English Language Test Declaration Form

Important Information to Know Before Taking the Test

Please read the following information carefully and fill out the form.

The QA Higher Education English Test is structured in four parts as outlined below. 

TEST STRUCTURE for Northumbria University (Scroll down to view the remainder of the information)

TEST STRUCTURE for all other Partner Universities (Scroll down to view the remainder of the information)

Location Requirements

All tests should be conducted under the following conditions: 

• The room should be well-lit 
• Candidates should be on their own throughout the entire test  

• Candidates are required to have an independent webcam, which can be positioned to see the whole keyboard and mouse clearly.  Assessors may ask for a variety of angles to monitor the tests. 
• There should be no disruptive background noise 
• Candidates are not allowed to take the test in a public place such as an internet cafe, shopping centre, car etc. 
• There must be no disruptions during the test by any third party 
• Candidates may be asked to move their camera around at any time to ensure there are no third parties in the room. Failure to do this immediately when asked may result in your test being stopped. 
• Be ready on your emails 15 minutes prior to test to receive the link to attend the test. If the assessor does not contact you at the time stated, please stay by your emails as this will come through.

If any of the above conditions are not met, the test will not be started (or will be terminated if mid-test). 

Technology Requirements

You will need: 

• You will need a desktop computer or a laptop computer to take the test (iPad, mobile phones, tablets, Chromebooks etc. are NOT acceptable) 
• Microsoft Teams invite can be accepted on the web browser, or the app can be downloaded.
• An independent webcam and speakers. 
• To use Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome or Opera.  Mac users will not be able to use Safari for the test as it does not recognise audio files in the test. Browsers should not have any add-on software or applications which translate or find words, or that give suggestions for vocabulary to assist candidates. 
• A stable internet connection. We recommend using an Ethernet cable plugged in to an internet router if your WiFi connection is unstable. 
• Candidates may need a working VPN to access the test page.  This includes candidates in Poland, Iran, Nigeria, Turkey, China, Vietnam and Thailand, among others.  

Are You Allowed To Take Notes During the Test?
You are only allowed to take notes in the second part of the Speaking test, (the assessor will inform you when you can take notes). You are NOT allowed to take notes during the Listening, Reading and Writing tests.  

Checklist for Your English Language Test
Please read and tick to confirm that you have understood the requirements before your English Test (Scroll down to view the remainder of the information):  

I confirm that I have read and understood all of the information provided to me above and I have prepared myself to undertake the test.

I understand that failure to attend my test without sufficient notice will mean that I will not be allowed to rebook the test.

I understand that if the declaration form is not fully completed and returned, no later than 3 days working days prior to the test date, will result in my test being cancelled and that I may not be offered the opportunity to re-schedule.

In registering for the English test, I also accept the following Terms & Conditions:

• I confirm that I have not been made aware of the specific content or the exact questions that will be raised as part of the test.
• I confirm that I will undertake this test without any assistance from individuals, software or tools (e.g. translation device) other than those used by QA Higher Education as part of the assessment process.
• I confirm that I will not take recordings, photographs, screen-shots or capture images or videos in any other manner once the test has started.
• I agree that all Microsoft Teams calls can be recorded by QA Higher Education.
• I understand that the answers provided in the English Test form part of my application.
• I also understand that any false or inaccurate information or breach of any conditions during the test may lead to the immediate rejection of my application without recourse or appeal.

As such, I will promptly notify QA Higher Education of any details supplied which are inaccurate or false.

Declaration Form

The declaration form must be fully completed with correct information.

When you submit the form, you will receive an email on the email address provided with a link that will be taken to the calendar where you can choose a date and time that is convenient for you to sit your test, from the dates and times that are available.

Before you begin, please ensure that you have the following:

• Access to your mailbox to receive the invitation to the test
• Microsoft Teams will be used – either through your browser or desktop app
• Passport – please use your full name that is on your passport
• Offer letter – please ensure you provide your Student ID so that we can identify your student record. This will contain numbers
• Correct contact details that match your course application form.

You will also need this information for your test too.

Your test booking may be cancelled if any of the records are incorrect and/or we are unable to identify you against your student record or you are not eligible to take the test.

You will be able to change or cancel the test yourself, however if you fail to do this or do not notify us at least 3 days before the test date, you will not be given another opportunity to take the test.

The test will be conducted by and invigilated by QA Higher Education assessors.

If you are using a desktop/laptop, please ensure you are using Chrome or Firefox as your browser.

English Language Test Declaration Form

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We will process your information in accordance with our data policy, more details of which can be found on our privacy statement.