Quality assurance

Test inspection

Welcome to the Pearson Test Inspection landing page. Here you'll find information on the role of the Test Inspection team as well as guidance to assist centres in the delivery of Pearson tests/exams.

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The role of the Test Inspection team

The role of the Test Inspection team is to ensure that Pearson centres are conducting tests/exams in accordance with requirements to maintain the integrity of tests and prevent candidates being disadvantaged.

How are inspections conducted?

Inspections are randomly conducted using two methods:

  • On-site visit (unannounced)
  • Remote, virtual inspection (announced)

Please see the tabs below for more information on the two methods of inspection.

The inspection will be broken down into 6 key stages

  • Security of test material
  • Centre staff knowledge
  • Test room (pre-exam)
  • Before the start of the exam
  • During the exam (observation)
  • After the exam.

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Support

Under the 'Subjects' menu, you'll find more specific details (including the report form) and links to support related to the subject.

Feedback after an inspection

The Test Inspection team will send a copy of the report with any identified actions within 10 working days of the inspection.

Types of inspection

User tabs

These inspections are conducted via a visit. Centres will not be informed in advance of an inspection.

Pearson Test Inspectors will arrive up to an hour before the test/exam is due to start and will ask to speak to a named senior member of staff (Head of Centre, Exams Officer, Quality Nominee or nominated Exams Manager).

The Pearson Test Inspector will have a letter of authority with a contact number that you can call should you require clarification that the inspector is genuine (the safety of your staff and candidates is paramount, so please call the number on the letter should you have any concerns).

Depending on the method of the test/exam being taken (paper or onscreen) the inspector will need access to:

  • Secure storage area
  • Key exam staff
  • Exam room (pre-exam)
  • Exam room (during the exam).

These inspections are conducted remotely via Adobe Connect.

Centres will be informed in advance of an inspection. The Test Inspection team will contact the centre in advance to confirm the start time and to identify the centre's user details (name, email address and phone number) so that account and login details can be created.

Pearson Test Inspectors will start the meeting an hour before the test/exam is due to start. The nominated centre user will join the meeting using the login details provided by the Test Inspection team. 

Depending on the method of the test/exam being taken (paper or onscreen) the inspector will need to:

  • View secure storage area
  • Meet key exam staff
  • View exam room (pre exam)
  • Observe exam room (during the exam).

Once the remote inspection has concluded, the centre user's details will be deleted from Adobe within 72 hours.

Inspections will not be recorded.

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