PRETEST INSTRUCTIONS: FOR INVIGILATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE PRETEST

This checklist summarises the following instructions, if you would like more information please look at the
detailed instructions that follow on pages 2 & 3.

INVIGILATOR’S CHECKLIST
One week before the Pretest

 Check everything in each Pretest package is complete on arrival.

In each package you should find:

Question Papers
Answer Sheets
Pretest Feedback Form (to be completed by teacher/invigilator at the end of the test)
‘Silence Please’ sign
CD(s) (if a Listening Pretest, please check at least a week before the test)
Candidate Register
Session Feedback Form
Anchor Tests (unless you are just doing a writing test)

 Check and read Pretest documentation

Before the Pretest Begins

 Seating spaced apart.

 Candidates must keep same number for each Pretest.

 Candidate register and Answer sheets names/numbers correspond (and are in capitals).

 Start/Finish times displayed, reliable/visible clock.

 Candidates told rules on pencils, phones, food/drink, time-keeping, dictionaries etc.

 Candidates told rules on opening papers, writing names, communicating.

 Ensure candidates know importance of completing anchor test, we suggest this is done first (before with a listening test where
possible). Anchor is not required if only doing writing test.

During the Pretest

 Monitor candidates.

 Remain present and watch candidates in the room at all times.

 Give verbal notification 10 minutes before end of test, to remind candidates to transfer answers.

After the Pretest

Check that:
 Papers are collected in same sequence as register.

 Candidates have completed Anchor test.

 Candidate register is used for all candidates’ Pretests (a separate register is used for Writing papers).

 Papers kept in exam component, then candidate number order for despatch to Cambridge.

 Pretest Feedback form is completed at the end of the Pretest. Please Turn Over for
Detailed Instructions
 Security Declarations and paper number checks are completed on envelopes.

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Preparing the Room

Candidates need to feel this Pretest is a simulation of the live exam. We emphasise the importance of re-creating
examination conditions as far as possible. Use the following guidelines:

Seating: Try to space desks apart as for a normal examination so as to prevent candidates overlooking each
others’ work. Candidates should keep the same desk position for each part of the Pretest, which will also help
them keep the same candidate number.

‘Silence Please’ sign: This should be placed outside the examination room.

Time written on the board: Clearly displaying ‘Start’ and ‘Finish’ times (immediately after question
papers are distributed).

Clock: Accurate and visible (if not, regular time calls are required and a 10 minute warning before the end
of the test is required).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Candidate Numbers

It is essential that candidates keep the same candidate number for each Pretest. (The candidate numbers
indicated on the answer sheet, see below for example.)

Before the Pretest begins: What to tell candidates/students

1. Briefly explain Pretests (refer to the Pretesting Guide. If you do not have a copy it is downloadable from our
website: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/Images/126024-guide-to-pretesting.pdf

2. Go through the ‘Dos’ and ‘Do nots’ and ensure these are understood, see below:

 Candidates: Do….. X Candidates: Do not…..

Arrive on time for each Pretest Use Dictionaries
Switch off mobile phones Talk or communicate with each other during Pretests
Leave bags away from their desks Eat, smoke or have open bottles on desks
Keep same candidate number for each part of Pretest Re-enter the room once they have finished the Pretest
Use a pencil to complete answer sheets Open question paper before Pretest begins

3. Before giving out the question papers tell the candidates:

Not to open the question paper until the Pretest begins and to write their full name, Candidate number and
school in CAPITAL LETTERS on the front of the question paper.

Before the Pretest begins: What Invigilator/Administrator does

4. Write each candidate's name in CAPITAL LETTERS on the candidate register next to their four digit
candidate number (family name last).

5. Tick off the paper they are taking in the column on the candidate register.

6. Check that each candidate has a soft pencil and eraser, as all answers must be written in pencil (pen for
writing papers).

7. Hand out answer sheets (check candidate number on this sheet matches the candidate’s number on
the register). Candidates should write their name in CAPITAL LETTERS in the name box.

8. Candidate Information questions: (On the Anchor test answer sheet only).
Allow the candidates a minute to complete the questions, pencilling in the appropriate boxes.

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9. Give out the question papers; read through Time allowed and Instructions to Candidates (this is on the front
of the question paper).

10. Check the back of the question papers for any test feedback, as an extra five minutes should be given at the
end of the test for candidates to complete.

11. Answer any queries. All candidates should understand exactly what to do before the Pretest starts.

12. Complete ‘Start’ and ‘Finish’ times on the board. Insist on silence and begin Pretest

Before each Pretest

Follow the same procedure as above, with the exception of Numbers 2, 4 and 8. Always check
candidate number on the answer sheet matches the candidate’s number on the register.

During the Pretest

1. Monitor that candidates are doing the Pretest according to examination conditions. Candidates should raise
their hands if they need anything. Any candidate suspected of cheating should be given one verbal warning
and then dismissed from the Pretest if attempts to cheat continue.

2. The Invigilator should stay in the room, watching at all times and should be able to move around the room
freely* (*with the exception of the Listening Pretest, where this would be a distraction).

3. Give an oral notification 10 minutes prior to the end of the test (with the exception of Listening tests, which
tell you when to stop).

After the Pretest

1. The answer sheets should be collected first in a separate pile to question papers in the same number
sequence as the register (i.e. 0001 first). At the Invigilator’s discretion, candidates may quietly leave the
room early if they have finished and should leave their answer sheets under their question papers on their
desks.

2. If applicable, please hand out any promotional materials (such as Top Tips letters) to the candidates.

3. Check that the total number of question papers matches the number of candidates and the number on the
front of each envelope. All question papers must be accounted for and returned to Cambridge English
Language Assessment including any blank and spoiled papers, which should be placed under those
completed.

4. Check that the candidate register form is complete. The same register will be used for every Pretest the
candidate takes with the exception of Writing papers. Return this with the Pretest feedback form on top of the
papers in the final envelope. (Place Writing paper register with Writing paper envelope.)

5. The invigilator of each Pretest should complete the Pretest feedback form providing feedback on the content
of each Pretest and suggestions for improvements. Your comments are very helpful to us, and much valued.

The Exam Administrator for the Pretest session should complete the session feedback form which concerns
the administration of Pretests. This feedback helps improve the Pretest service.

6. At the end of the Pretest, the question papers and answer sheets should be placed in two separate piles in
the envelope in which they arrived.

7. Complete the ‘Declaration of Security’ for each envelope, also indicating the number of used/unused question
papers within each envelope. The total should equal what was sent.

8. Seal each envelope of materials and return them to the Examination Officer for immediate despatch.

9. Return Tests using UPS. To arrange collection access the UPS website via www.ups.com. Please quote the
Cambridge Assessment account number A7193E to ensure that postage costs are charged to our account.
Collection can also be arranged via telephone or via drop off at a UPS location. Details of this are also on the
UPS website.

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 Important Points to Remember

Answer sheets must be kept flat and not folded

All the contents of Pretests are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and centres must ensure that documents are not
shredded or left unattended and that no copies are made of any papers or audio recordings

Teachers and invigilators are not permitted to discuss the Pretest with the candidates or give any feedback on
its contents or answers

Please Note
Please ensure all documentation is returned correctly, inability to comply with instructions may
result in delays to the return of your scores.

Thank you for taking the time to administer this Pretest.

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