BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 recognise the test towards the ongoing acceptance of results issued via this delivery mode.
About OET
OET has been designed to assess candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in the healthcare workplace and to ensure they can deliver high quality and safe care in English-speaking healthcare environments.
The test has been developed specifically for 12 different healthcare professions and test tasks replicate real communication scenarios from the workplace. Healthcare regulators, governments and education institutions throughout the world rely on OET, including in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore and Dubai.
OET is available at more than 150 venues in 44 countries. For more information visit http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org.
About Prometric
Prometric, a global leader in test development, test delivery, and candidate services, enables test sponsors worldwide to advance their credentialing programs through test development and delivery solutions that set the standard in quality and service excellence. Prometric offers a comprehensive and reliable approach to advising, developing, managing and delivering programs in an integrated, technology-enabled environment across the world’s most secure testing network, including 14,000 locations in more than 180 countries or through the conveniences of online assessment services. For more information, visit www.prometric.com or follow us on Twitter at @PrometricGlobal and www.linkedin.com/company/prometric/.