In terms of the mandate for this particular study and to give the committee a better idea as to the supply and demand for the IELTS test, over the last 12 months there have 3.5 million tests taken globally via one of our over 1,600 test-taking locations. Specific to Canada, 163,000 tests were taken within the country in the last 12 months at one of our 200 plus locations across the country. Simply put, the demand and trust for the IELTS test in Canada and around the world are evident.
To respond to this demand and plans for future capacity, IELTS has always made a concerted effort to consistently innovate to ensure better service delivery and client support. As a recent example, in late 2018, Canada became one of 47 countries to benefit from the global rollout of computer-delivered IELTS. There are currently six computer-delivered locations in Canada, and this number can and will grow based on supply and demand.
Computer-delivered IELTS is also available in nine out of the top 10 Canada-bound countries, with the U.S. set to launch soon. Using computer-delivered IELTS now means that the test is available seven days a week, up to three times a day. Moreover, new test centres can be set up in eight to 10 weeks to respond to any capacity constraints. Computer-delivered IELTS is but one of the many examples of investment by the partnership to provide better service delivery and respond to demand.
Finally, it should be noted that test-takers still have a choice of taking a paper-based test, which we have found to still be the preferred and most in-demand choice in Canada and globally. Paper-based tests expand accessibility, as it means that even in low-tech remote locations a secure test can be delivered.
The mandate of this study also seeks to understand the “criteria for measuring success” of a service. The IELTS partnership measures our success by ensuring a secure, accurate, fully accessible test that ultimately allows for the successful integration of individuals into Canadian society. At the end of the day, this is one large and important component of successful settlement in Canada.
In this regard, we must underscore that the IELTS test is a high-stakes test that underwent a rigorous accreditation process with the Government of Canada. We are extremely proud of our record, both inside and outside of Canada, in terms of setting globally accepted and understood standards, with no major incidents to report.
This point takes us to our one recommendation for the committee. Should any future tests be considered for recognition by the Government of Canada, we stress that they be put through this same extensive accreditation process and be based on evidence-based decision-making based on the need or demand for that test. Examples from other countries where additional tests have been introduced by governments show that they have in many cases resulted in unintended policy consequences, especially in terms of equivalencies and/or comparability of the tests. Specifically, there has been a lack of differentiation in test results in writing and at the high end of speaking. This ultimately impacts the number of points awarded under a system such as express entry here in Canada.
At the end of the day, tests such as IELTS play a large role and service in ensuring successful settlement. We would be happy to elaborate more on this during questions.
In closing, we thank the committee once again for the invitation to appear today. We look forward to our continued relationship with the Government of Canada and to answering any questions you may have.