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

BULATS (BUSINESS LANGUAGE TESTING SERVICE)

The right language skills are an essential element for success in international business and industry. Designed to help companies find out the level of the staff, employees, and other workers in business company. Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) Online tests can be taken at any computer with a fast internet connection. No software needs to be downloaded or installed. A tutorial and demonstration test are available for candidates to familiarise themselves with the task types. On-screen help guides are available throughout the tests and information for candidates handbooks are also available.

The following is the test items for BULATS.

·         Available for four language skills – Reading and Listening, Speaking and Writing.

·         Reading and Listening tests available in four languages – English, French, German and Spanish.

·         Speaking and Writing tests available in English.

·         All tasks and topics set in real-life work contexts.

·         Tests can be taken together or in any combination.

·         Tests can be taken at any computer, any time.

·         Rapid results and instant test report forms.

·         Aligned with ALTE and CEFR levels...

From the above explanation, BULATS covers the four skills of English.

TOEIC

Since 1979, organizations around the world have used the TOEIC® test to hire, place and promote employees. The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is "an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment."

There are different forms of the exam: The TOEIC Listening & Reading Test consists of two equally graded tests of comprehension assessment activities totaling a possible 990 score; the newer TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test comprises tests of pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, overall coherence, and structure (organization of sentences) totaling a possible 400 score. The TOEIC Listening & Reading Test is a two-hour multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions evenly divided into listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each candidate receives independent scores for listening and reading comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495 points. The total score adds up to a scale from 10 to 990 points.

TOEP

The last type is the Test of English Proficiency (TOEP) which is designed by the Association of Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia (TEFLIN). The test is for anybody who wants to know the proficiency level in the listening and reading of English. For this time being, the main focus is on assessing these two receptive skills. Previously the test is in the form of paper-and-pencil but since the year 2013 it is computer-based. There are 100 multiple-choice items divided into two sections listening and reading. To ensure the validity and reliability, the Standard Operational Procedures are made for both the center and local administrators which involve TEFLIN members and partnership-universities. The scoring is done using computer system based on the total correct answers; there is no penalty for the wrong answer.