The major testing provider cited concerns that those taking such a test could sit the exam in a location of their choice, rather than in “a well-supervised and controlled test environment”.
It comes after confirmation from the Home Office that it is moving ahead with a “digital-by-default” test that would also uphold “the rigorous standards necessary to support our immigration decisions”.
IELTS, run jointly by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the British Council and IDP, said it had warned the Home Office of its concerns over the “risks inherent” in a fully remote test throughout the tender process.
It maintains that the most secure approach to testing combines in-person with digital security. “We will not compromise on quality given the importance of these tests to the UK,” an IELTS spokesperson said.
The IELTS spokesperson commented that when the government first set out plans to overhaul English testing it had “created an opportunity” to strengthen testing by combining digital safeguards with human oversight “using people as the first and last line of defence”.
“As the tender process went on, that changed and there was a shift towards a less well-evidenced model,” they continued. “Now is the time to pause and reflect on whether the planned approach best supports raising standards and security across the immigration system.”
Now is the time to pause and reflect on whether the planned approach best supports raising standards and security across the immigration system
IELTS
“The Home Office’s planned approach would rely on unproven technologies and practices. We cannot bid for HOELT as it is currently constructed while retaining our commitment to quality, integrity and security in assessment.”
A Home Office spokesperson commented: “Secure English Language Testing is a fundamental part of the UK’s immigration system. We are still in the process of securing a test provider who will meet the highest thresholds of data security and fraud prevention.”
The PIE understands the Home Office has carried out market engagement with providers and any future test would be expected to meet strict standards on security, fraud prevention and data protection.
Meanwhile, Francesca Woodward, global managing director for English at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “We support the Home Office’s objective to strengthen security, but we are concerned that plans for a remote-first English test will weaken that.”
And Simon Emmett, chief partner Officer at IDP, said: “For high‑stakes migration testing, our judgement remains that the highest security is achieved through human‑supervised assessment in secure venues.”
IELTS said it would “assist any way we can” with any transition to the HOELT and that it maintains a “strong and collaborative relationship” with UKVI and the Home Office.
English testing expert, Michael Goodine, spoke to The PIE about the decision from IELTS: “If the IELTS consortium has determined that they are unable to deliver a suitably secure remote test, their decision to withdraw from the process makes a lot of sense.
“I haven’t read the letter they sent to the Home Office in full, but it almost seems like they have suggested that no one is capable of delivering a secure test. I’m not sure I agree with that assessment, as every potential bidder has their own strengths, expertise and technology,” he added.
