The Republic of Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun said that they are going to introduce the Ubiquitous-Based Test to improve the implementation of EPS-TOPIK, which is an essential element of the selection process for Bangladesh workers to Korea.
With the introduction of the Ubiquitous-Based Test test method, the seating capacity of an EPS-TOPIK test site will increase from 65 to 150 people.
The Ubiquitous-Based Test method synchronizes mobile devices and computers between inspectors and candidates in a closed network with enhanced real-time security. Candidates take the test and inspectors can control and monitor the test-takers.
The cost and expenditure in purchasing hardware and communication infrastructure required to build the existing permanent Computer Based Test, such as computers, will be cut down as one can take part in this test in small devices.
On September 15, HRD Korea plans to hold a special TOPIK test using the Ubiquitous-Based Test method for the first time with 756 candidates for two days.
The general test of TOPIK will take place from September 23 to the end of October for about 6,000 candidates.
An HRD Korea official said, “The Ubiquitous-Based Test method has been introduced as this method enables the test, preserving cost effect despite poor test site infrastructure and enhanced social distance situations.”
He added that HRD KOREA had prepared the next generation test method, Ubiquitous-Based Test, as a safety net; eventually, Bangladesh will benefit from this system for the first time.
Ambassador Lee Jang-keun mentioned that “we could transform the test site from the capacity of 30 to 50 seats while reducing cost by more than 56% as the space that hardware occupied is minimized.”
The head of the Bangladesh EPS Center of the HRD Korea said, “As a developed IT-based, cost-effective test method, Ubiquitous-Based Test will become the next generation system, safeguarding fairer examination and overcoming physical space limits in selecting foreign workers.”
Under the Employment Permit System, Korea’s unskilled overseas employment scheme, foreign workers from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, who are qualified in the Korean language and skill level assessment can work in Korea.
In 2011, EPS was awarded the United Nations Public Administration Award for protecting foreign employees from discrimination in salaries, equal application of labor laws, and admission of four types of social insurance.