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Comprehensive testing outline
The Chinese have been struggling with English tests for more than a decade now. A lot of time and effort go into improving their ability but also into trying to decide which test is which because there are so many around with similar sounding names. So, 21st Century has collected and categorized some to explain their function. The list is far from comprehensive but covers most of the common ones.
Certificate test
The English certificate tests are used to evaluate a person's general English proficiency. A certificate shows that the holder has met certain English standards set by the test producer. The tests are not intended to directly relate to degree programmes.
CET
The College English Test (CET) primarily targets college students whose majors are not English. It has two levels, Band 4 and Band 6. Both are intended for higher level English. Although the CET is designed simply to measure a student's English ability, because of its wide recognition, almost all colleges in China require Bachelor's Degree programme students to pass the CET-4. And, employers, even foreign companies, prefer applicants with a CET certificate. The CET can be taken by non-college students. But the number of seats is limited. In 2002, more than 6 million people took it. The test is held in June and December each year.
TEM
Test for English Majors (TEM) also targets college students. But it is for English majors. TEM has two levels — Band four and eight. They are difficult than CET. It is usually not open to non-English majors. Usually, Band four has test in May and Band eight in March.
PETS
The Public English Test System (PETS) is open to all, meaning no age, job or academic background restriction. It also has five levels, from beginner to advanced. Speaking is tested at all levels. The producer is the National Education Examination Authority. PETS has grown in popularity since it was introduced in 1996. In 2002, more than 330,000 people took it. The certificate is not as widely recognized as the CET, but, it is an option for anyone who cannot take the CET. And, more companies are beginning to recognize it for employment or on-the-job training. The test is held twice yearly, in March and September.
MSE
The Main Suite Examination is designed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). It has five levels, from beginner to advanced. Only the first three are available in China. They are Key English Test, Preliminary English Test, and First Certificate in English. Four skills are tested in all levels. Multinational companies, especially those from Europe, recognize the certificate. There are about 2,500 test takers every year. The test is held twice yearly, in June and November/December.
Professional tests
These are not purely proficiency tests. They are meant to measure English proficiency in a work, especially business, environment. Although they are designed by foreign testing institutions, their results cannot be used for overseas study.
BEC
The Business English Certificate (BEC) is the most prominent business English test available in China. It was also designed by UCLES. Four skills are tested in this three-level test. It provides proof of a person's ability to handle business conducted in English. Many multinationals and Chinese companies involved in international business and trade look for a BEC certificate. Every year, about 35,000 people take it in China. The test is held twice, in May and November/December.
TOEIC
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) was designed by the US-based Educational Testing Service (ETS) to test English proficiency in a work environment. Its primary focus is not business English but common English applied to work. Only listening and speaking are tested. TOEIC is very popular in Japan and South Korea. It was introduced in China last year. Five tests are held each year.
TOPE
The Test of Professional English (TOPE) comes from the same organization as TOEIC. It also came to China last year. TOEIC tests four skills. And it is designed specially for Chinese learners. There are four tests every year.
Overseas study
Tests in this category are considered for admission to educational institutions in other countries. They are not considered useful for job hunting in China.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is still the most popular test for overseas study, with 100,000 Chinese test takers annually. It is strictly a language proficiency test used to demonstrate ability to study in North America. It is designed by ETS and tests only listening, reading and writing. Every year, about 80,000 Chinese take it. The test is held in January, May, August and October every year.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used for Chinese wanting to study in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It was designed by UCLES and covers four skills. The number of IELTS test takers is catching up with that of TOEFL. Last year, nearly 80,000 took it in China. Tests are held each month. The IELTS result can also be used for immigration purposes for the above mentioned countries.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examinations is used to apply for postgraduate programmes in North America. There are three tests and about 40,000 Chinese test takers each year.
GMAT
Chinese who want to apply for economics, management, trade and business related postgraduate programmes in North America need to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). GMAT focuses more on logical thinking skills. The test is computerized and available every month. About 20,000 Chinese take it every year.
TSE
last year, it is hard to say what its future will be.
