[Report] National Qualification Exams Continue Despite COVID-19... "Thorough Prevention of Spread"

Visiting the Level 1 Social Worker Exam Site... Temperature Check and Hand Sanitization Before Entry
Exam Site Disinfection and Nurse Deployment... 25,467 Candidates Taking the Test at 61 Locations Nationwide

On the 8th, when the Level 1 Social Worker Qualification Exam was held, a test taker cooperated with the temperature check at the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation Daejeon Permanent Testing Center.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] On the 8th, at the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation Daejeon Permanent Testing Center located in Jung-gu, Daejeon, the enthusiasm of examinees challenging the national qualification exam was intense despite the chilly morning air made colder by the aftermath of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). At 8 a.m., examinees wearing white masks began arriving one by one at the testing center. They were there to take the once-a-year 'Level 1 Social Worker' qualification exam. At this Daejeon Permanent Testing Center, about 80 examinees were divided into four classrooms and took the exam from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Nationwide, a total of 25,467 people took the exam at 61 testing centers.

The novel coronavirus has changed the scene at national qualification testing centers. Examinees measured their body temperature and used hand sanitizer under the guidance of the corporation staff before entering the testing rooms. Those with symptoms such as fever or respiratory illness were allowed to take the exam in separate testing rooms. Nurses were also deployed to prepare for any emergencies. Lee Chan-woo, deputy director of the Daejeon Regional Headquarters of the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation, said, "We thoroughly disinfected each testing room the day before to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus."

Im Kyung-mi (50), who came to take the exam that day, said, "I received a text message informing me of the testing center rules and guidelines such as wearing masks, and I followed them exactly." She added, "Although the atmosphere is unsettled due to the novel coronavirus, I am trying not to be disturbed." Im majored in social welfare at university and works at a welfare facility in Okcheon, Chungbuk. She said, "If examinees and the organizing institution pay attention to infection prevention and fulfill their respective roles, there is no reason to be anxious."

Despite concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus, national qualification exams organized by the corporation are proceeding as originally scheduled. On the 15th, the Water Treatment Facility Operation Manager exam is scheduled, and on the 29th, the first written exam for patent attorneys will be held. A corporation official explained, "Unlike other exams conducted by institutions such as TOEIC, national qualification exams are held only 1 to 4 times a year. Since various public interests such as employment, advancement in education, and immigration depend on obtaining qualifications, postponing the exams could cause greater national confusion." He added, "If the infectious disease crisis alert level is raised from 'caution' to 'serious,' we will consult with related ministries such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare and take necessary measures such as postponing exams according to government response guidelines."

The corporation has formed a 'Novel Coronavirus Countermeasures Task Force' to actively respond to the current situation. They have invested about 43.5 million won in purchasing preventive supplies such as emergency masks and hand sanitizers for examinees. Depending on the progression of the infectious disease spread, additional budgets will be secured to strengthen novel coronavirus prevention efforts. A corporation official said, "In cooperation with the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are checking whether any applicants for the exam are confirmed cases or quarantine subjects of the novel coronavirus. We are doing our best to alleviate examinees' anxiety by providing infection prevention supplies at the testing centers."

Meanwhile, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the corporation has prohibited examinees who are confirmed cases, contacts of confirmed patients, self-quarantined individuals, or those who have entered Korea from China within 14 days prior to the exam date from taking the exam. However, if they apply for a refund within 30 days after the exam date, they can receive a 100% refund of the application fee. Among those taking the national technical qualification exams held this month, examinees who wish to postpone the exam due to infection concerns can apply up to two days before the exam date and retake the exam after March. This applies to practical and written exams for technicians, among others.