Story by: William Sarpong
The first ever independent paper-based Occupational English Test (OET) Centre has been established at the Wisconsin International University College in Ghana.
OET is an international test that assesses the English language and clinical communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and work in English-speaking country.
Candidates who pass the test are said to be capable of providing high quality and safe patient care.
The test is made up of 4 sections namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing and is to take 3 hours to complete.
Speaking at the launch of the OET Centre, Dr. Charles Acheampong, Director, Center for Professional Studies disclosed that, the establishment was made possible through a partnership agreement between Wisconsin International University College, Ghana and Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Institute.
He explained that, unlike the computer-based test done in other Centres in West Africa, the new tests would be paper-based, thereby leaving the full control of the test in hands of the candidate.
The Centre Dr. Charles Acheampong Indicated is equipped with all the required facilities according to OET standards adding that, the interlocutors, invigilators and administrators have all been recruited and given the appropriate orientation in readiness for the start of the first test which would be commenced on 19th November, 2022.
“In future,we hope to open Centres in other locations such as Kumasi, in other to get closer to our potential customers”.
“It is the dream of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana to assist Ghana’s professional healthcare sector to raise its international standards and become a beacon for best practice in healthcare throughout Afrca adding, this will enable Ghana to build on its strengths, build expertise and deepen its knowledge base.
Wisconsin International University College Dr. stated, is determined to move out of the traditional university setting into a modern institution that would respond to the needs of the modern Ghanaian society.
On his part, the President of Wisconsin International University College, Prof. Obeng Mireku revealed that, the University in 2020 through its professional studies center, began the application with Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA), the lawful owner of the Occupational English Test (OET) worldwide.
“Subsequently in September 2022, an official agreement was signed by the two (2) parties, Wisconsin International University College and Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA).
This bilateral agreement in effect approved the Accra campus of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana as an appropriate hosting facility for the administration of the test.
This agreement makes Wisconsin International University College, Ghana the first and only venue to be licensed to host the administration of a paper-based OET in Ghana”.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
