IELTS pulls Home Office bid over remote testing security fears

The world’s largest English language testing service has withdrawn its bid to be the provider for the UK government’s new online assessment, citing security concerns.

The Home Office’s new English Language Test (HOELT) is seeking a supplier for its “fully remote” service, which will replace the current system of in-person assessment at controlled test centres.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is run by Cambridge University Press and Assessment, the British Council and IDP Education, has withdrawn from the tender and told the Home Office that it is concerned about the risk to the UK immigration system from fully remote online tests.

Francesca Woodward, global managing director for English at Cambridge University Press and 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.

“The most secure approach combines human expertise and digital tools while retaining full control over the test environment.” 

The news comes after both the world’s leading accountancy body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and the Law School Admissions Test announced that they were scrapping online assessments over cheating concerns.

IELTS urged the government to pause and reflect on whether the planned approach best supports raising standards and security across the immigration system. 

A spokesperson added: “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.

“The most secure approach to the highest-stakes English proficiency tests combines in-person supervision with digital security underpinned from the start by established regulation and proven practices. We will not compromise on quality given the importance of these tests to the UK.”

There have been growing concerns around the quality of online tests for some time. And recent research has shown that students who take “less traditional” English language tests to gain entry to UK universities may struggle more to adjust to the classroom.

Susan Kinnear, an expert on English proficiency and deputy vice-principal at the University of Dundee, said a “digital first” approach could only be appropriate where there is strong evidence that governance standards will be met and that outcomes can be fully verified through independent research.

“Fully remote test-taking without strict governance increases the risk of malpractice, undermines academic integrity for high stakes entry into university and jeopardises student wellbeing and experience.”

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com