Helpdesk Training Article
This article explains what test session are and describes how to add them, as well as naming conventions and relevant deadlines. This article is for Institutions and Clients/Schools.
What are sessions
In the Cambridge English Test Portal (Metrica), Cambridge English Skills Tests are arranged into sessions.
A session needs to be created in order to make entries and run the tests. Each session is for one module only, for instance Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking. If you wish to enter candidates for all modules, you will need to create a separate session for each module, remembering to upload or enter the same candidate details into each session.
Each session should be set to a maximum of 14 days and has unlimited capacity. After the 14 days have lapsed the session will move into the completed folder.
Candidate results are provided instantly for Reading and Listening, and within 48 hours for the Speaking and Writing components.
Please also see details on large sessions below.
Naming your session in Metrica
We recommend you use a naming convention when you create your sessions for ease of reference on the session management screen. The session name will display to candidates when they login. Please remember that your invigilators will also need to find the sessions that they are invigilating.
We recommend:
- Short Venue Details
- Skills Test/Skills Test Schools/Skills Test Business
- The module (Reading, Listening, Speaking or Writing)
- The date in the format DD MM YYYY
- Whether it is a morning (AM) or afternoon session (PM).
For Example: TLC Skills Test Schools Listening 30 04 25 PM
When naming the session please ensure you do not include the name of a candidate, your name or the name of the invigilator.
You need to create separate sessions ahead of your test date for each test, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.Ensure that your session has the correct time window assigned when you set it up. The maximum is 14 days.
How to add a session
1. Log into the Cambridge English Test Portal, Metrica.
2. Click Sessions, then select Test Sessions.
3. Click Add Sessions.
Complete the Basic Settings, ensuring the correct details are selected:
4. Select the Test (Product) from the drop down. Only products you are eligible for will be displayed.
5. If you are an Institution you can create the session for a Client/School or the Client/School user account can set up the session.
Or set the session up for your own Institution.
6. Select the test Venue where candidates will be setting the test. We advise that these are entered before you start adding sessions.
7. For the Schools variant the Invigilation Method will need to be set to Face-to-face.
8. Select the Session Size. If you know that a test venue can only accommodate a certain number of candidates then you can specify the capacity here, otherwise click Unlimited capacity.
9. Add the Start Date and Time for the session. The End Date and Time will be automatically calculated. Please note that this functionality is not currently working with the Client user role and the end date should be altered accordingly.
10. Add the Session Name - see above our guidance regarding naming conventions.
11. The Advanced Settings will be pre-populated.
12. Once you have checked that the session details are all correct click Create Session. The session will now appear in the session list.
Once you have created sessions you can start making entries.
Instructions for making entries can be found here.
Large Sessions
Please check the table below for guidance on running a large Speaking and/or Writing session.
These volumes can be for one test day or alternatively a combined total over consecutive days. Giving us advanced notice allows us to assign examiners for marking to your Speaking and Writing sessions. The Writing and Speaking tests (Schools) will be 100% examiner marked at launch. We will review this guidance as we establish auto-marking with the aim to reduce these timeframes.
| Candidate volume | Notice needed | Results released in * |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 499 | None | 2 Days |
| 500-1,499 | 7 days | 10 Days |
| 1,500-2,999 | 14 days | 15 Days |
| 3,000-6,000 | 21 days | 20 Days |
| 6,000+ | Please contact us | |
*On occasions where large sessions have been requested by more than one institution or testing volume is very high for the same test dates, results releases may take longer than advertised. In these cases, the MLT Delivery Team will advise.
To inform us or to request support for a large speaking session then please contact us at: MLTDeliveryTeam@cambridgeenglish.org
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