A few more stray notes about the LANGUAGECERT Academic test before I move on.

(you can read my initial notes over here)

1. The test really does feel like a somewhat modernized take on the IELTS Test.  A frequent complaint about the IELTS is that it hasn’t changed a lot since the 1990s. One gets the impression that the people behind the LanguageCert product set out to design something very much like the IELTS… but contemporary. Many of the items on this test are broadly similar to those on the IELTS, with small tweaks. Which is fascinating, as most test makers seeking to compete with the IELTS have gone in a wholly different direction. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that LanguageCert is staffed by a lot of ex-IELTS folk.

2. Again, I want to emphasize that being able to do a room scan with my phone was pure bliss. It sometimes seems that test makers are not aware of how frigging terrible room scans are. Most people take tests using a built-in laptop camera and must carry their machine around the room to complete a scan of the walls, of the ceiling, of under their desk, under the seat of their chair, inside their desk drawers, etc.  And this experience has only gotten more burdensome. I recently related a humorous story of how one test taker was required to open the door to their flat to show the public hallway and elevator to their proctor. I was once required to hoist my heavy office chair to chest level to give my proctor a peek at the bottom.  Since I am middle-aged and out of shape, that request left me with a sore lower back for the rest of the afternoon. Needless to say, all of this is easier to do with a phone than with a bulky laptop with peripherals dangling off of it.  I urge all test makers to consider implementing a “scan by phone” option. Even if you don’t think it is necessary to require the phone as a secondary camera while the test is in progress, you should consider implementing it as an option for room scans.

3. There is so much Australian-accented English on this test that one would think it is a made-in-Australia test. Perhaps the folks at PeopleCert are making a play for visa acceptance in that country. Most tests include a few dudes that sound like Geoffrey Rush and leave it at that. That’s not the case here. The speakers are immediately identifiable as Australian.

4. I’ve attached a screenshot to highlight the “NVIDIA Issue” I mentioned in my previous post.  Note the three NVIDIA applications that the test software detected. I hit “okay” multiple times with no effect. The software was not able to shut them down and no error message was displayed. I worked around this by shutting down the test software and manually disabling the NVIDIA junk… but by the end of the test, it was running again. I’ve been writing about this potential security issue since 2022. I am convinced that it is the cause of many “unauthorized software detected” cancellations of various test products.

5. The second screenshot is from my account following the test. The UI is very nice.

I just completed the LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (at home). A few notes while everything remains fresh in my mind:

1. The setup process was smooth. The “Examshield” software used by LanguageCert is pretty slick. It took me about 20 minutes to complete the login process each time (once for the speaking test + once for the rest). This highlights the value of keeping the proctoring process in-house.
2. A notable feature is the use of a mobile phone as a secondary camera during the test. For added security, the test taker logs into an app and points their phone at their keyboard during the test. Duolingo does the same thing. It was surprisingly simple.
3. Also: I completed a room scan using my phone instead of by carrying my heavy laptop around. This is a gamechanger. It makes the whole process much more comfortable. Seriously: if anyone from Pearson or ETS is reading this, know that your test takers will love you for switching to this method. You may not realize how annoying room scans are. Institutions will appreciate the added security.
4. I could log in with my Google credentials. Joy.
5. It wasn’t all perfect, though. As noted earlier, I was required to use a headset with a built-in microphone. It had to be wired (not bluetooth). I could not use my laptop speakers or mic. I could not use my nice Bose headphones with an aux cable because they don’t have a visible mic. I could not use my cheap earbuds with an in-line mic. This necessitated a shopping trip. This requirement represents an added expense for test takers.
6. And: the proctoring software wasn’t able to shut down my NVIDIA junk. I kept clicking the “okay” button to shut it down with no effect. I had to close the software and do that manually. Since this happens before the proctor comes online, some test takers will certainly get stuck here and fail to complete the test. I’ve actually written about how NVIDIA junk might be the cause of many test cancellations. It is worth further study.
7. And also: the instructional PDF given to test takers is way too dense. No one needs to read a six-year changelog or about irrelevant runtimes and bootstrappers.
8. Customer support interactions were pleasant and speedy. Top marks for that. The proctors were polite and almost bubbly. Both aspects suggest that LanguageCert is actively studying what their competitors are doing wrong.
9. The speaking test is carried out by a live interviewer, and is graded both by that person and by someone who later watches a video. This will appeal to people who worry about bias.
10. I like that the “describe the chart” writing task is completed as a “report.” It can be clunky completing the similar IELTS task as a prose summary.
11. One gets the impression that this test is meant to be like IELTS, but without the things that bother some test takers.
12. Included were a great range of UK accents, many Australian-accented speakers and one lonely American.
13. This is not a particularly easy test.

(you can read my second post on this topic over here)

I’m scheduled to take the LANGUAGECERT Academic Exam at home on December 31.  It’s worth sharing a few preliminary notes beforehand:

1. Registration was somewhat challenging.  Some sort of cookie problem (I presume) prevented my registration from being finalized.  I was only able to complete the registration process in an incognito browser window.
2. The test costs $165, which is very competitive in this category.
3. As most readers know, the speaking section of this test consists of  a live interview.  As a result, test takers must schedule two test dates.  I scheduled both for the same day.
4. Test takers can indicate which language they want their proctor to speak.  Eight choices are given.  That’s neat.
5. Test takers must use a phone as a secondary camera during the at-home test. As I’ve indicated a few times, I think all at-home tests should utilize this sort of system (more on that in a later post).
6. As far as I can tell, online proctoring is handled in-house by LanguageCert.
7. Apparently, test takers MUST use a headset and it MUST have a built-in microphone.  And it MUST be wired.  I’ll go shopping at my local Daiso tomorrow, I suppose.
8. Guidelines for test takers are provided in a document which some may find overwhelming.  Perhaps it could be simplified.  I’ll post a link in the comments to show you what I mean.

Let me know if there is anything I should keep an eye out for during the test.  My thanks to the LanguageCert team for providing a voucher.