In a move reflecting its commitment to enhancing digital transformation and streamlining procedures for beneficiaries, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia announced the launch of an innovative digital service through the National Center for Assessment (Qiyas) portal. This service allows candidates for various Qiyas tests to accurately locate their test centers using interactive digital maps, aiming to improve the user experience and reduce the time and effort required to reach the centers.
Background on the role of the Education Evaluation Authority and the Measurement Center
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) was established as an independent regulatory body responsible for evaluating and accrediting qualifications in the Kingdom's education and training sectors. The National Center for Assessment (Qiyas), ETEC's executive arm, is directly responsible for administering standardized tests that are a fundamental criterion for admission to Saudi universities and colleges, such as the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and the Academic Achievement Test (SAAT). The results of these tests directly impact the academic futures of hundreds of thousands of students annually, making any improvement in the application and testing experience of paramount importance.
The importance of the service in the context of digital transformation and Vision 2030
This initiative, under the umbrella of “Your Digital Steps,” is an integral part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy within Vision 2030. The Vision aims to build an effective e-government and enhance the efficiency of services provided to citizens and residents. By digitizing the test location process, the Authority not only improves the student experience but also boosts operational efficiency and reduces the likelihood of errors or confusion on test day. This development positions the Kingdom among the leading countries in the field of educational technology and assessment.
Features of the new service and its expected impact
The new service allows test-registers instant access to their registered test details and pinpoints the exact geographic location of the testing center via an interactive map. Users can easily access the service by following these steps:
- Log in to your personal account on the “Qiyas” portal.
- Go to the “Recorded Tests” section.
- Select “View Details” for the desired test.
- Click on the “Center Location Sketch” option to go directly to the digital map.
To further facilitate access, the authority has implemented QR code technology, which takes users directly to an information page and the location of the testing center. This service is expected to have a significant positive impact, as it will help reduce student anxiety and stress before the exam and ensure they arrive at the correct location on time, thus providing a calmer and more focused testing environment.
