CUET Online 2021 Guide for Test Takers

This guide is for applicants taking the Coventry University English Language Test via Inspera Exam
Portal. You must read this guide carefully before taking your CUET online.

Any questions regarding this assessment should be directed to cuet.io@coventry.ac.uk.

Test Taker Journey

The table below is a short overview of the steps involved in taking CUET Online Test.

Step Required? When to complete?

1. Complete CUET Online Preparation course Optional Before Test Day
2. Book CUET Online Test Required Before Test Day
3. Receive booking confirmation Required Before Test Day
4. Download and install Inspera Exam Portal file available Required Before Test Day
in your booking confirmation email
5. Complete CUET Online Practice Test Optional Before Test Day
6. Open Inspera Exam Portal and log in to Inspera Account Required Test Day

7. Complete System Checks Required Test Day

8. Complete Reading, Listening Writing and Speaking parts Required Test Day
of your CUET. Timings will be confirmed in your booking
confirmation
9. Receive your results Required After Test Day

CUET Online Format

Similar to IELTS, the test assesses all 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It will
take up to 4 hours to complete:

 Listening - you will be given three recordings to listen to. You must then answer questions
related to these recordings.
 Reading - you will be given three pieces of text to read. You must then answer questions
relating to each text.
 Writing - you will be given two essay titles for which you will need to write an essay on the
subject area.
 Speaking - you will be prompted to complete a number of speaking tasks during your online
assessment.

All of the components will be tested during your selected test session. Your booking confirmation will
confirm time for each component.

You will see the tests available to you via Inspera Exam Portal.

Your session will be proctored online, your ID will be matched and your video, audio and screen will
be recorded for the full duration of your session.
Secure Test Conditions
Your video, audio and your screen will be recorded during your test. Your ID will be matched and your
document details will be confirmed with the details you provided when submitting your application.
Your test may be stopped if these details do not match.

You should treat this test as if you would be taking examination face to face. Any disturbances during
your exam will be recorded and reviewed. You will be subject to the below secure testing conditions:

• Stationary, vocabularies or other notes are not allowed in the examination location;
• No use of unauthorised devices such as smartphone, smartwatch, tablet or other;
• You may only have a clear glass or bottle of water on your examination desk;
• Your identity will be matched with your booking records at different points throughout
the duration of your test;
• You must ensure your webcam is position in front of you and your face in webcam view
during your test;
• Do not cover your photo when taking a picture of your ID;
• Only you, the candidate, are allowed to take this test;
• There are no breaks scheduled during your examination & you must remain at your desk
throughout full duration of your test;
• There must be no other people present in your examination location;
• Answers provided must be your own. Your application will be declined if plagiarism is
detected in any parts of your test.
• You must not wear headphones or earphones during Reading and Writing components of
your test.

We will not be able to issue the result to any candidates who breach the above conditions. This may
also result in your application being declined.

The recordings will be stored as part of your assessment pack for auditing purposes.

Familiarisation with the system

Your booking confirmation will include details for accessing a practice test. We recommend taking the
practice test at least 2 days before your test and familiarise yourself with Inspera Exam Portal system.

If you have any questions or experience any issues during your practice test, please let us know by
emailing cuet.io@coventry.ac.uk.

Preparing your device and exam location

You must ensure your device and location meet the specification below before taking the test:

Your device:

 Windows: 7, 8 and 10 on 64-bit platforms

 macOS: OS X 10.13 and higher
 CPUs newer than 2011 (Intel Sandy Bridge or newer)
 1GB of free storage space on your device
 Web camera & microphone (internal or external)
  A broadband internet connection (0.15Mbps upload speed)

Your location:

 You must take the exam in a quiet and private room with no other people present.
 You must ensure that other people do not access the room during the exam.
 The exam must be taken at a table or desk where your laptop can remain stationary and the
webcam directly in front of you.
 The table or a desk should be cleared and no books, dictionaries, notepads or other electronic
devices can be present.
 No materials must be present in the room (e.g. on walls, floors, ceilings or screens) which
could assist you in the examination.
 The examination area should be clear of mess and clutter and should be a comfortable space
for you to work in.
 The room must not have excess light from windows or doors. Direct sunlight may affect the
webcam video and could prevent you from being able to take the test.

Proof of your Identity:

 You will need to have a valid proof of your identity (passport) on your test day. You must use
the same identify document you provided when submitting your application.
 You must use original copy of your passport. Copies will not be accepted and your CUET will
be terminated.

Taking CUET
Starting your test:

1. Download and Install Inspera Exam Portal available in your booking confirmation email.
2. Open Inspera Exam Portal on your test day and Log In to your account.
3. Complete automated system checks.
4. You will see 4 tests available to you: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
5. Select Reading Test and enter your test pin code.
6. Complete ID checks.
7. Start your test.
8. Repeat this process for each test available to you.

Completing Security checks

At the start of your test you will be asked to complete the following checks:

1. Automated system checks.

2. Microphone Test.
3. Take a picture of yourself following instructions on screen.
4. Take a picture of your ID following instructions on screen.

Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing connection issues during your test, you can connect to a different network that
is available to you.
If you do not have alternative network available, please continue to take your test. Your answers will
be saved while offline. You will need to restore your connection at the end of the test so your answers
can be uploaded.

If you are not able to re-connect by the end of your test, please email cuet.io@coventry.ac.uk for
further support.

Test Taker Checklist

The checklist below may help you prepare for your CUET Online test:

1. I have read this assessment guide thoroughly.

2. I have done a systems check with the software.

3. I have completed a practice test and understand how to use Inspera Exam Portal for online
assessment.

4. I have contacted cuet.io@coventry.ac.uk at least 2 working days before the assessment to

notify them of any inaccuracies in the assessment(s) I have been entered for, and/or any extra
time I have been granted.

5. I have a private space and nobody will disturb me during the CUET.

6. I have checked that my internet signal is as strong as possible and meets or exceeds the
minimum speed requirements.

7. I have a webcam on my computer facing me, some light on my face and I have blocked any
bright light (eg from a sunny window) behind me.

8. I have an approved form of identification and understand that when asked to take a photo of
it by the system, I must ensure that the photograph is clear and the document can be read.

9. I have turned off all notifications on my device and I know that during the assessment I must
not contact another person or access any website, online documents or another device.

10. I am not wearing any non-religious headcovering I know who to contact should any technical
issue arise and/or I am unable to log back into the exam.

After CUET
You will be contacted with the results of your test within 2 weeks. We will tell you if you have met the
entry criteria or not. We will not provide a breakdown of your results. Results are not transferable to
any other Institution; they are only valid for study at Coventry University, Coventry University London,
CU Coventry and CU Scarborough.

If your results do not meet entry requirements for your course, re-attempts will be considered on case
by case basis and only be available after 2 months ‘cooling-off’ period.