Powell English Testing

Powell English Testing does not tolerate academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty occurs when a test taker receives assistance while writing their test.

 

The detection and monitoring process for academic dishonesty involves a combination of technologies to ensure test integrity. Using ProctorFree, we monitor test-takers' screens through screenshots and observe their webcam video to track eye movements and the surrounding environment. This dual approach helps identify suspicious behaviour and maintains a secure and fair testing environment.

 

Causes and Consequences of Academic Dishonesty Allegations

 

Use of grammar and/or spell-checking tools: No form of spell checking and/or grammar checking in any language is permitted during the test. This includes spell checkers that are built into your computer and/or Internet browser as well as downloaded applications such as Grammarly.  It does not matter if the tool is actively used or not. It is the test-taker's responsibility to turn off all spell-checking devices before beginning the test.  If any words are underlined in red during the test, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent. Either way, test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. The test must be taken at an approved proctoring centre, and the examinee is required to bring their own laptop with the ProctorFree application pre-installed. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

Use of predictive text: Predictive text suggests words or phrases based on what has been typed. If word suggestions are given during the test, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent. Either way, test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. The test must be taken at an approved proctoring centre, and the examinee is required to bring their own laptop with the ProctorFree application pre-installed. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

Reading offscreen: If the examinee’s eyes move in a way that suggests they are reading off screen, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. The test fee will not be refunded, but it can be applied towards a retest if they choose. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent.  Test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. They will need to write the test in an approved proctoring centre. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

Use of artificial intelligence: If the use of artificial intelligence is suspected, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. The test fee will not be refunded, but it can be applied towards a retest if they choose. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent.  Test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. They will need to write the test in an approved proctoring centre. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

The use of artificial intelligence is often suspected because test answers use language or style that is inconsistent with the test taker’s previous or following work. 

 

Use of headphones: If earbuds, headphones, or similar items are worn during the test, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. The test fee will not be refunded, but it can be applied towards a retest if they choose. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent.  Test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. They will need to write the test in an approved proctoring centre. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

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Having another person assist with the test: If another person can be seen or heard helping with the test answers in any way, a passing score cannot be achieved.  If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent. Either way, test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. The test must be taken at an approved proctoring centre, and the examinee is required to bring their own laptop with the ProctorFree application pre-installed.

The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

Fake identification: If the identification provided does not match the individual taking the test, or if the examinee is found to have committed any form of identity fraud, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent. Either way, test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. The test must be taken at an approved proctoring centre, and the examinee is required to bring their own laptop with the ProctorFree application pre-installed. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

Plagiarism: If the examinee submits someone else's work as their own, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent. Either way, test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. The test must be taken at an approved proctoring centre, and the examinee is required to bring their own laptop with the ProctorFree application pre-installed. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

 

External browsing: If the examinee visits any websites other than the test window, a passing score cannot be achieved. If the examinee would have otherwise passed the test, results will not be sent. If the examinee did not achieve a passing score, test results will be sent. Either way, test fees will not be refunded or applied towards a retest. The examinee will be permitted to retake the test. They will need to pay and register again. They will also be charged an extended service fee of $50. The test must be taken at an approved proctoring centre, and the examinee is required to bring their own laptop with the ProctorFree application pre-installed. The proctoring centre will also charge a fee. It is not guaranteed that there will be an approved proctoring centre in every region.

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Tips to help avoid accusations of academic dishonesty:

 

Before you begin your test, ensure that all predictive text, spell-checking, and grammar-checking tools are disabled. The practice test can help you determine whether such tools have been disabled.

 

While you are writing the test, your face will be recorded using your webcam. Ensure that your face is clearly visible at all times. Do not leave your computer. If your webcam is attached to your screen, do not adjust your screen up or down once you've started the test. Do not read anything except what you can see on your computer screen. Do not use look up answers. Do not wear earbuds, headphones, or similar items. Do not visit any websites other than the test window. Do not use any form of artificial intelligence. Do not allow anyone to help you during the test.  Write the test in a quiet room by yourself.

 

Appeal Process

 

If a test-taker believes they have been unfairly penalised for academic dishonesty, they may submit an appeal. The appeal must be filed in writing within 7 days of receiving notification of the penalty. The appeal should include a detailed explanation and any supporting evidence to contest the decision. Upon receipt, the appeal will be reviewed by an impartial individual not involved in the original decision. The evidence will be assessed, and a final decision will be made within 7 days.

 

Powell English Testing’s academic dishonesty policy is regularly reviewed and updated to remain aligned with technological advancements and procedural changes.