CET1
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| Type | Online Multilevel Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To check English Language Skills |
| Languages | English |
CET1 (Certified English Test One) is an online, multilevel test provided by Certified English Services or Ingles Certificado SC. It is used by Higher Education Institutions and employers who need a fast, accurate way to check the English language skills of students and employees based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The test is modular so institutions and employers can choose the combination of language skills they want to assess.
The CET1 Online Exam is a computer-adaptive test. The test finishes when a candidate has answered enough questions for CET1 to identify their level accurately. Answers are marked automatically to provide fast, accurate results.
History of Online Tests[edit]
The development of the first computer-assesment English language test by Cambridge English dates back to the early 1990s.
The employment agency Manpower approached Cambridge Assessment English in 1994 with a request for a language proficiency test to be used to place staff in temporary employment.[1] The test requirements were as follows:
- it could be administered at any office
- it could be available on demand
- it did not require specially qualified staff to mark it
- it had to be short, yet as reliable as possible
- it had to accurately identify candidates’ practical language ability in a general business setting.
Given these requirements, computer-adaptive testing was identified as the most suitable approach. It satisfied the need for a relatively short test, which would measure accurately over a wide range of levels, and it would be convenient to administer.
The original CET1 ran under Exam.net platform on 2021. By 2022, it had been replaced by Hosting its servers on Amazon AWS. It was trialled in a number of countries mostly in Europe, but also in Mexico and Japan.[2]
Having successfully demonstrated the use of computer-adaptive testing, a number of further testing projects were undertaken. These have included: CommuniCAT (winner of the 2000 European Academic Software Award), computer-based BULATS Online and the Cambridge English Placement Test.[3]
In 2022, the new version of CET1 Exam was launched. It has been trialled by speakers of over 40 languages, from 50 countries around the world, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results. Specifically in the Mexican Market. This test is widely used in the Public Education Sector. Mexico's USICAMMagency from the Federal ministry of Education candidates represent 75% of the CET1 user base. High Schools students and Public and Private Universities in Mexico represent its 25% user base.
Exam Format[edit]
CET1 is a computer-based test. It requires a computer, internet connection and a set of headphones (no specialist software is required). It is a modular assessment which tests Reading and Listening (combined) and Writing.
Reading and Listening (60–85 minutes)
The Reading and Listening module is an adaptive test. There is not a fixed number of questions. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions for CET1 to identify the candidate’s level accurately.
Writing (45 minutes)
The Writing test has two parts (each worth half of the final Writing mark).
Part 1: the candidate needs to write an email (minimum of 50 words).
Part 2: the candidate needs to write a longer text (minimum of 180 words).
Example writing topics include: future plans; free time and hobbies; using and learning English; family and friends; travel and holidays; places and sights; studying and working; shopping; sport; music; home life; technology.
Candidates input their answers using a computer keyboard.
Timing and test results[edit]
CET1 does not have any set test dates or venues. It is designed for organisations that wish to run and invigilate the test at their own site, according to their own timescales.[4]
Results for the Reading and Listening module are provided immediately. Writing answers are marked automatically by the computer and results are available within 12 hours.
CET1 has a computer-generated Test Report Form that is sent directly to the candidate. This means there is no waiting for printed certificates/documents.
The Test Report Form has the following information about the candidate’s performance:
- a CEFR level for each skill tested (writing, reading and listening)
- a score on the Cambridge English Scale for each skill tested (writing, reading and listening)
- an average CEFR score (if more than one skill is tested)
- an average equivalent Cambridge English Scale score (if more than one skill is tested)
- an explanation of what each score means in terms of English language ability.
The following scores are used to report results:
| Cambridge English Scale score | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| 180+ | C1 or above |
| 160–179 | B2 |
| 140–159 | B1 |
| 120–139 | A2 |
| 100–119 | A1 |
| 82–99 | Below A1 |
Test reports can be produced for individuals or for groups. It is possible to break down scores by group and language level. This is designed to allow for easy comparison of language ability across a whole organisation.
Usage[edit]
CET1 is used by Higher Education Institutions to assess language levels on admissions, monitor progress, and check that students meet graduation language requirements.
CET1 is used by employers in recruitment to check applicants have the right language skills for a role.It is also used to measure the effectiveness of staff language training.
The test is modular. Each student chooses the combination of language skills to be tested. CET1 has a flexible structure, so that organisations can administer it however, wherever and whenever is convenient for their exact needs.
Preparation[edit]
Free preparation materials, such as sample tests, are available online.
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
This article "CET1" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:CET1. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
- ↑ "Manpower Philippines - Clients/What do we do/Assessment and Selection". candidate.manpower.com. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
- ↑ Jones, N (2014) Multilingual Frameworks: the construction and use of multilingual proficiency frameworks, Studies in Language Testing, Issue 40, Cambridge University Press.
- ↑ Walczak, A (2015) Computer-adaptive testing, Research Notes 59, UCLES.
- ↑ "CET1". inglescertificado.edu.mx. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
