Written question asked by Blake Stephenson (Conservative) on Monday, 13 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

English Language: Assessments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential risk that takers of the fully remote Home Office English Language Test may use artificial intelligence technology to circumvent testing integrity; and what safeguards her Department will put in place to help tackle the potential risks to testing integrity posed by the increasing availability of wearable technology outside of secure test centres.

Answer: The Home Office takes the integrity of the Home Office English Language Test seriously and has assessed a range of risks, including those posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence tools and wearable devices. The Department recognises that technological developments can present new challenges to test security in remote environments. Any provider appointed through the procurement process will be required to demonstrate that their solution includes best-in-class safeguards capable of addressing these risks. The specification includes requirements for technical and procedural controls to mitigate cheating methods, and this will be a key factor in the evaluation of bids.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 126832
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Assessments Fraud English language Artificial intelligence Wearable technology
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk