After the IELTS score discrepancy incident: Hanoi University of Science and Technology reviews candidates for admission based on certificates

TPO - Due to a technical problem, some candidates in Vietnam who took the IELTS English certificate exam between mid-2023 and September this year had their scores different from the actual ones.

Recently, a number of IELTS test takers in Vietnam received emails from the British Council about incorrect scores on their test.

A candidate said that they received a letter from the British Council informing them that due to a technical problem affecting a number of IELTS tests, including theirs, this resulted in changes to the component scores (listening and reading) and an increase in the candidate's overall score.

On social media, a member of the IELTS study group shared that he was one of the candidates who had his reading score incorrectly marked (from 7.5 to 8.5) and the time from the test to now is nearly half a year. After finishing the test, the candidate had all 4 skills re-scored but the score did not change, so he lost the re-scoring fee (he filled out the support form to request a refund). When he received the letter announcing the correct score from the British Council Vietnam, the candidate was very angry.

"I think that for candidates who got wrong scores, whether their scores went up or down by 1 point, they will be seriously affected, not the story of receiving any benefits from this late "score increase and refund"," this candidate was upset.

Candidates learn about 2025 enrollment information. Photo: NHU Y

Candidates asked, during the time candidates received wrong scores, no one knew how many people lost the opportunity to study abroad, to have their graduation scores reviewed, to miss the opportunity for promotion, to have their salary increased? How many candidates chose to re-examine or re-take all 4 skills, once again spending money, effort, hope, trying to overcome fear?

Similarly, a candidate received an email from IDP (an Australian educational services company that administers IELTS tests) about a change in the IELTS test score on December 25, 2023, due to a technical problem. These two organizations offered two options for candidates to choose from: free retest and refund of the fee, or refund of the fee.

So far, both the British Council and IDP have sent emails to candidates about the technical problem that led to incorrect IELTS test scores.

This incident occurred between 2023 and September this year, meaning that it is very likely that among the candidates taking the graduation and university entrance exams in 2024 and 2025, the IELTS certificate scores were incorrect, affecting the rights of the candidates.

Speaking to reporters, Dr. Le Anh Duc - Head of Training Management Department, National Economics University - said that he had assigned the school's Testing and Education Quality Assurance Department to contact the testing organization that provided the IELTS certificate to find out the details. After receiving official information, the school will have a solution.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phong Dien - Deputy Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology - affirmed that the school is reviewing candidates for admission to the school in 2024 and 2025 with IELTS English certificate.

Tien Phong Newspaper has sent questions to the British Council in Vietnam about this incident and is waiting for an official response.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/sau-su-co-sai-lech-diem-ielts-dai-hoc-bach-khoa-ha-noi-ra-soat-thi-sinh-xet-tuyen-bang-chung-chi-post1796286.tpo