Issues in the development of standardized proficiency tests (language skills and components) Vocational: BULATS, TOEIC, TOEP

Issues in the development of standardized proficiency tests (language skills and components)

Vocational: BULATS, TOEIC, TOEP

Rojab Siti R. & Muhammad Yunus

1.       BULATS

BULATS stands for Business Language Testing Service

This test is designed to help companies to find out the level of language skills aming theri staffs, trainees, or joib applicants and it assesses language skills which are needed for the workplace and for students  and employees on language courses

BULATS has the key feature which is flexibility in its delivery,because it is available on demand, suits clients needs, can be administered on site, fast turn-aroun reslts, and  range of 4 tests on offer administered independently or in combination). It is a multilingual test because it offers parallel tests in English, Frech, German and Spanish.

The range of BULATS: the computer test (online) , standard test (paper-based), speaking and writing test. They can be used independently or in various combination.

Computer test consists of two parts:  (1)  listening (2)  reading and language knowledge (grammar and vocabulary) The test formats are multiple choice and gap fill.

The speaking test consists of three parts: interview,, presentation and communicative activity with the examiner. The speaking test is assesed using the criteria: accuracy, range, pronunciation, discourse management and interaction. The band range from 0-6

The writing test assesses writing skills in relation to the workplace and lasts 45 minutes. It consists of short message /letter and report.

2.       TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

It measures the everyday englisg skills of people working in international environment and cosists of two sections:  1. listening and reading (100 items each), 2. speaking and writing

The test takers are business test takers, academic test takers, individuals entering the workplace, candidates for training, individuals in English –language training program. The score 220 – 860

In Speaking test, the test takers are required to read a text, describe a picture, respond to questions, respond to questions using information provided, propose a solution and express an opinion

3.       TOEP (Test of English Proficiency)

Test developed by TEFLIN considering that the international standardized test is very expensive.  To provide an equivalent English proficiency test for the Indonesians and reduce the dependency of taking the international proficeincy tests such as TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC.

It can be used to portray the level of Indonesian people’s English proficiency and for certification.

It measures the ability to comprehend the content of both spoken and written texts explicitly and implicitly. It consists of 100 items, duration 105-110 minutes and the format is multiple choice.