Talview Test Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

A. Before You Take the Test

Setup

Before you begin the registration and testing process, you need a desktop or laptop computer (not a tablet, Chromebook, iPad or mobile device) that is equipped with the following:

Hardware

2 GB of available hard disk space

2 GB free RAM

Intel 13 processor or equivalent in terms of processing power

A smart (video-enabled) mobile phone with internet connectivity
Webcam – Minimum of 15fps and 320×240 aspect ratio recording capability in colour.

Software & Operating Systems

For Mac: Catalina (10.15) [Note: While the Secure Browser functions on older Macs such as El Capitan and above, our maintenance and testing are conducted exclusively on the latest three versions of the Mac OS.]

For Windows: Windows 10 / Windows 11

PowerShell must be installed and accessible for Windows (PowerShell is generally pre-installed in the Windows OS)

Internet Bandwith

Minimum Speed:
Upload: 5 Mbps, Download: 5 Mbps

Please note that iPad, tablet, and mobile devices are not compatible for taking the test but can be used as the secondary camera during proctoring.

You may also visit the Talview Knowledge Base  for Talview system requirements and further proctoring guidance.

Rules & Regulations

General Guidance

Please ensure that any devices which you intend to use during the test e.g. headphones, earbuds, microphones etc. are plugged in/switched on and fully charged before you login to Talview. Please ensure that these devices are also worn throughout the test.

If you are using an external microphone, please ensure that it is positioned to be able to successfully record your audio throughout the test.

Please ensure your second camera e.g. mobile phone or tablet is fully charged, connected to the internet and video enabled. We recommend you plug your second camera device into a power supply, as it will need to continuously record throughout your test.

If you are using an external microphone, please ensure it is positioned to successfully record your audio throughout the test.

Test Environment

Please ensure that you prepare your test area before taking your test by reviewing the ‘Rules & Regulations’ below. If you are using a laptop, we recommend placing it on a stable surface such as a table or desk.

Rules & Regulations

Your test will be remotely proctored, which means you will be recorded to ensure test security. The software will capture a video of you while you are taking the test on two separate cameras.
- Your built-in/external webcam will record your face and a second camera (on your mobile phone or tablet) will record a side view of you and your surroundings.   You must ensure that the second camera is set up so that the side view image includes your computer screen, keyboard, the desk/tabletop and your upper body profile (waist to head including hands). Further guidance is also available during the login process.  
- You will be able to see a small window of your live video recording during your test.  The proctoring video must cover your entire test for it to be validated by our Grading Team.
You will be required to download a secure browser before taking your test.  When this is enabled, you will not be able to navigate away from the test screen until you have finished your test. Further guidance on the secure browser will be provided when you log in to complete your test.
The proctoring software will detect the following infringements – It is very important that you take note of these prior to taking your test:
- You must take the test in one sitting; you cannot leave the test or suspend it prior to completion.
- No one else can be in the test environment during the test.
- You must not use a phone – please ensure that any phone that is not being used as your second camera is switched off during the test.
- You must not use a dictionary or translation aid.
- You must not talk to anyone during your test.
- You must not view another screen/source.
- 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.
- 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 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 copy or take images of any part of the test, nor reproduce any part of it.
- You must not plagiarise, self-plagiarise, or copy from any prompt.
- You must not use AI text generation during your test. We use AI detection software as part of our grading process.
- You are not allowed to eat or smoke while taking the test. Any drinks must be in a clear bottle.

Any infringements of these regulations will result in your test being invalidated by our Grading Team. We will not release the scores of any part of the test if any sections are invalidated. You may be able to take the test again, but this is likely to be at full cost.

B. Setting Up Talview Remote Proctoring

You will take the test through the remote proctoring service, Talview. You will receive an email from Talview with a link to your test and a verification code. You will be required to complete the following with Talview:

Download a secure browser (full instructions are provided)
Photo ID capture
Live face capture
Screen sharing setup
360-degree environment check (Room Scan) – you will need to be able to rotate your laptop/computer’s webcam to complete this. Ensure that you use the full minute to thoroughly complete your room scan. Ensure that you show the entire room including the ceiling, floor, under tables and your entire desk. If your room scan is incomplete, it may be invalidated. When you complete the environment check, you will have the opportunity to preview it and also record it again should you wish to do so.s
Microphone test
Secondary camera – either a video-enabled mobile phone or tablet

Mobile device with camera must be set up at the
side of the desk area.
Space and desk are shown and clear.
Hands are shown.
All items/materials within reach are shown, as is hand reach distance.
You can turn to face the camera as needed (for
ID purposes).
Good lighting.

Camera device is too close.
Computer used to complete the exam is not visible
Hands should stay in view during the exam.

The screen of device being used to complete the exam is not visible.

No clear view of work area and everything within reach.
Computer used to take the exam is not visible.
Workspace contains objects that are not allowed.

Download the fıle below for a step-by-step overview of what to expect.

Download

C. Complete Your Assessment

You will now be directed to the Kaplan Test of English login page.

Log in to your test with the username and password provided to you by email.

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.
Click Start Assessment, then on the following direction page, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click Start. Please note that you are not able to navigate backwards during your test therefore please ensure that you complete each question before moving onto the next one.
Follow the directions on screen to complete your assessment. When you’ve finished, click the FINISH button in the top right corner of your screen to end the proctoring session.
Check the box and click END again. Wait for the data to upload, then close your browser. Please ensure that your upload completes to 100% before closing the application. If you close the application before the upload completes, your proctoring file may be incomplete and may result in your test being invalidated.

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.

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

Problems with Talview

For any issues with Talview please visit their Knowledge Base for further guidance or to log a support ticket.

E. About Kaplan Test of English and Talview

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 Talview?

Talview is an online proctoring service 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 Talview videos will only be viewed by Kaplan Test of English administrators and will only be used to determine whether your assessment results are valid.