The British Council, the test organizer, explained that the decision was beyond its control and could affect all international language tests for certification in Vietnam. The time for the tests to be organized again will depend on the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET).

MOET said that dossiers applying for organizing of foreign language tests from many agencies do not meet requirements. The documents don’t clarify requirements on quality assurance, criteria for association, and legal entity status of associated parties. 

A MOET representative cited exam cheating and document forgery as one of the reasons behind the decision to postpone the tests.

MOET’s decision has stirred up controversy and worried thousands of students.

In Vietnam, the state has shifted from pre-check to post-check management in order to create favorable conditions for institutions and individuals’ activities. The question is whether the management method based on the dossiers as stipulated by the circular follows that principle.

Some education experts argue that if exam cheating and document forging really do occur, these illegal behaviors must be handled in accordance with laws. But this must not be the reason to stop the entire system of examinations.

The decision has affected hundreds of thousands of students. It is now time for students to attend exams to get certificates for studying abroad.

The ink is still wet in the government’s resolution which says that operations with abrupt, unexpected decisions must not be applied. This principle of management needs to be given importance by policymakers.

It is the right move for state management agencies to examine compliance of the laws by associated units that organize and grant certificates. However, it must not be the reason to stop the entire system.

Two days after the British Council announced the postponement of IELTS and Aptis tests, the Aptis test was allowed by MOET to resume.

Tu Giang