"Asked for the Time Every 15 Minutes... Even Swore at Other Examinees" Controversy Over Disturbance at Suneung Test Site

" Loud Noise Every 15 Minutes, Swearing After Eating Lunch During Break Time "

A proctor explaining the guidelines at the CSAT exam site. The photo is not related to any specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] On the day of the 2022 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a test-taker caused a disturbance at a testing site in Incheon, but claims have been raised that other students were affected due to the proctor's inadequate control.

According to the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education on the 26th, a test-taker who took the CSAT at Inmyeong Girls' High School in Michuhol-gu, Incheon on the 18th was separated into a different testing room after the third period.

The test-taker repeatedly asked the proctor for the time at 15-minute intervals during the first period and loudly stated that they needed to go to the restroom. During the break after the first period, the student ate a packed lunch in a classroom without partitions and reportedly verbally abused other test-takers who were watching. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, test-takers are only allowed to eat their personal packed lunches while seated at their own desks during lunch time.

After complaints from other students, the test management headquarters attempted to separate this test-taker after lunch, but the individual strongly refused, and was eventually moved to a separate testing room after the third period.

The CSAT testing site operation guidelines state that if a student causes a disturbance during the listening test, they must be immediately subdued and isolated until the test ends; however, there are no detailed guidelines for disturbances occurring at other times, with responses left to situational discretion.

A test-taker who took the exam in the same classroom posted on an online community, appealing with the title "I was treated unfairly at the CSAT testing site." They criticized, "The inadequate management and control of the testing site was entirely the responsibility of the proctor and the school's management headquarters at the time, yet there has been no explanation or apology."

An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "In preparation for the test-taker's sudden behavior, two female police officers were additionally assigned before the third period English listening test, and separation measures were completed according to guidelines."

They added, "There was no disturbance during the listening test, but afterward, the test-taker physically kicked the student seated in front of them, and after the third period ended, police officers were deployed to separate the individual."

Furthermore, they said, "We have sought legal advice to determine if there is any legal basis for additional compensation for damages and are working on finding a solution."