As a response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, both the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) exam boards have decided to create computer-based testing so you can safely take the test at home.
What are these tests? And are they accepted?
What is OET@Home and OET computer-based testing?
There are two new choices to make when it comes to taking the OET exam.
OET computer-based testing means you go into a test centre but instead of writing the test with a pen and paper, you complete the test using a computer.
This is completely OPTIONAL. If you do not feel confident using a computer, you should do the paper test. You do not have to do a computer-based exam if you don’t want to.
OET@Home means you take the test from home. You login to the OET platform and take the test using your laptop or computer while sat a home.
After the coronavirus pandemic, OET tests in exam centres will resume as usual. They already have in some countries.
You can read more information about these new computer based OET tests by clicking here.
It is also important to note that as of writing this article on 10 June 2020, these computer-based OET tests are not yet available.
Will OET computer-based tests be accepted by the NMC or GMC?
The short answer is … nobody knows yet.
We believe that the GMC and NMC will accept the computer-based test as it is taken in an exam centre and can be strictly examined, just like the paper test.
However, we believe they will not accept OET@Home because they can’t guarantee students have not cheated.
What is IELTS Indicator?
IELTS Indicator is an online IELTS test that is completed by IELTS learners at home.
It is exactly the same as the paper test except it is completed using your computer instead of a pen and paper.
You can find more information about the IELTS Indicator test here.
Is IELTS Indicator accepted?
Once again, this is a complex answer… It depends.
Many universities have confirmed that they will accept the test. You can find a list of these by clicking here.
You should check with your university or organisation before applying for the IELTS Indicator test.
Will you be taking a computer-based exam or will you wait until testing resumes in your country?
Do you have a question about computer-based testing?
Leave a message in the comments below and one of our teachers will get back to you.
