Security and Malpractice

Michigan Language Assessment takes test security and score validity very seriously and requires its centers to ensure the security and validity of Michigan Language Assessment exams.

Rules Violations

Rules violations include, but are not limited to:

Misrepresentation: A test taker’s appearance or signature does not match the picture or signature on the identification provided at registration
Test misconduct: Test center staff discover inappropriate or suspicious behavior during the test administration, including, but not limited to:

  • Collaborating with another test taker during the test administration
  • Copying answers from another test taker’s exam papers
  • Creating a disturbance or threatening test center staff or other test takers

Neglecting to follow test center instructions, including but not limited to:

  • Starting a section of the test before being instructed to do so
  • Continuing the test or section after being instructed to put your pencils down
  • Referring to previously prepared notes or aids (e.g., test preparation books, study guides, dictionaries, etc.)
  • Transferring test information to or from any external media

Use of electronic devices: Digital devices such as phones and tablets may not be accessed during the test period, including during breaks

Michigan Language Assessment performs checks to identify irregularities in addition to collecting information from its test centers regarding rules violations. Michigan Language Assessment will consider each case individually and decide whether a score report or certificate will be issued, withheld, or if the exam will be invalidated.

Examples of irregularities include:

  • Unusual answer patterns: There is a significant discrepancy in the test taker’s performance and/or pattern of answers across test sections
  • Unverifiable handwriting: There is sufficient evidence that the handwriting on the writing section (if applicable) does not match the test taker’s signature or handwriting on registration documents
A withheld result is a temporary status applied to test results when Michigan Language Assessment and its partners find it necessary to investigate an irregularity in a specific test or test administration.

  • We make every effort to investigate each case in a timely manner
  • Test takers whose scores are initially withheld but are later released will receive a standard score report, and the prior withheld status will not be noted
  • It is possible that a test taker whose scores were withheld will have their results invalidated
Test takers are prohibited from any attempts to cheat or otherwise obtain an unfair advantage on an exam. We reserve the right to invalidate a test taker’s exam scores due to rules violations or irregularities identified prior to, during, or after a test administration. This includes but is not limited to improperly accessing or sharing exam content or information about the exam, as well as attempting to take or taking an exam for someone else.

Michigan Language Assessment reserves the right to withhold the specifics of any investigation where irregularities or rules violations have been identified. These investigations relate to a secure test administration; disclosing any such details could expose our detection and prevention techniques and further compromise test security.

Test takers are permitted to appeal an invalidated result. Instructions for how to appeal will be provided in the invalidation letter sent to the test taker from Michigan Language Assessment.

Michigan Language Assessment will conduct a review of the test taker’s case and either uphold or overturn the invalidation decision. Invalidations will only be reviewed once. If the invalidation decision is overturned, the appeals fee will be refunded, and a score for the exam will be issued.

 

Test Security Group

Michigan Language Assessment maintains a high degree of test security and seeks solutions to improving test security. The Test Security Group comprises Michigan Language Assessment staff members from across departments with expertise in test security. In the event of an appeal of invalidated results, this group will meet to discuss whether or not the evidence supported the conclusion that resulted in a test taker’s invalidation.

Michigan Language Assessment  Sharing Information with Third Parties

We reserve the right to share information about results with any appropriate third parties, such as Recognizing Organizations, Universities, or Government agencies. We may also share such information with third parties that have a legitimate reason for having the information or who may be able to assist Michigan Language Assessment in its malpractice investigation or who may be conducting their own investigation. We also may respond to inquiries from any institution to which a score was submitted.

policies and procedures