Page 13 - ELG2207 Jul Issue 481

INTERVIEW

Putting
Putting

security
security

first
first

Janet Garcia, president of PSI,

which runs the Skills for English
test, explains what sets it apart
from the pack
President of PSI Services, Janet Garcia

What do you think makes Skills for English different? hot-button issue in many countries. What is the PSI approach?
“We carried out extensive research prior to developing the test and it “High-stakes testing is our business and we appreciate the need
showed that security, accessibility and fairness were three of the key to protect the integrity of the credentials we deliver. As a result,
areas that test sponsors, accepting institutions and test takers care we’ve developed an approach to test security that covers a number
about most. Skills for English was therefore developed with those very of angles and work closely with the Home Office to ensure they have
much in mind and delivers equally on all those fronts, setting up all full confidence in the secure delivery of Skills for English. All our
parties for success. SELT centres are approved by the Home Office, including security
“Further, we’ve partnered with the Scottish Qualifications Authority clearance of the staff supporting the delivery of the test. There are
(SQA) to create Skills for English: SELT, and both it and Skills for security protocols at the test centres on the day of the test: ID check,
English: Global carry its assurance. photograph of the test taker, etc, as well as a robust mystery shop, audit
“We are fully committed to quality and validity of the test content, and QA programme.
secure procedures and delivery, and flexible, multi-modal options for “Additionally, we employ the vast experience we have in monitoring
test takers, including online proctoring, which allows the test takers to the test performance using data forensics, as cheating usually leaves
take the test where they are. As one of the newer tests in the market, a ‘trace’ that we are able to pick up by identifying anomalies from the
we were able to build in this flexibility from the start. norm that we then investigate further. This provides a very robust
“In the majority of cases, the test takers know what level of safeguarding measure that is effective across all modalities.”
proficiency they have to demonstrate, so being able to take the test
at the level they need removes the uncertainty – and the stress – of Which markets do you see as ripe for this kind of test?
answering questions across a number of levels. “The market has been ripe for more diversity and choice for a while.
“We know how much achieving this credential means to our test With SELT locations in over 120 countries and an online proctoring
takers, which is why we’ve also prioritised our test preparation and option for Skills for English: Global, we’re opening more doors for
practice offering, which has been described as ‘generous’. We see this more people, improving their access to a secure, reliable and widely
as integral to PSI’s mission to help people succeed and improve their accepted way to prove their level of English.
lives. The materials we make available to test takers and teachers are an “Skills for English has been incredibly successful at driving rapid
effective tool for getting them ready for exam success.” acceptance as a standard for study, work or settlement purposes by a
growing number of government agencies and educational institutions
PSI is famous for, among other things, psychometric testing. in the UK, Ireland and the US.
How does that influence its language exams? “Through PSI’s UK office, we work closely with the Home
“PSI knows how to do exams and the science is at our core. PSI, along Office and the Department for International Trade (DIT),
with its talent management sister company, Talogy, has been delivering supporting their missions of developing closer collaboration, and
assessment solutions for over 75 years. We develop psychometrically forging new economic and educational ties with strategic partner
defensible assessment for hundreds of organisations globally and countries globally.”
deliver on the order of 30-million assessments a year, in 50-plus
languages in over 160 countries. We leverage that wealth of expertise What do you think the next big thing in testing is likely to be?
and experience in testing best practices for the development of valid, “With this we come full circle from the beginning of the interview:
reliable, fair language assessments. security, accessibility and fairness will likely remain the main concerns
“We have a dedicated team of language assessment experts who and our continued investment in innovation on content is focused on
ensure alignment to the CEFR, train content developers and oversee these. The experience of the recent pandemic has put remote access
an ongoing rigorous process of development and review.” to assessments, and therefore their security, into sharp focus and
keeping ahead of those wishing to cheat is crucial. The development
Skills for English has been accepted as a secure English and application of robust, secure mobile technology is likely to be the
language test in the UK. Recently exam security is a next great race in the industry.”
editorial@elgazette.com 13