Recently, overseas testing organizations led by ETS have rolled out Home Test options, aiming to enable students affected by the pandemic to take exams in a timely manner. As of now, eligible GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS test-takers can take the Home Test.
It's important to note that unlike past exams where you simply needed to bring your ID and show up at a designated location on time, the Home Test requires you to also meet equipment and environment requirements.
Next, CheersYou（清柚教育） will go over the requirements for each exam.
I. GRE/TOEFL Home Test Notes
Currently, GRE and TOEFL test-takers in all regions except mainland China and Iran can take the Home Test. After meeting the geographical eligibility, test-takers must also satisfy requirements in two areas: equipment and testing environment.
The good news is that although GRE and TOEFL differ in test procedure and content, the conditions test-takers must meet are nearly identical. You only need to understand one set of rules.
First, let's look at the equipment and environment requirement checklist.
Equipment Checklist
1. Computer
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You must use a desktop or laptop computer for the test; mobile devices such as iPads or phones are not allowed.
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The operating system on the test computer must be one of Windows 10/8/7; iOS is not permitted. However, the official website notes that Mac computers running the above Windows systems (i.e., you need to install a dual-boot setup on your Mac) are acceptable.
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You must use Chrome or Firefox browser.
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You must download and install the ETS Test Browser on the test computer.
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You must download and run the ProctorU System Check on the test computer.
You can also click the link below to download the ETS Test Browser and ProctorU System Check:
https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/equipment/
2. Speaker
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Headphones or earbuds are not allowed.
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Use either the built-in computer speaker or external speakers.
3. Microphone
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Since headphones or earbuds are not allowed, headsets are likewise prohibited.
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Use either the built-in computer microphone or an external standalone mic.
4. Camera
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You can use the built-in computer camera or an external webcam.
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The camera must be movable or rotatable, and before the test starts, it must show a 360-degree view of the room (including the desktop where the computer sits) without any blind spots.
Recommendation:
All test-takers planning to take the Home Test should check each equipment requirement one by one. If you lack any item, purchase or borrow it immediately. Download and explore the ETS Browser and ProctorU Check in advance to avoid issues on test day that could force you to reschedule the exam.
Testing Environment and Appearance Checklist
1. Privacy
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During the test, you must be alone in the room. No one else is allowed to enter the room at any time during the test.
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You cannot take the test in public places such as parks, cafes, or restaurants.
2. Desktop Environment and Seating
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The computer and keyboard (for desktops) used for the test must be placed on a desk (or other table) surface.
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All prohibited items must not appear on or near the desktop area.
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You must sit in a standard chair; you may not sit or lie on a bed, sofa, or beanbag chair.
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Eating and drinking are not allowed during the test.
3. Attire and Appearance
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Your ears must be clearly visible during the test and not covered by hair, hats, or any other items.
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Dress appropriately—your every move will be monitored by the camera and Proctor software, and your test photo will appear on the score report.
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Avoid wearing jewelry, ties, cufflinks, hair clips, or other hair accessories.
4. Note-Taking Materials
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To ensure exam content is not leaked, you may not use regular paper for note-taking.
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Either use a whiteboard with erasable marker, or use paper in a transparent sheet protector with an erasable pen.
After meeting all the above conditions, you proceed to the registration stage. The general process is similar to past registrations, with some new steps we'll mention here.
After obtaining your ETS account credentials, log in to your account, go to the My TOEFL/GRE page, select "Register/Find Test Centers," and choose Special Home Test Edition.
Then you can select your exam date and time on the downloaded ProctorU.
Note: You can watch the video below (published by ETS on its official website) to see the specific steps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=F38Rii5xmx4&feature=youtu.be
Then follow the software prompts to complete registration and payment.
Lastly, we must mention the very important Check-in process for the Home Test.
On test day, you must log in to ProctorU at your scheduled time. From the scheduled time, you have 15 minutes to complete Check-in. If you fail to complete check-in within 15 minutes, the test is automatically canceled and no refund is given.
After Check-in, select Start Session and present your identification documents (the same ID used when registering for the account) as required. Then follow step by step as ProctorU instructs.
On test day, you must log in to ProctorU at your scheduled time. From the scheduled time, you have 15 minutes to complete Check-in. If you fail to complete check-in within 15 minutes, the test is automatically canceled and no refund is given.
After Check-in, select Start Session and present your identification documents (the same ID used when registering for the account) as required. Then follow step by step as Proctor U instructs.
After the test ends, TOEFL test-takers will see their scores in their ETS account within 6–10 days, and GRE test-takers will see their official scores within 10–15 days.
Lastly, we must mention the very important Check-in process for the Home Test.
On test day, you must log in to ProctorU at your scheduled time. From the scheduled time, you have 15 minutes to complete Check-in. If you fail to complete check-in within 15 minutes, the test is automatically canceled and no refund is given.
After Check-in, select Start Session and present your identification documents (the same ID used when registering for the account) as required. Then follow step by step as ProctorU instructs.
On test day, you must log in to ProctorU at your scheduled time. From the scheduled time, you have 15 minutes to complete Check-in. If you fail to complete check-in within 15 minutes, the test is automatically canceled and no refund is given.
After Check-in, select Start Session and present your identification documents (the same ID used when registering for the account) as required. Then follow step by step as Proctor U instructs.
After the test ends, TOEFL test-takers will see their scores in their ETS account within 6–10 days, and GRE test-takers will see their official scores within 10–15 days.
Lastly, we must mention the very important Check-in process for the Home Test.
On test day, you must log in to ProctorU at your scheduled time. From the scheduled time, you have 15 minutes to complete Check-in. If you fail to complete check-in within 15 minutes, the test is automatically canceled and no refund is given.
After Check-in, select Start Session and present your identification documents (the same ID used when registering for the account) as required. Then follow step by step as ProctorU instructs.
On test day, you must log in to ProctorU at your scheduled time. From the scheduled time, you have 15 minutes to complete Check-in. If you fail to complete check-in within 15 minutes, the test is automatically canceled and no refund is given.
After Check-in, select Start Session and present your identification documents (the same ID used when registering for the account) as required. Then follow step by step as Proctor U instructs.
After the test ends, TOEFL test-takers will see their scores in their ETS account within 6–10 days, and GRE test-takers will see their official scores within 10–15 days.
Summary
The Home Test has indeed addressed the urgent need for a testing option right now and spares you the hassle of getting up early and traveling, but it also brings many inconveniences—many tasks previously handled by proctors, such as checking the environment, are now the test-taker's responsibility. Therefore, be sure to read the above exam rules carefully to avoid unnecessary issues.
ETS's environment requirements are quite detailed; for example, most hair accessories are not allowed, so female test-takers should take special note.
We recommend that test-takers check now whether their equipment meets the requirements and prepare note-taking materials in advance. On test day, sit upright at a standard desk and chair, dress appropriately, keep your ears visible, and avoid wearing prohibited hair accessories or other items.
II. IELTS Home Test Notes
IELTS test-takers have likely been flooded recently with news of the May mainland China IELTS cancellations. Although the IELTS official has stated that they have launched the IELTS Indicator at-home test for regions affected by the pandemic, mainland Chinese test-takers are currently not eligible, similar to the ETS situation.
Following the principle of letting some people test first, let's examine the details of the Indicator. First, you can watch this meticulously produced video by the IELTS official to get a general idea of the Indicator test.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS4SEaVMIpg&feature=youtu.be
Next, we'll walk you through the exam requirements that must be followed.
IELTS Checklist
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A quiet and comfortable space
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A laptop or desktop computer (mobile devices like phones are not allowed); Mac users can also take the test!
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The computer must meet the minimum and recommended system configurations
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A stable internet connection
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Ability to download and install the Safe Exam Browser
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Wired or wireless headphones
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A working webcam
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Download Zoom
Summary
The IELTS test requirements are genuinely much simpler compared to ETS. But we advise test-takers not to take them lightly just because they seem easy. Don't interpret "quiet and comfortable space" as a café, and don't clutter your desk with items just because they didn't mention a clean desktop requirement...
We recommend preparing for the IELTS test with the standard of the ETS requirements!
III. Latest Updates on GMAT/SAT/ACT Exams
GMAC has officially announced the launch of an online exam. Currently, the online test omits the AWA essay section.
After the online GMAT exam, test-takers cannot immediately see their scores; they need to wait 7 business days to receive the official score report to know their results.
The online GMAT exam schedule is from April 20, 2020, to June 15, 2020, with 24/7 time slots available. Test-takers need to register at least 24 hours in advance.
Currently, the online GMAT exam can only be taken once. Score cancellations and retakes are not available except for verified technical issues.
The online GMAT exam is not available in mainland China, and instruction support for the online GMAT is currently provided only in English.
For more details, visit:
https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-online/gmat-online-experience
The College Board, which administers the SAT, and ACT, Inc., have both issued statements saying they are developing Home Test technology. However, as of now, the Home Test technology from both organizations is not yet mature, so no further details have been released.
CB executives have also stated that if the pandemic situation improves, they will hold SAT exams every month from August through the end of the year. Students can begin to pay attention in May and prepare to register for August, September, and October SAT exams.
Although CB executives' vision is hopeful and optimistic, neither the Home Test nor the increase in exam dates has been finalized. Please stay tuned for official announcements. We will also continue to bring you the latest information.
IV. What Should Mainland Chinese Test-Takers Do Now?
After discussing all these precautions for overseas test-takers, we also want to say a few words to our peers in the mainland.
This is a difficult time. The outbreak of the pandemic and the cancellation of exams have undoubtedly disrupted many plans. The prolonged unavailability of the Home Test in mainland China likely has many domestic students feeling anxious.
NEEA and overseas testing organizations are working tirelessly to prepare for the resumption of exams in mainland China. Until then, there is still much that domestic students can do—you can review vocabulary books, work through old question banks, study exam prediction questions, and use the free test prep resources provided by testing organizations to prepare for upcoming exams.
GRE's official body has provided Chinese test-takers with discount codes for online writing practice services and various prep resources and tools:
TOEFL, also under ETS, has offered free materials as well:
It's rare to see the typically tight-fisted ETS give out freebies; don't miss out. It is likely that IELTS and CB will follow suit and provide similar resource benefits. We also believe that major testing organizations will offer more solutions for mainland Chinese test-takers in the future. Please be patient and wait for official notifications.
Though the road is long, you will reach your destination if you keep walking. Though the task is difficult, you will succeed if you persist!
We hope all test-takers persevere, overcome difficulties, achieve their ideal scores, and get into their dream schools!
