Cambridge Placement TestEnglish UK Spring Conference and AGM20 May 2009, London

Angela Wright, Cambridge ESOL

What is the Cambridge Placement Test?OnlineAdaptiveOn demandAll CEFR levels (Pre-A1–C2)Immediate resultsGeneral EnglishListening, Reading, Use of EnglishApprox. 30 minutesPen and paper version also available

Why is the Cambridge Placement Test being developed?

In response to demand:As a standardised placement test for language schoolsAs a benchmarking or screening tool for schools, universities, organisations and ministries

Benefits of the Cambridge Placement Test for the Customer

User-friendly and flexible to administer:Online ordering 24/7Online administration - no need for software installationOn demand with immediate resultsAdaptive so fast and same test for all levelsSecure – large encrypted item bank, which is regularly refreshed, means a unique test for each candidateAccurate and reliable – all items pretestedCan be reskinned for different users

Computer Adaptive Testing

Easy Difficult

. .

Yes YesYes

NoNo

YesLevel of the test “homes in”on ability level of candidate

Benefits of the Cambridge Placement Test for the Candidate

User-friendly for the candidate:FastCan choose to take a tutorial before the testCan access on-screen help at any timeModern design and interfaceCan see timer and progress barAdaptive so questions are at an appropriate levelImmediate results

Reporting of resultsResults reported immediatelyGroup and individual reportsCan choose if the candidate sees resultOverall score out of 100CEFR level Pre-A1–C2Indication of which Cambridge ESOL exam(s) to prepare for

Test report form

How does the administration work?Cambridge ESOL Administrator

Direct Customer Agent or Centre

(Branch)

Candidate

(Indirect Customer)

Candidate

Test Administrator

How does the Cambridge Placement Test work for the Customer?

Log in Order testsGenerate tokens (unique number for each candidate)Candidate enters tokenCandidate takes the test Print out Test Report Form

Other features for the CustomerCan administer tests themselves or set up branches to administer testsCan view, print and export candidate results Can view order and usage information Can delegate ordering to branchesCan add new branches (and set order limits)Can search and edit existing branchesCan reactivate tokens if there is an Internet problem

Customer screen

Customer screen

Customer screen

BranchesCan order tests (if allowed by Customer)Can generate test tokensCan view, print and export candidate results Can view order and usage information Can reactivate tokens if there is an Internet problem

How does the Cambridge Placement Test work for the Candidate?

Logs in with tokenEnters registration detailsViews a tutorial (optional)Takes a testCan access on-screen help at any timeCan view their result at the end of their test (if allowed)Receives a Test Report Form

Candidate screen

Candidate screen

Candidate screen

Test screen - Listening

Test screen - Reading

Test screen – Use of English

TimetableDevelopment Spring/Summer 2009Trialling Summer/Autumn 2009Launch from Autumn 2009

Contact for further information

Angela WrightTel: (+44) 1223 552794

Wright.A@CambridgeESOL.org