Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC): Test Inspection

• How materials are received and logged by the centre.
• How materials are transported to the secure room and secured in a lockable storage unit.
• How materials are checked, what to look for and what action needs to be taken if concerns identified.
• Question about access to the secure room and how this is controlled.
• Review the secure room and lockable storage unit.
• Security of onscreen tests, control of password and admin rights.

• Check the room to ensure it is set up, ready and suitable for the test/exam (exam notices, seating arrangements, no reference material on walls, a working clock and test details are displayed).
• A copy of the relevant handbook/support documents (paper or electronic).
• A copy of a seating plan is available (showing any candidates with special arrangements or resits).
• Any audio equipment available, tested and suitable for the room / number of candidates.
• Workstations for onscreen tests have been checked with spares available.

• How candidates enter the test/exam room, the checking of candidate ID and the registration process
• The opening and distribution of test papers
• The warning to candidates and instructions
• Instructions to include what to do in the case of an emergency:
  • Instructions to be adapted to meet "exam conditions"
  • Candidates to remain under exam conditions (segregated, supervised and not to talk to anyone whilst outside).

• Ensure prohibited items have been removed and not used during the test:
  • Bags and coats to be left at the front of the room or outside the room, if possible
  • No mobile phones or web-enabled devices
  • Watches to be removed and placed on the desk in front of them
  • Water bottles to have no labels (clear bottles only)
  • If pencil cases are required they are to be clear, see-through.

• How the live test/exam is conducted
• How the invigilators conduct their role
• Looking for signs of candidate malpractice (cheating).

• How candidates finish their test/exam and the collection of their papers
• The final sealing of papers
• How answer sheets and other materials are securely stored until the return to Pearson
• The close-down of onscreen tests
• How invigilators / exam managers / officers notify Pearson of any late arrivals, disturbances or malpractice.

Test inspectors will be randomly allocated to conduct inspections to ensure that Pearson conditions are being adhered too. This is to ensure that papers remain secure, exams are being conducted appropriately and that candidates are not being disadvantaged.

Once inspected, the inspector will submit their findings to the Test Inspection team (the inspector will not confirm the outcome of the inspection on the day). The team will then send the report with any identified actions to the centre within 10 working days.