Helpdesk Training Article
This article details the Cambridge English Skills Test Access Arrangements that can be applied before the test. It includes the Access Arrangement booklet and the Access Arrangement application form.
Cambridge English Skills Test candidates may be eligible for modified test material or test conditions due to a temporary, long-term or permanent disability or other medical requirements, so they are not disadvantaged by their disability or medical condition.
Our procedures and materials have been created and set up with expert consideration to the candidates’ needs and to give them the best possible opportunity to demonstrate their ability. These include reasonable adjustments to assist candidates to take the test who have requirements, such as:
- visual difficulties
- hearing difficulties
- speech difficulties
- additional extra time.
Please use this article and the Cambridge English Skills Test Access Arrangement booklet to advise candidates.
Please discuss the most appropriate arrangements with the candidate or their representative.
We will make suitable arrangements, where possible, to help candidates in the following ways:
- to access questions and tasks
- to write their answers and to demonstrate their English language skills to the best of their ability.
Please make sure your candidates are aware that if Access Arrangements are required, they must be notified to yourself, providing the appropriate evidence, and raised with Cambridge in advance of the test, so that we have enough notice to prepare and send, where required, the material to you.
Overview
Online modified adaptive Reading and Listening versions
Our online modified adaptive Reading and Listening versions are suitable for candidates who need extra time, for example, dyslexic candidates. None of the tasks in the online modified versions require candidates to spell out answers.
Please note that the Listening test versions use a play/pause button functionality to accommodate candidates requiring extra time. These test will not be used with a timer.
How to apply for an Access Arrangement taken online
For the Reading and Listening versions taken online and which permit candidates extra time, please ensure that you submit the application form below, at the bottom of this article, at least five UK working days before you are planning to run the test.
You will receive an email with specific instructions on the session and entry setup depending on the type of test requested.
The Access Arrangement session will be visible as a "new session" in your list of available sessions within two UK working days. You can then add the candidate and create their login code and password.
Offline (paper-based) arrangements
- Braille question booklets and text booklets in contracted or uncontracted versions for blind candidates.
- Enlarged question booklets and text booklets for visually impaired candidates.
- Version of the Cambridge English Skills Test with audio file for blind or visually impaired candidates or candidates requiring this version.
- A lip-reading version of the Listening test for hearing-impaired candidates.
How to apply for an Access Arrangement taken offline (Paper-based)
To make a request please submit the Access Arrangements application form below.
If the candidate's requirement means the test must be taken offline (paper-based), then please submit the form at least three weeks before the date you are planning to run the test.
For offline (paper-based) versions, we will provide you with a link to a secure online folder where the documents/audio files needed will be available to download or print off for use on the test day. All printed documents must be securely stored before the test.
Paper versions will usually only be sent by post in cases where this is necessary, such as Braille versions.
For offline paper-based versions of the speaking test, please note that the Speaking Interlocutor is managed by the centre. Further instructions can be found in the Interlocutor's Booklet. This booklet will be provided with the materials for the test.
The candidate will sit the test offline (paper-based).
Candidate responses should be digitally uploaded to a secure Kiteworks folder which is set up by Cambridge. The process for uploading the results to Metrica varies for each skill, and you will be advised of the process in the email confirmation. The following is an overview of the materials that need to be uploaded following the test:
- Listening – Scan and upload the teleform answer sheets.
- Reading - Scan and upload the teleform answer sheets.
- Speaking – Upload the recording of the candidate's responses to the speaking test.
- Writing – Scan and upload the question booklet or separate sheets with the candidate's written responses.
Once uploaded and confirmed as received by Cambridge you must destroy any printed documents provided for taking the test. Copies must not be kept once the test date has passed.
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