Guide for speaking examiners

2022 exam sessions

In this guide, speaking examiners will find all the steps to guarantee a successful exam session.

About us

Path International Examinations is an international examination board based in the United Kingdom,
which offers a brand-new alternative for examinations in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
In Latin America, we operate through Bellis Ignis Group S.R.L. The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)
recognises and validates our ESOL Adult Qualifications at the B1 level of the CEFR and above. Path
International Examinations certificates of these levels feature CIOL’s validation logo.

Our approach

Our exams are student-centred and focus on what candidates CAN do. The aim of these examinations is to
assess their ability to communicate effectively.

Our exams

> EARLY CHILDHOOD CERTIFICATIONS


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> SPEAKING-ONLY CERTIFICATIONS

A1- SPA level I

A1 SPA level II

A1+ SPA level III

> FOUR-SKILL CERTIFICATIONS

A1- Entry level

A1 Access level

A1+ Achiever level

A2 Preliminary level

A2+ Elementary level

B1 Progress level

B1+ Onwards level

B2 Competency level

B2+ Forward level

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 Guide for speaking examiners
2022 exam sessions

> ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES CERTIFICATIONS

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Hotel Management and Hospitality certificate

Roles in an exam sessio

Coordinator: Person responsible for coordinating the whole exam session. The examiner should seek
their assistance if needed
Speaking examiner: Person responsible for assessing the Speaking module
Invigilator: Person responsible for watching over candidates during the Listening and Reading and
Writing modules
Candidate: Person who sits for a Path international exam.

Speaking examiner’s responsibilitie

On-site exams

The speaking examiner will be in charge of the Speaking module. They may have to assess speaking
exams ranging from A1- to B2+ levels (CEFR).



The speaking examiner will arrive at the institution 1 hour before the beginning of the exam session.
Speaking examiners should respect Path Examinations formal dress code: plain top (shirt or blouse),
(no big prints), trousers (not jeans), and comfortable shoes appropriate for the context. 



Alongside the coordinator, examiners will check that the number of exam copies and the levels are
correct and correspond to the candidates on the registration list. The exam package will arrive at the
exam centre days before the session. Only the examiner and the coordinator are allowed to open the
package. The sealed package will be opened in front of the person responsible for the exam centre,
who will sign the acknowledgement of receipt. After that, the examiner and coordinator will check
that every candidate has their exam, that is, the correct level and module. In case there is a missing
exam or an incorrect module or level, the examiner and coordinator are authorised to use the exams in
the emergency package. Once everything is checked, coordinator, examiner and invigilator agree on
their tasks, and the exam session can now begin. Then, examiners will assist the coordinator and
invigilator with the beginning of the exam session and the first group of candidates. Once the exam
session has started, oral examiners will focus on the Speaking module only.

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 Guide for speaking examiners
2022 exam sessions

The speaking examiner will not be in charge of coordinating the entrance and exit of candidates or the
beginning and end of the other modules. The coordinator may interrupt the speaking examiner only in
case they do not know how to manage a specific situation and may need assistance. This interruption may
only happen during the examiner’s breaks, NOT DURING the interviews.

Before each interview, speaking examiners should verify that they have the necessary files ready for each
interview (videos, texts, marking sheets). Each session will be recorded for future moderation. Examiners
will not ask for the candidate’s ID. The recording will start with the exam mentioning the candidates’
number, names and level. Every time possible, they will say the candidates’ name so that it is clear for the
moderator which candidate is speaking.

Speaking examiners will refer to the exams by the level and the Path International Examinations names.
When the assessment is done, speaking examiners will rate the candidates and upload the results onto
the Path platform. The recordings will be saved as Name of Institution_Name and Surname of Candidates.
For instance, School of English_Juan Pérez and María González.mp3.

Speaking examiners should not hesitate to take their breaks as on-site assessment can be tiring. They
should check that breaks are included in the schedule provided and take any other if necessary, as long as
they do not interfere with the exam session schedule

Online exams

The speaking examiner will be in charge of the Speaking module. They may have to assess speaking
exams ranging from A1- to B2+ levels (CEFR). Online exams will be conducted via Zoom. The session
will be organised in different virtual rooms:



a. Main room, where the exam coordinator will welcome the candidates and place them in their 

waiting rooms

b. Waiting room, where candidates will wait for their turn to be interviewed

c. Examining room, where the speaking examiner will assess candidates



The speaking examiner will join Zoom 15-20 minutes before the scheduled time and will have the
necessary files ready before each interview (videos, texts, marking sheets). The coordinator will place
them in their allocated virtual room and they must not leave it unless a big issue occurs. If there is any
problem with the candidates’ Internet connection, they will notify the exam coordinator and wait for
instructions.

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 Guide for speaking examiners
2022 exam sessions

Each session will be recorded for future moderation. Examiners will not ask for the candidate’s ID. The
recording will start with the exam mentioning the candidates’ number, names and level. Every time
possible, they will say the candidates’ name so that it is clear for the moderator which candidate is
speaking.

Speaking examiners will refer to the exams by the level and the Path International Examinations names.
When the assessment is done, speaking examiners will rate the candidates and upload the results onto
the Path platform. The recordings will be saved as Name of Institution_Name and Surname of Candidates.
For instance, School of English_Juan Pérez and María González.mp3.

Speaking examiners’ background should be plain white and respect Path International Examinations
formal dress code: plain top (shirt or blouse), (no big prints). Only a bottle or glass of water is allowed to
be seen on screen. Please refrain from having mate.

Speaking examiners should not hesitate to take their breaks as online assessment can be tiring. They
should check that breaks are included in the schedule provided and take any other if necessary, as long as
they do not interfere with the exam session schedule.

For both types of exams

Path International Examinations gives opportunities for expression. Our exams are contextualised and
based on real-life scenarios and we encourage empathy towards candidates. Maintain a relaxed
atmosphere and a positive facial expression throughout the exam.

Though exams are divided in parts for clearer administration, speaking examiners will not say: “Part 1”,
“Part 2” or “Part 3”. The exam interview will flow as a whole. There is no time limit for each task, though
there is a suggested time limit for the whole exam. Try to keep to time limits.

During the warm-up sessions, you can follow the “Suggested warm-ups” or you can come up with one of
your own. Remember it is a time to make candidates feel relaxed and comfortable.

Feel free to ask any follow-up questions you want and that are not mentioned in the exam paper.
Moreover, you do not need to ask all the questions provided in the exam.

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 Guide for speaking examiners
2022 exam sessions

When you talk to the staff, teachers and candidates, you should do so in English, in the most professional
and friendly way.

Materials and coordinators’ contact information will be sent to speaking examiners a week before the
exam.

Who to contac
Ailén Peña for logistics or admin-related matters 

(travelling, timetables, relationship with centres, teachers and candidates)

+54 9 11 6403 0234

admin@pathexaminations.co
Prof. Graciela Martínez for academic-related matters 

(exams, levels, rating)

+54 9 348 454 4446

graciela.martinez@pathexaminations.com

Thank you for choosing to represent Path International Examinations.

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