International Certificate home testing: Benefits, rules and requirements

app Languages
A woman sat in front of a laptop, with a pen in hand and a paper on the desk. She is looking at the camera

Education has embraced remote and hybrid learning – and it looks like it’s here to stay as a more accessible option for students everywhere. For the same reasons, even higher-stakes English exams are proving it’s possible to throw off old-fashioned approaches and adapt to the changing needs and expectations of today’s test-takers. The app English International Certificate is available online (as well as in paper-based format) and can be taken in a home environment. It has a number of benefits for both teachers and test takers.

In this post, we will look at why testing from home is a good option and explore the rules and requirements for the online app English International Certificate.

5 benefits of remote language testing

1. Flexibility to take the test anywhere

One of the great things about taking the online International Certificate is that test-takers can do it from any private location with a reliable internet connection.

While we offer the option to take the test in one of our authorized computer-based testing centers, we now also offer testing from home with the . Both delivery methods are backed by the same level of robust security, meaning International Certificate test results can be equally trusted regardless of where the test was taken.

2. Fits into learners’ schedules

The online International Certificate allows test-takers to schedule their 2-hour test at a time that fits into their timetable and is not restricted by location. This means that they don’t have to take time off work or education to take the test, or suffer the additional stress or inconvenience this can cause to their lives.

Using just one system and one log-in, they register for the test, schedule it for whenever suits them and then, when the time comes, sign in to gain access to the online proctoring system.

3. Easy-to-use testing platform

The International Certificate is available through , the online assessment portal that brings teachers, test-takers and tests together in a single, user-friendly space.

Test Hub is extremely straightforward to use for scheduling, taking tests and accessing results – while also delivering powerful, data-rich insights into test performance for both teachers and test-takers.

Furthermore, we have clear resources showing new users how to navigate the platform, as well as online videos on to help learners familiarize themselves with the online International Certificate format.

Also available through Test Hub is the Readiness Test, which predicts readiness to pass the International Certificate, as well as the Level and Benchmark Tests – assessments that teachers find invaluable for placing new students in the right class and tracking their progress to proficiency.

4. Quicker to mark and issue results

All tests are scored using an AI system. This speeds up the turnaround time for results, making the whole process much more efficient than the paper-based exam.

Governments trust app’s world-leading scoring technology, businesses and universities globally and is powered by the expert input of thousands of skilled, experienced English teachers. Since 2022, the online International Certificate has been scored entirely using this system, bringing the score turnaround time to under 2 weeks – a fraction of the time taken to score the paper-based test.

5. Accessible to all

Running an assessment online means that many people from around the world can access it. So, this will allow people in some of the world's most remote areas to get a recognized English certificate and change their lives, as long as they meet the following requirements.

app English International Certificate requirements

There are a that test-takers need to be aware of when taking the exam from home. These include:

  • a computer- test-takers must have access to a computer or laptop for the test duration. We recommend using a personal rather than a work computer as the testing software uses a secure browser that restricts other programs from running. Therefore, firewalls or network settings on work computers may cause problems.
  • a government-issued ID - To sign in to the online testing system, test-takers must have their government-issued ID, such as a passport, identification card or driving license, ready to present.
  • internet access - As the test requires continuous audio and video streaming, test-takers need to maintain a good internet connection. Additionally, we recommend connecting to a hardwire ethernet cable. Alternatively, test-takers should ask others at home to avoid using the internet during the exam.
  • a headset- Test-takers need a wired headset to take the test, rather than a Bluetooth one. This needs to include a microphone. Make sure it is of good sound quality so that tasks can be completed effectively.
  • a webcam - Test-takers need a webcam as they’ll be monitored by our online proctoring system throughout. This is to ensure that they do not have help from another person, or their notes nearby.
  • a private testing space - Test-takers must ensure they have a quiet and comfortable location that is completely private while doing the test. The proctor must end the session if anyone appears – even momentarily – during the test. The candidate is the only person allowed to see and answer the test questions.

The International Certificate testing rules

There are a number of simple, yet critical rules to follow when taking the International Certificate test from home. These include:

  • minors need adult consent - Test-takers who are under 18, an adult must be present to show their ID and provide consent. Then they must leave the room for the test to begin.
  • test taker must remain in webcam view - The test is under 2 hours with one optional 10-minute break. Aside from this break, people taking the test must not stand up or leave their workspace.
  • remove watches - Test-takers must remove all watches and smart watches to be stored out of sight.
  • store personal items away - Test-takers must store all their personal items out of reach during the test. They can not use phones, books, pens, notes or whiteboards.
  • clear exam workspace - There shouldn’t be any clutter on the desk or workspace. The proctor will check that no prohibited items are in the room before beginning.
  • no handwritten notes allowed - Test-takers are not permitted to take handwritten notes during the test. They may use the notes feature in their browser to take notes.

Find out more about PEIC

More blogs from app

  • A child and a adult reading a book together in a library

    Choosingthe right gradedreadersfor young learners

    Por Rachel Wilson
    Reading time: 4.5 minutes

    Picking out the right graded readersfor your young learnerstakes a little thought.There are thousands and thousands of stories out there. Not only do you have to find the right level but also arange ofbooksthat will keep them captivatedas they learn to read.

    In this brief guide, I’ll be helping you to choose the right Disney Kids Readers for your students, so they can participate in guided and independent reading in class and at home.

    Let’s delve in.

    First, what’s the difference between guided and independent reading?

    Guided reading

    In class, students typically read aloud in a small group with a teacher. The teacher supports the children as they decode the words, navigate elements of pronunciation, and make sense of the meaning. At home, a child reads aloud to a parent or caregiver. This is a terrific way to involve parents in a child’s path toward reading fluency.

    Independent reading

    Independent reading, on the other hand, is when students read silently to themselves. These studentsarealreadyreadingwith some confidence. They candecode common words and have a good handle on sight words.Their reading speed is fluent enough to focus on the meaning ofthe text.

    Graded readers can help with leveling

    So, how do you know which reader to choose for your students? Well, graded readers are already organizedby level. They also often provide metrics to help teachers make informed decisions about what reading level a child is at.

    Let’stake a lookat Disney Kids Readers as an example:

  • business people in a board room with a graph on the wall behind

    Language proficiency and succession planning: Developing future leaders

    Por Berenice Lopez
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    In today’s fast-paced business landscape, proactive succession planning is essential for HR professionals. Preparing the next generation of leaders is a business-critical initiative, to ensure organizational continuity, agility and long-term success.

    Succession planning is often high up on the HR agenda, as it also promotes progression, reduces business disruption, and attracts top talent. There are many components to effective succession planning, including skills development, but one skill that’s often overlooked in this process is communication. One often overlooked yet highly influential component of effective succession planning is language proficiency.

    At app ELL, we believe strongly in the power of language and have designed our succession planning strategy with this in mind. The focus is on creating multilingual leaders who are not only proficient in their respective fields but also have a deep understanding of global culture and market dynamics.

    In this blog post, we explore how communication skills and specifically language proficiency plays a pivotal role in succession planning and the development of future leaders. We’ll also provide actionable insights for HR professionals and managers on integrating language development into their succession strategies. As well as some insights from our very own ELL HR team.

  • Two coworkers discussing some sticky notes on a class window

    Local to global: How English skills unlock a career in leadership

    Por Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Of the 1.5 billion English speakers in the world, over half learned it as a second or additional language.

    The “language of business”, English has become a foundational skill for anyone looking to work in an international business or at a leadership level, and many English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers find themselves working in English on a daily basis.

    But working in your second or third language comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

    We spoke to five global leaders about the role English has played in their careers, the challenges of being an ESL speaker, and how businesses can create a culture where everyone has a voice.