Half Million Test Taker Wins iPod
	21st May 2007 TestVQ, the e-assessment tool for vocational qualifications, has clocked up its 500,000th test since its launch in September 2005. Student Jessica Tracey from Knowsley Community College in Merseyside used TestVQ as part of her Level 2 Hospitality Multi-Skilled qualification and won herself a special edition engraved iPod for being the half-millionth test taker. TestVQ not only generates evidence that can be used towards claiming hospitality qualifications, but it helps students test their own knowledge for a wide range of vocational courses including Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Hospitality. The Internet-based system means it can be accessed from anywhere, at any time and students find its active learning feedback helps them progress more quickly and take the formal tests with greater confidence. Speaking about her surprise win, 17 year old Jessica, whose ambition is to be a head chef, said: Im thrilled to win the prize. I regularly use TestVQ to help me practice the course theory tests as its easy and enjoyable to use, and helps me learn at the same time. Stuart Stokes, Head of the Catering Department at Knowsley Community College, commented: TestVQ is helping us achieve better results as its used to formally assess students after they have used the same system for test practice. It is popular with both students and staff as it is both a learning and assessment tool, it automatically tracks students progress and saves on administration time. As its Internet-based, we find students adapt to using it very quickly. Peter Ward, managing director of Award Learning Services Ltd., who presented Jessica with the prize, explained: Im delighted that Jessica was our half millionth test taker and that she finds the system so useful in her course work. TestVQ is now used by 125 colleges throughout the UK and as the hospitality tests are approved by People 1st they are accepted by all awarding bodies.