Toefl programme unveils biometric voice identification software to increase test security globally
ETS, the creator of the Toefl test, announced the introduction of biometric voice identification to maintain fair and reliable Toefl testing. The new security measure provides an additional proven technique to add to the Toefl programme’s comprehensive security system in authenticating Toefl test takers globally. Similar to the highly-advanced speaker identification platforms used by government and law enforcement agencies, the software uses statistical pattern matching techniques, advanced voice classification methods, and inputs from multiple systems to compare speech samples from Toefl test takers. It offers the ability to create voice prints for detailed analysis to validate Toefl test takers. The new technology will be used as part of test security investigations in 2012 and beginning in 2013 will gradually be used on a larger scale. “The inclusion of biometric voice identification technology is yet another tool in the Toefl test security portfolio to ensure test integrity worldwide,” says David Hunt, vice president and chief operating officer of ETS’s Global Division. For more information, visit the website, www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/about/security
