The Challenges of Verifying Candidates’ Identities in Test Centres

Successfully setting up and running exams worldwide presents many challenges, but it is often the less obvious tasks that cause the biggest headaches.  One of these is candidate ID verification.  Whilst on the surface, this should be straightforward, differences in regional documentation, spellings of names, document fraud,  and varying exam procedures can create additional difficulties and disrupt the process.

If you are reading this newsletter, you are likely already aware of how prevalent academic cheating is in India – a region where a limited number of jobs has led to a hyper-competitive job market.  In one memorable case of impersonation (proxy candidacy) reported last year, a man in Kotkapura dressed up as his girlfriend and brought two fake ID documents to an exam, attempting to sit the test for her.  This example demonstrates how far some people are willing to go to get good grades, and why ID verification procedures are so important.

In our latest blog post, we explore the real-world challenges of verifying candidate identities, the risks of fraud and malpractice, and how exam procedures can unintentionally complicate the process.   Whilst there is no simple solution to this problem, the simple answer is that a multi-layered approach is critical.  Read more here and let us know your thoughts in the comment section. 

The VICTVS Blog – Honesty

At VICTVS, our core values – Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, and Courage – are the foundation of everything we do.  These principles guide our work and are embedded in every employee and VICTVS Global Network member from day one.

Each quarter, we are spotlighting one of these values to explore its significance, and in Q1, our focus was on Honesty.

Fair assessments depend on invigilators and exam teams being vigilant, honest, transparent, and committed to reporting malpractice.  The integrity of our VICTVS Global Network members ensures we gain a clear and accurate understanding of what happens during an exam, allowing us to identify cheating attempts and provide reliable reports to our clients.  This commitment to honesty safeguards fairness in the exam process and upholds the credibility of assessments worldwide.

You can read more about what honesty means to us here. 

Agree with Joy?  Get involved in the conversation by leaving your thoughts in the comment section. 

The VICTVS Podcast, Revision Notes: Exam Hacking Special – Coming Soon

In our upcoming special edition of ‘The VICTVS Podcast – Revision Notes’, we discuss some of the latest and most interesting cases of cheating in exams and assessments.  Plus, we break down the VICTVS Exam Hack 2025, covering the rules of the game and the cheating tactics our hosts would try if they were allowed to compete.

To be the first to see this episode, subscribe to our YouTube, Spotify or Apple Music. 

Other News 

• Assessment Security Research Group (ASRG) First Report of 2025:  This month (April), ASRG will publish its first short-form whitepaper of 2025.  Titled ‘State of the Nation:  Assessment Security at the Start of 2025’, this paper outlines current trends affecting secure exam delivery all over the world.  To find out more about ASRG, and to join as an individual or institutional member, please visit the website at www.assessmentsecurity.com. 
• British Council Accused of Forcing Gig Economy Teachers Into ‘Feeding Frenzy’ For Work: ​ The British Council faces criticism for allegedly exploiting agency teachers on zero-hour contracts, forcing them into a competitive scramble for teaching assignments each week.  This comes after the CEO of the organisation stated that the British Council is “insolvent” without continuing access to UK a tax-payer funded loan.  Worthy of note are the British Council’s latest financial reports that show a 6-year contract with TCS Japan for the delivery of 240k examinations.  Surely a very lucrative and entirely commercial contract.
• Why Are So Many Oxford Students Told They Have ADHD?: This piece by the Spectator pays a closer look at ADHD testing at Oxford.  With 98% of those who take the test being diagnosed and granted extra time in exams, it raises important questions about inequality in access to diagnoses and accommodations. 
• There’s a Good Chance Your Kid Uses AI To Cheat:  While its supporters claim generative AI can enhance students’ learning experiences, this article highlights the growing use of tools like ChatGPT by students to complete entire assignments, often without detection.  This is a well-written piece, and the lively comments section is definitely worth a look. 
• 1,238 Nigerian Nurses In UK Face Sanctions Over Exam Fraud Linked To Oyo Center:  Over 1,200 Nigerian nurses in the UK face sanctions due to alleged exam fraud linked to the Yunnik Test Centre in Ibadan, Nigeria.  Some of the suspected nurses have had their visas revoked by the UK Home Office and are now facing deportation.  More on this here. 
• Essay Mill Industry Web Traffic Update:  We have referenced the academic integrity and contract cheating newsletter This Isn’t Fine before, and this week they released an update on the state of essay mills.  Drawing from their own Essay Mill Database, the report reveals a decline in traffic to traditional essay-writing services, but a sharp rise in the use of AI-driven tools like automated essay writers and homework help sites.  For a full breakdown of the key stats and to support the great work being done by This Isn’t Fine, click here.
  

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Katherine Barnett