reason No venue change is allowed after

the closing date for test

applications.

5. 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 venues 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 document, provided your

signature appears on that document

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 you 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. This could include before or during the first 15

minutes of any sub-test.

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Table 4: Acceptable ID

Country ID Accepted

Australia In Australia:

you must provide your original current passport as proof of

identity: no other type of photo identification will be accepted

unless officially authorised by CBLA.

Rest of World Outside Australia:

you must provide your current passport or, if you hold an official

National Identity 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

current passport as evidence of identity and provide evidence of

recent travel.

If you do not have an accepted ID document or note an error related to your ID document, please contact

CBLA via the ‘Help and Information’ section at: http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ no later than 5 days

after the closing date for applications for the test date for which you have applied.

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

Manager.

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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5.3 ID discrepancy process

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

5.4 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 What happens?

Test is rescheduled

before the test date

You can select from a future scheduled test date with no administration fee

charged.

Test is cancelled on

the day

You can select from a future scheduled 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.

Test happens on the

day but your grades

are cancelled

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.

Test happens on the

day but there are

problems (not the fault

of the candidate) and

sub-test(s) need to be

repeated

You can select from a future scheduled test date with no administration fee

or registration fee charged.

ID not valid or the name does not match exactly the name on your registration

if you are not admitted to the test your test fee will

not be refunded

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 the 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

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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 Special Consideration

If there is any problem that might affect the performance of a candidate during the test, this must be

reported to the Venue Manager on the day of the test. If appropriate, the Venue Manager will report

it to CBLA. A Special Consideration Form may be given to you in such instances. Special

Consideration must be requested on test day.

5.7.2 Feedback or Complaints

OET Test Day Complaints

If you wish to provide us with a statement about your OET test day experience please write to OET

via the Help and Information tab at www.occupationalenglishtest.org. Please include your:

Candidate ID

Name

Test date, and;

Test Venue.

CBLA values candidate feedback and always investigates thoroughly when a formal complaint is

made. You may wish to comment on any irregularities, such as seating arrangements, invigilation,

candidate behaviour, or other circumstances.

We will use your statement to investigate incidents relating to the test. Our investigation will include as appropriate: statements from other candidates, the Venue Manager, Invigilators and other Venue staff; seating plans and details of candidate identity checks; statistical analysis of responses and scoring patterns.

If you wish for your complaint to be considered by the OET Appeals Committee, you must write to us within two days of the test.

What happens next?

After you submit your statement via the Help and Information tab at

www.occupationalenglishtest.org you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your

complaint from our Customer Service team.

We may be in touch with you during the investigation period with requests for further

information.

Once the investigation is complete you will receive an email that details the outcome of our investigation. This may take 10 to 14 days.

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Please note

Complaints about test day that are not submitted in writing via the Help and Information tab

at www.occupationalenglishtest.org or received within two days of the test day cannot be

considered by the OET Appeals Committee.

Complaints need to be lodged by the candidate. CBLA will only respond to third party

complaints if authorisation to do so is first received from the candidate concerned.

Other Complaints

If you wish to contact us regarding matters other than test day, you are welcome to contact

us via the Help and Information tab at www.occupationalenglishtest.org at any time.

Our overall customer satisfaction rating for this service is over 94% and the majority of

emails received are responded to within 3 days.

Complaints need to be lodged by the candidate. CBLA will only respond to third party

complaints if authorisation to do so is first received from the candidate concerned.

Candidate Survey

After test day you will also be invited to participate in a survey on your test day experience.

You are welcome to leave feedback and rate your experience. We use this feedback to

improve our operations and pass relevant feedback onto the venues.

5.7.3 Notice to Candidates – Rules and Regulations

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 on the last page of this document

and available on http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/. A copy will also be displayed at the venue

on test day. Anyone not following the instructions contained in the Notice to Candidates may be

disqualified and 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.

5.7.4 Disqualification

If you do not follow the OET Test Regulations (e.g. if you have cheated, used unfair practice, broken

a rule or regulation, or ignored advice or information), you will be given a verbal warning from a

member of test venue staff. This will be your only warning. If you continue to not follow the OET

Test Regulations, a disqualification will be issued by a member of test venue staff, and you will

receive a ‘disqualification advisory’. What you will need to do next:

Please leave the venue quietly and avoid disturbing other candidates.

Even if you continue taking the test you will not receive a Statement of Results.

If any of your items have been confiscated venue staff will return them to you.

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CBLA will investigate the disqualification. If you wish to provide a statement please write to CBLA

within two days via the Help and Information tab at www.occupationalenglishtest.org and include:

Candidate ID

Name

Test Date and;

Test Venue.

CBLA will use your statement to investigate a disqualification. Our investigation will include as

appropriate: statements from other candidates, the Venue Manager, Invigilators and other Venue

staff; seating plans and details of candidate identity checks; statistical analysis of responses and

scoring patterns.

Please note: statements need to be lodged by the candidate. CBLA will only respond to third party

statements if authorisation to do so is first received from the candidate concerned.

What happens if you submit a statement?

After you submit your statement via the Help and Information tab at

www.occupationalenglishtest.org you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your

statement from our Customer Service team.

We may be in touch with you during the investigation period to request further information.

Once the investigation is complete you will receive an email that details the outcome of our investigation. This may take 10 to 14 days.

5.7.5 Bathroom breaks and leaving the test room

There are strict rules on when and how you are allowed to leave the test room

You may only leave the test room to go to the bathroom during Reading Part B and Writing sub-

tests, apart from the first and last ten minutes of these sub-tests

You must raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to come to escort you out of the room and

escort you back to your seat

If you feel unwell or have another emergency and decide to leave the test, you must raise your

hand and wait for an invigilator to come to escort you out of the room

If you know you may need to go to the bathroom more frequently (for example, if you are

pregnant), notify CLBA at www.occupationalenglishtest.org before the applications closing date.

5.7.5 ID Checks before and during sub-tests

You must make sure that your name and candidate number as displayed on your desk are accurate.

Invigilators must check that the name and signature (if applicable) on your ID check form match your

ID document, and that the name on your answer sheet matches your ID. Invigilators will check your

ID either before a sub-test or in the first 15 minutes of a sub-test – this differs per sub-test.

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5.8 Malpractice

5.8.1 Malpractice Overview

The CBLA Malpractice Procedure deals with cases of suspected irregular conduct deemed to be

malpractice.

Malpractice 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 and inside

all test rooms, warns candidates of the consequences of such actions.

Malpractice includes, without limitation:

obtaining unauthorised access to test material

using or trying to use unauthorised material, e.g. notes, study guides, mobile phones,

other electronic equipment, smart watches, highlighters, mechanical pens or pencils etc.

copying/collusion or attempted copying/collusion

disruptive behaviour

not following the instructions of an invigilator or Venue Manager, e.g. not switching off

mobile phones and handing them in to cloakroom staff

impersonation (pretending to be someone else)

altering any results document, including a certificate.

Cases of suspected malpractice may be identified:

by the venue, e.g. a report from an invigilator

by assessors , 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.

Irrespective of whether suspected malpractice is reported, your test responses will as a

matter of routine be subject to statistical and qualitative analyses for the detection of unusual

response patterns and irregular score profiles. If these analyses provide evidence that you may

have been involved in malpractice, CBLA will withhold your results pending further investigation.

Whenever there is evidence that results may be invalid, The OET Centre will report to, and work

with, the regulatory authorities to take appropriate remedial action.

CBLA reserves all rights provided to it under law, including without limitation, the right to withhold

results while the investigation and malpractice procedures are underway. CBLA may share

investigation details, including candidate information, with relevant regulatory authorities and law

enforcement agencies.

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5.8.2 Malpractice Procedure

The malpractice procedure usually has two stages (as below). However, if it is decided that more

information is needed after the Stage Two meeting, then 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 to be 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 and in some cases, e.g. intentional fraud, the candidate may not be allowed to sit

OET in the future. The candidate will be notified in writing if their results are withheld and if

they are eligible to apply 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 aim to complete the investigation of malpractice cases

within eight weeks.

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.

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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 14 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 OET 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.

Table 6: Additional Statement of Results

Reason Requirement Will I incur a financial

penalty?

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

You will be charged a

fee of AUD $35.00.

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7. 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 venue staff 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 quality-

control, 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.

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

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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/

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