Senior English Test (SET)
The SET was established by the Associated Examining Board (AEB). In April 2000, AEB was merged with the Northern Examinanations and Assessment Board (NEAB), forming the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA).
Structure
The SET is an English language proficiency test designed for students aged 14-16. Currently, two levels are available:
- Level 1 (14-15 years)
- Level 2 (15-16 years)
Both levels test reading and writing skills as well as listening comprehension.
Results
There is no pass/fail. All candidates are awarded a certificate indicating the achieved percentage for the individual test sections. Results are available within 10 working days after taking the exam.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found on the following website:
Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
The SSAT is used primarily as an entry examination by American boarding and day schools. The test is comprised of a mathematical and a verbal section. The verbal section includes a writing sample (essay) and multiple-choice questions. The essay is not scored; it is sent to the schools and serves as a mean to assessing the student's writing skills.
The SSAT test is administered on two different levels:
- Lower (for students currently in grades 5-7)
- Upper (for students currently in grades 8-11)
Structure
The test is timed and divided into five sections. You are given 25 minutes to complete the writing sample and 30-40 minutes to complete each of four multiple-choice sections.
- Part 1: Writing; includes one topic statement, which you will be asked to support or argue, using specific examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature.
- Part 2: Multiple-choice sections; two math sections, verbal and reading comprehension sections
Results
Results are given on a scale from one to 99 (maximum score). The required minimum score for admission varies from school to school. Reports are sent to schools within two weeks after the examination; copies of the report will be sent to students four to seven days after that.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found on the following website:
Secondary School Admission Test
Cambridge Young Learners English Tests (YLE)
These tests are an enjoyable and non-threatening way of assessing the English of children between the ages of seven and 12. There are three levels:
- flyers (at Level A2 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- movers (at Level A1)
- starters (below Level A1).
Structure
- Reading and writing; this is a paper and pencil test with texts that are short and constrained by a specified set of words and structures (starters: 20 minutes, movers: 30 minutes, flyers: 40 minutes).
- Listening; this is also a paper and pencil test which includes listening to short recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring (starters and flyers: 20 minutes, movers: 25 minutes)
- Speaking; this is a face-to-face test with suitably qualified, experienced and trained Examiners. Children perform various activities in response to prompts and give simple information about themselves (five to 10 minutes)
Results
There is no pass or fail. Every child who attempts all three components will receive an award showing a number of shields (Cambridge crests) up to five for each component. The minimum award for children who have attempted all three components is an award with one shield for each component.
Validity
Once awarded, Cambridge ESOL YLE certificates are valid for life.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found on the following website:
University of Cambridge - ESOL Examinations
ARELS Examination and Oxford Examination-Junior Counterpart
The ARELS and Oxford Preliminary Examination - Junior Counterpart were established by the University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations (UODLE), which is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). The Oxford-ARELS examinations are designed as complementary English language proficiency tests, serving as proof of the examinee's practical communication skills. The Oxford exams test reading and writing skills, the ARELS exams test speaking and listening skills. The format and level of the Junior Counterpart exam are identical to the ARELS Preliminary Examination, the subject matter is adjusted for candidates aged 12 to 17.
Structure
- Social English
- Aural comprehension
- Extended speaking
Results
Results are available within seven weeks of taking the exam. There are three passing grades: 'pass', 'good pass', 'very good pass'. Candidates who pass both exams, Oxford and ARELS Preliminary Examination (Junior Counterpart), can obtain a joint certificate.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found on the following website:
Junior English Test (JET)
The JET series was established by the Associated Examining Board (AEB). In April 2000, AEB was merged with the Northern Examinanations and Assessment Board (NEAB), forming the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA). The JET series comprises English language proficiency tests for children aged six to 14 years who speak English as a second or foreign language. JET is available at five progressive levels, designed for different age groups (however, there are no age limits to take the JET).
Structure
- Foundation Level (6-7 years)
- Level 1 (7-8 years)
- Level 2 (9-10 years)
- Level 3 (11-13 years)
- Level 4 (13-14 years)
The JET Foundation Level tests reading and listening comprehension skills; Levels 1-4 test reading, writing and listening comprehension skills.
Results
There is no fail/pass. All candidates are awarded a certificate indicating the achieved percentage for the individual test sections. Results are available within 10 working days after taking the exam.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found at the following website:
EAL for Schools (Certificate of Success for pre-school and school children)
EAL qualifications are English language proficiency tests established by the English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. for non-native speakers. The EAL qualifications begin with the Introductory Certificate of Success for pre-school and school children and may be awarded at two different levels of difficulty: Level 1 or 2. It allows the candidate to build in confidence and develop competence in listening and speaking skills.
Structure
The examination consists of an informal conversation with the examiner where candidates are assessed in their learning groups, sitting in a semi-circle with the examiner placed at one end.
Results
A full written report with the level of attainment is given to the candidate after the assessment with a corresponding achievement for each section of the syllabus. Grades include fail, pass, credit and distinction.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found on the following website:
Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP)
The Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) measures the ability of non-native speakers to listen, understand and read in English. The SLEP contains multiple-choice questions of eight different types.
Structure
- Section 1: measures the ability to understand spoken English. The questions are based on samples of spoken North American English and test listening comprehension. They do not rely heavily on written material.
- Section 2: measures the ability to understand written English. Questions cover grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
The time required for the entire test is approximately 85 minutes.
Current information about examination dates, place and fees can be found at the following website:
Educational Testing Service - SLEP
The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE)
ISEE is a three-hour test for entrance into private schools for grades five through 12. The exam may only be taken once every six months and only if admission to a specific school is planned.
Levels
- Lower level for students currently in grades four and five who are candidates for admission to grades five and six
- Middle level for students in grades six and seven who are candidates for admission to grades seven and eight
- Upper level for students in grades eight to eleven who are candidates for admission to grades nine through twelve
Structure
The lower level exam consists of the following parts:
- Verbal reasoning; consists of 40 questions (25 minutes)
- Quantitative reasoning; consists of 35 question (35 minutes)
- Reading comprehension; consists of 36 questions (40 minutes)
- Mathematics achievement; consists of 35 questions (40 minutes)
- Essay written in response to an assigned topic (30 minutes)
The middle and upper level exams consist of the following parts:
- Verbal reasoning; consists of 40 questions (20 minutes)
- Quantitative reasoning; consists of 35 question (35 minutes)
- Reading comprehension; consists of 40 questions on nine essays (40 minutes)
- Mathematics achievement; consists of 45 questions (40 minutes)
- Essay written in response to an assigned topic (30 minutes)
Results
The essay is not scored, but it is sent to each school as a sample of your ability to express yourself in writing.
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