The United Kingdom (UK) Home Office has confirmed its interest in procuring a fully remote Home Office English Language Testing (HOELT) test as it intensifies the tender process.
This means the UK is set to move towards a “digital by default” model for English language proficiency assessments, which are a vital component of various UK visa and immigration applications.
The move was made known by the Home Office in a recently issued fifth Request for Information (RFI) to industry suppliers, specifically seeking insights on the viability and security of incorporating a fully remote HOELT test as the primary mode of delivery.
The department explained that it is aiming to leverage newly available and emerging technologies to offer greater convenience to applicants worldwide, stating that the successful provider must deliver a service that “combines technological innovation with security assurance.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that currently, applicants for many UK visa routes, including work and settlement visas, must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved physical test centre.
The move to a fully remote HOELT test marks a significant departure from this long-standing policy, potentially allowing candidates to take the official government-branded test securely from almost any location, provided strict test conditions can be met using remote proctoring technology.
While the embrace of remote testing is welcomed for its accessibility, the Home Office is fully aware of the public and sector-wide concerns regarding the security and integrity of digital-only exams.
The HOELT is designed to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills across the CEFR levels A1 to C1. The proposed service will still require the provider to manage a global network of physical test centres, which will serve as a crucial backup for applicants in locations where remote testing is not feasible or for those who prefer an in-person environment.
The statement reads: “The Home Office English Language Test (HOELT) Programme vision is to deliver a best-in-class language testing service, underpinned by automation and efficiency to enable critical UK Visa and Immigration decision-making. To do this, we need to deliver a secure, accessible, and fair English Language Testing service for our customers.
“This procurement seeks a fully remote language testing service, balancing continuity with improvements and transformation. HOELT will move to a digital-by-default approach, while upholding the rigorous standards necessary to support our immigration decisions. The successful provider will deliver a service that combines technological innovation with security assurance, enabling customers to demonstrate their English language skills with confidence and convenience throughout their UK immigration journey.
Overview of the Service:
“The Supplier shall provide a fully managed Remote Testing service. HOELTs shall be delivered securely in any location where the Customer chooses to take the test, provided secure test conditions are met.
“The HOELTs shall be available in two formats:
2-Facet: Speaking and Listening (A1 and A2)
4-Facet: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing (A1 to C2)
The HOELT Fees shall be regulated, as determined by the Authority.
All HOELT scores shall map clearly to CEFR levels A1 to C2, as published by the Council of Europe.
Authority recognises that there is significant uncertainty regarding future demand for English Language Testing (ELT) services in each country and location, and the advertised contract value must be considered in this context. This uncertainty arises from a combination of factors, including:
Ongoing changes to UK immigration policy following the Immigration White Paper;
The transition to a new contracting model for the delivery of ELT services.
Broader external influences such as global events, geopolitical developments, environmental disruptions, and demographic shifts.
“Given this context, the Authority is unable to provide indicative forecasts or guarantees regarding future test volumes.
“The Service must therefore be demonstrably scalable and responsive to fluctuations in demand, both increases and decreases. The Supplier shall proactively manage changes in demand and demonstrate flexibility in adapting to evolving Service requirements throughout the Term.
“Please note, five Requests for Information (RFIs) have been run as part of market engagement to inform this procurement.”
