Still working normally (!)

Immediately after the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education and Training concluded that IDP Vietnam Education Co., Ltd. (IDP Company) had issued more than 56,200 IELTS certificates in violation of regulations, many students were extremely worried.

Shocked by the fear of being expelled from school.

NVH, a second-year student at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (Hanoi), said that two years ago, she used an IELTS certificate issued by IDP Company to apply to the university. Upon hearing the conclusion of the Ministry of Education and Training's inspection that more than 56,200 IELTS certificates issued by this company were not recognized, H. became very worried, wondering if her university studies would be affected, and whether the university would recognize her application results from two years ago...?

Besides using IELTS certificates issued by IDP for university admissions, many students also use these certificates to be exempted from certain English courses at school. They wonder if the school will require them to retake the course and exam, or if they can submit a substitute certificate?

Faced with this awkward situation, a lecturer from Hanoi National University stated that it is very difficult to revoke or cancel the results of candidates who have been admitted thanks to their IELTS certificates from IDP, because it is not the students' fault. Furthermore, this certificate is widely recognized worldwide and accurately assesses the candidates' English proficiency.

"Furthermore, the admissions process was completed a long time ago, and students have already settled into their studies. Revoking or canceling the results would lead to many disruptions and unforeseen consequences," this lecturer analyzed.

The headquarters of IDP Vietnam Education Co., Ltd. is located at 161 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: KIM NGAN

Previously, according to the conclusions of the Ministry of Education and Training's Inspectorate, although the Ministry only allowed IDP and its partners, in partnership with IELTS Australia Pty Ltd, to organize exams at designated locations from November 17, 2022, the company had already organized IELTS Test Report Form exams for 67,195 people and issued 66,153 IELTS certificates between January 1 and December 31, 2022. Of these, 56,230 certificates were issued before the permitted date.

The Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education and Training concluded that IDP Company violated Government Decree 04/2021 on administrative sanctions in the field of education, with the responsibility resting with the company's director. However, since the statute of limitations for imposing sanctions under the Law on Handling Administrative Violations has expired, the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education and Training requested IDP Company to review all its activities related to conducting foreign language proficiency certificate exams in Vietnam and to comply with the Ministry of Education and Training's decision.

The Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education and Training has recommended that the Ministry instruct the Department of Quality Management to guide IDP in handling the foreign language certificates that the company had issued in collaboration with other organizations to conduct exams and issue foreign language proficiency certificates in Vietnam without the permission of the competent state management agency.

"It does not affect the rights of students."

Responding to concerns from many students and parents, on the afternoon of May 9th, the Ministry of Education and Training announced that foreign language proficiency certificates issued by affiliated testing organizations, when meeting quality assurance conditions, will continue to be used normally according to the Ministry's regulations on examinations, admissions, and training; without affecting the rights of certificate holders. This means that more than 56,200 IELTS certificates issued by IDP will still be valid.

The Ministry of Education and Training also stated that, in fulfilling its function of state management over education and training, it has been strengthening inspections and supervision of joint examinations with foreign organizations to ensure compliance with regulations, guarantee the quality of the examinations, and protect the rights of test-takers.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the ministry's inspectors have concluded their investigation into several organizations that collaborated in organizing foreign language proficiency certificate exams in Vietnam. The inspection results revealed that, prior to receiving permission from the Ministry of Education and Training, some organizations had collaborated in organizing foreign language proficiency certificate exams without authorization, violating regulations in Decree 86/2018 and Circular 11/2022 of the Minister of Education and Training. In 2023, the Quality Management Department issued a document providing guidance on verifying foreign language proficiency certificates and a document on the use of these certificates to exempt students from the foreign language exam in the 2023 high school graduation exam.

"In the coming period, the Quality Management Department will coordinate with relevant agencies to continue strengthening inspections and supervision of the activities of training units, training partnerships, examination organizations, and foreign language certificate issuing organizations. Through this, we will promptly detect, handle, or recommend handling any violations, ensuring the legitimate rights of learners and exam candidates are protected in accordance with regulations," a representative from the Ministry of Education and Training affirmed.

Recognized by 12,000 organizations worldwide?

Immediately following the conclusion of the Ministry of Education and Training's inspection, on the morning of May 9th, IDP Company issued a statement affirming that IELTS certificates issued in 2022 are still recognized by more than 12,000 organizations worldwide.

"We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education and Training as we have always done to ensure compliance with all requirements of local authorities at all levels," IDP stated.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/van-su-dung-binh-thuong-196240509220242018.htm