S Korea mulls new test method for Bangladeshi workers

In a major move involving Bangladeshi manpower export, South Korea is all set to introduce a new test method to improve the implementation of EPS-TOPIK, an essential element of the selection process for Bangladesh workers to the country.

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Wednesday said with the introduction of the ubiquitous-based test (UBT) method, the seating capacity of an EPS-TOPIK test site will increase from 65 to 150 people.

And the number of people who can get tested will also triple, from around 200 people to around 600 people to meet the demand of workers who want to work in South Korea, he added.

The UBT method synchronises mobile devices and PCs (tabs) 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.

Also, the test can be carried out with portable small computerised equipment and test-taker's tablet PCs.

HRD Korea plans to hold a special TOPIK test using the UBT method for the first time with 756 candidates for two days. The general test of TOPIK will take place from September 23 to October 31 for about 6,000 candidates.

"Bangladesh is a country with 100,000 to 150,000 candidates for EPS-TOPIK every year. We had a difficult time implementing TOPIK due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, the UBT method has been introduced as this method," an HRD Korea official said.

"The Korean government had difficulty holding the TOPIK test in 16 countries that send workers to Korea under Covid-19. In response to the need to introduce a new assessment method against Covid, HRD KOREA has prepared the next generation test method, UBT, as a safety net; eventually, Bangladesh will benefit from this system for the first time," he added.

The head of the Bangladesh EPS Center of the HRD Korea said, "As a developed IT-based, cost-effective test method, UBT will become the next generation system, safeguarding fairer examination and overcoming physical space limits in selecting foreign workers."