International Test of English Proficiency

iTEP logo

The International Test of English Proficiency or iTEP is a language assessment tool that measures the English skills of non-native English speakers. The test is supported by more than 600 institutions[1] including the California State University system.[2][3] The test is available in more than 40 countries, and is also used by businesses, and governments such as Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and Mexico for large-scale initiatives.[1][4][5] There are nearly 500 iTEP test centers worldwide, with over 100 in China.[6]

iTEP is a trademark of Boston Educational Services, which was co-founded by former ELS Language Centers President Perry Akins and business partner Sharif Ossayran. The test was first launched in 2008 for colleges, universities, and international programs. Versions for secondary schools and business use were soon added, followed by English tests for specific industries such as hospitality and au pair.[7]

Education Applications

There are two iTEP exams for use in educational settings:[8]

iTEP Academic is used on-site by intensive English programs (IEPs) for placement, progress, and exit evaluation. It also used by colleges, universities for admissions purposes.

iTEP SLATE evaluates high school, secondary school, and middle school students, and is used by boarding schools and academies. Between June 2012 and June 2013, the number of US institutions recognizing this test quadrupled and the number continues to grow through 2016. This growth is largely due to the retirement of ETS's SLEP exam and the limited availability of their TOEFL Junior test.[9]

iTEP Academic and SLATE each have a "core" version and a "plus" version. The "core" versions are Internet-based, last 60 minutes, and test reading, grammar and listening. The "plus" versions last 90 minutes in total and also test writing and speaking, requiring the test taker to submit writing and speaking samples via computer. Results are available instantly on the multiple-choice "core" sections, and the speaking and writing results are graded by ESL-trained native English speakers in 5 business days (or 24 hours for IEPs). The "plus" exams retail for $99USD and can be scheduled within 3 days, making iTEP one of the most flexible and least expensive options among its competitors, which include TOEFL and IELTS. Institutions administering iTEP exams on-site receive discounted rates. iTEP also creates customized or white label tests for educational institutions.[10]

Business Applications

iTEP offers both a general iTEP Business exam as well as specialized English exams for specific industries.

iTEP Business measures the English skills needed for a work environment. It is used by companies to screen new hires, make decisions about promotions and assignments, and evaluate English training programs. Like iTEP Academic and iTEP SLATE, iTEP Business has a core and plus version.[4]

iTEP Hospitality measures the English skills necessary to work at restaurants, hotels, resorts, and cruise lines that serve English speakers. The test lasts 30 minutes and evaluates speaking and listening. It is typically administered onsite by an employer for hiring and promotional decisions.[11]

iTEP Au Pair evaluates the English abilities of foreign applicants to au pair programs in the US. Like iTEP Hospitality, it assesses speaking and listening skills in 30 minutes using industry specific content.

iTEP Intern is used by agencies that process J-1 visa applicants who wish to come from abroad to work as interns with US companies. This exam lasts 30 minutes and assesses listening and speaking skills using workplace contexts.[12]

Scoring

iTEP scores individuals on a scale of 1-6 (at 0.5 intervals) for each section of the test as well as an overall score. Each level translates to CEFR levels and an equivalent range of scores on other language proficiency exams.[13]

Test Preparation

In 2014, BES released the Official iTEP Preparation Guide, printing an updated edition in 2015. The Prep Guide consists of a 133-page printed book intended to familiarize test-takers with the format of the tests, and two practice tests, one to be taken before reading the book as a diagnostic, and another to be taken at the end as a comparison. The writing and speaking portions of the test are self-graded to help test-takers grasp the criteria that will be used to evaluate their work. The Prep Guide is sold online for about $27USD.[14]

External links

References

  1. 1 2 "Gobierno entregará certificados gratuitos de inglés a 10 mil personas". El Tiempo. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "Mandatory Catalog Copy" (PDF). California State University. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  3. ↑ "Cal Poly English Language Institute". California State Polytechnic University. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  4. 1 2 "Programs & Activities / Current". United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  5. ↑ "How To Read LIQAAT Assessment Report" (PDF). Government of Saudi Arabia. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  6. ↑ Linda, Yeung. "International Test of English Proficiency offers low-cost tests over the internet". scmp.com. South China Morning Post. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  7. ↑ "iTEP SLATE". Trademarkia. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  8. ↑ Ashwill, Mark A. "iTEP Arrives in Vietnam!". International Educator. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  9. ↑ Thomas, Daniel. "iTEP SLATE exam climbs 300%, USA". Professionals in International Education. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
  10. ↑ "International Test of English Proficiency ( iTEP)". Cleveland State University. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  11. ↑ "iTEP Hospitality Exam Tests English Proficiency". qsrmagazine.com. QSR Magazine. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  12. ↑ "New Exams: iTEP AuPair, iTEP Intern". Boston Educational Services. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  13. ↑ "Score Equivalencies: iTEP, TOEFL, IELTS" (PDF). FHI 360. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  14. ↑ "Official guide for iTEP test launched". Study Travel Magazine 239 (September 2014): 15. September 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
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