Test Instructions for Candidates in China

Step-by-Step Instructions

Each test taker is responsible for reading all the information below before completing a Kaplan Test of English assessment.

📢 Important: All candidates in China must book a test slot in advance. You will not be able to take the test without a confirmed test slot. Details on how to book will be sent to you by email.

A. Before You Take the Test

Prepare your test environment

You will need to take the test in a quiet, well-lit room where no one will disturb you. Here are some guidelines for setting up your space:

• Test in a quiet, private location. Please turn off your music and television.
• Ensure no one else is in the room with you.
• Place electronic devices that you are not using for the test (such as phones, tablets, and smart watches) in another room.
• You may have a piece of blank paper to take notes, but place all pre-made notes, books and other reading materials in another room.
• You can have a bottle of water with you, but it must be clear with no labels on the bottle.
• Ensure that your test environment is as clear as possible with no clutter. Ensure there are no photos behind you as these may be flagged by AI as humans being in the test environment.
•  If you are using a laptop, we recommend placing it on a stable surface such as a table or desk. 
• Ensure the room where you will take your test has enough light. Your face must be easy to see throughout the entire test.
• Do not sit with your back to the main light source or a window, as this can cause problems with the video recording. The light should shine on your face so the camera can capture it clearly.  
  

Check that you have the equipment you need

Check this list of required equipment before taking the test:

Valid identification

You will need to have your current passport ready when taking the test.

Internet connection

You will need a strong and stable internet connection with minimum 5 Mbps download speed and minimum 5 Mbps upload speed (Cable modem, DSL or better). Tethering is not allowed as it may result in an unstable connection.

Search “internet speed test” online to test your speed.

Computer

You will need a desktop or laptop computer (not a tablet, Chromebook, iPad or mobile device) that is equipped with the following:

• 2 GB of available hard disk space 

• 2 GB available RAM 

• Intel 13 processor or equivalent in terms of processing power  

Software & Operating Systems

• MacOS Catalina (10.15) or newer

• Windows 10/11 (PowerShell must be enabled)

Browser

• Use Mozilla Firefox (must be installed before the test)

Webcam & Audio

• Webcam: minimum of 15fps, 320×240 resolution, colour recording. Webcams built into a keyboard or placed below eye level (such as those near the hinge of a laptop) are not allowed. Your webcam must be positioned at or above eye level to clearly capture your face throughout the test.
• Microphone: built-in or external
• Use headphones or earbuds if possible
  

Read the rules & regulations

Rules & Regulations

The proctor will detect the following infringements – It is very important  that you take note of these prior to taking your test: 

• You must dress appropriately, ensuring your body is properly covered throughout the test. Clothing should not be too revealing, such as tops that show the chest area or shirts that leave the upper body uncovered. Please choose clothing that is respectful and suitable for a formal setting.
• You must not use a phone or other electronic device, view another screen, use a dictionary or talk to anyone during your test.
• You must not use your computer for any activities other than taking the test itself. If you need to utilise any online aids or computer settings as part of an additional need requirement, please contact us before taking your test. 
• You must not ask the proctor any questions during the test, unless you experience technical difficulties.
• You must not have any pre-made notes. You may, however, use a piece of blank paper during the test to make notes or prepare your response. 
• You must not use AI text generation during your test. We use AI detection software as part of our grading process. 
• You must not use another screen to mirror/share your computer screen.
• No one else can be in the test environment during the test.  
• Your entire face and mouth must be visible at all times during the test.  Please contact us if you need to arrange an exception to this. 
• You must not plagiarise, self-plagiarise, or copy from any prompt. 
• You must take the test in one sitting; you cannot leave the test or suspend it prior to completion. 
• You are not allowed to eat or smoke while taking the test. Any drinks must be in a clear bottle. 
• Offensive language or behaviour during your test will not be tolerated and may result in your test attempt being invalidated (cancelled) and no scores released.
• You must not copy or take images of any part of the test, nor reproduce any part of it. 

B. Taking the test

Live proctoring

Your test will be live proctored by a human, using Tencent video calling software application. This means you will be recorded via your webcam to ensure test security. The Tencent software will capture a video of  you  while you are taking the test and your screen activity will be recorded.

The proctoring video must cover your entire test for it to be validated by our Grading Team. 

General guidance

• Ensure you have enough time: The total test time varies per candidate but typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. You cannot pause or take a break during the test. Ensure you have enough time to complete it before starting
• Prepare your Tencent login details: Your username and password will be sent to you by email before your test.
• Set up your devices:
  • Ensure all devices you plan to use during the test (e.g., headphones, earbuds, microphones, etc.) are plugged in, switched on, and fully charged before logging in to Tencent.
  • If you are using an external microphone, position it appropriately to capture your audio clearly throughout the test.
  • Keep all devices properly connected and wear any necessary equipment, such as headphones or earbuds, for the duration of the test.  

How to start the test

1. At your scheduled time, join the Tencent video session using the login credentials provided.
2. The proctor will:
   • Verify your passport
   • Check your test environment (you will be asked to show a full 360° view of your room using your webcam).
   • Confirm your equipment is working properly.
   • Ask you to share your screen
3. Once setup is complete, the proctor will provide a link to the Kaplan Test of English platform and your login credentials.
4. Click on the link and enter your Kaplan Test of English login credentials to begin. If this is your first time logging in to Kaplan Test of English, you’ll be prompted to accept the Terms and Conditions, set a new password, and enter your email address. Your new password must contain at least one of these special characters: ! ? _ – + * :

D. Troubleshooting

Problems with Kaplan Test of English

I logged out or was disconnected in the middle of my test.

• Log back in and continue the assessment from where you left off.

I received an error message during the assessment.

• Log out and then log back in.

I can’t hear the audio, or the audio is freezing.

• Refresh the page.
• You may have internet connectivity problems. Log out, then try logging in on a different computer or at a later time.

I can’t record audio in the Speaking section.

• Follow the directions in the assessment to allow your microphone.

I can’t upload my responses in the Speaking section.

• The Speaking section requires the use of consistent and reliable internet to record and upload responses. If you have slow or inconsistent internet connectivity, the recording could take up to a minute to upload successfully. Please only click the submit button once during this time.  If after a minute your response won’t upload, refresh the page, continue the test, re-record your response, and try submitting again.

If problems continue after restarting your test, please contact Kaplan Test of English support at [email protected] before attempting another login.

Contact [email protected] for any other issues with Kaplan Test of English. 

E. About Kaplan Test of English

What is Kaplan Test of English?

Kaplan Test of English is an adaptive online test that assesses your level of English language proficiency in different skills. During an assessment, you may be asked to listen to conversations, read emails and articles, answer comprehension questions, write an essay, and/or speak into the microphone on your computer.

Normally, when you take a paper-based test in school, every test taker answers the same questions. Kaplan Test of English is different. When you take an adaptive assessment, you answer different questions than other test takers because the testing system chooses questions that match your English level.

Main Flight (Listening and Reading)

• The Listening and Reading sections of your assessment do not have a timer. Each section will end when the testing system has enough information about your English level. Don’t worry if your test is longer or shorter than other test takers’. Just take your time and do your best. However, the total average test time for Listening, and Reading is slightly over an hour.

Writing and Speaking

• The Writing and Speaking sections of your assessment do have timers. The Writing section is 35-40 minutes depending on your level. The Speaking section is about 10 minutes.
• For the Writing section, you may be asked to write an essay. You’ll have time to read the question and type your answer into the computer, then a grader will give you a score after the test is finished.
• For the Speaking section, you’ll speak into your computer’s microphone. Your answers will be recorded, and a grader will give you a score after the test is finished.

What is Tencent?

Tencent is a video calling software application that is used to ensure test security and detect cheating. It records activity on your computer and captures video of your face while you are taking a test online. Your personal information and Tencent recordings will only be viewed by Kaplan Test of English administrators and will only be used to determine whether your assessment results are valid.