Instead of using an MTES candidates can select to be tested using an ATES - Automated Testing Evaluation System.

ATES's are distinguished between In-ATES and SimATES.

InATES, stands for In-Application Automated Testing Evaluation System. The main characteristic of In-ATES is the fact that the actual application (i.e MS Word, MS Excel etc) is running and is being used by the candidate while the testing process is taking place and the evaluation is done concurrently upon submission of a question for this purpose. 

On the other hand, Sim-ATES stands for Simulation Automated Testing Evaluation System. As the term simulation implies, during such testing the actual application is not running but is rather simulated using a different software that has the look-and-feel of the actual application. However, the use of such systems may imply limited functionality and in some cases may require the candidate to perform a task using a particular (and only) way.

Both In-ATES and Sim-ATES offer the capability to issue the results of the candidate upon completion of the test.

At present, in Cyprus we are using the MTES systems while a project is in place to introduce In-ATES. It is expected that In-ATES will be implemented in the first half of 2009.

Note: Sim-ATES is not being used in Cyprus.