Michigan Language Assessment is committed to maintaining the security and validity of all its exams. We require all Authorized Test Centers to uphold strict standards to protect the integrity of the testing process and the accuracy of scores.

Rules Violations

A rules violation may include, but is not limited to:

Misrepresentation

• The test taker’s appearance or signature does not match the ID provided at registration.
  

Test misconduct

• collaborating with another test taker during the exam
• copying answers from another test taker’s exam
• creating disturbances or threatening staff or other test takers

Failure to follow test center instructions

• starting a test section before authorized
• continuing to work after being told to stop
• referring to unauthorized notes or aids (such as study guides or dictionaries)
• transferring test information to or from any external media
  

Use of unauthorized electronic devices

• Digital devices capable of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection—including phones and tablets—may not be accessed at any time during the test period, including breaks.
  

Important: Rules violations will result in score invalidation.

Detection of Irregularities

Michigan Language Assessment conducts routine reviews and works with test centers to detect any test irregularities. Each case is carefully reviewed to determine whether a score report or certificate will be issued, withheld, or invalidated.

Examples of irregularities include:

• unusual answer patterns: significant discrepancies in performance or answer patterns across sections
• unverifiable handwriting: evidence that the writing sample does not match the test taker’s signature or handwriting on official documents
• unauthorized software use: detection of unapproved software during remote testing

Withheld Results

A withheld result is a temporary status applied when an irregularity is under investigation.

• Michigan Language Assessment will investigate all cases as quickly as possible.
• If results are cleared, the test taker will receive a standard score report with no mention of the previous withheld status.
• If results are invalidated after investigation, no score will be issued.

Cheating and unfair advantage

Test takers are strictly prohibited from:

• attempting to cheat
• accessing or sharing exam content
• taking an exam on behalf of someone else

Michigan Language Assessment reserves the right to invalidate scores at any time if malpractice is discovered before, during, or after the test administration.

Appeals process

Test takers whose scores are invalidated may appeal the decision.

• Instructions for appealing will be provided in the invalidation letter.
• Appeals will be reviewed by the Test Security Group, made up of Michigan Language Assessment staff with test security expertise.
• Appeals are reviewed once only.
• If the invalidation is overturned, the appeals fee will be refunded and a score will be issued.

Michigan Language Assessment reserves the right not to disclose specific details about investigations to protect test security procedures.

Test Security Group

The Test Security Group includes Michigan Language Assessment team members from across departments. This group:

• reviews evidence during appeal cases
• ensures that any decision to uphold or overturn an invalidation is carefully considered

Sharing information with third parties

Michigan Language Assessment may share information about results, rules violations, or investigations with:

• recognizing organizations
• universities
• government agencies
• other third parties who have a legitimate interest or role in the investigation
• institutions to which the candidate submitted scores