The Candidates – Who?

When marketing a product to a consumer market, it’s well known how important it is to identify who your product is for. Testing Assessments are no different. Identifying the target market before choosing a test will allow you to assess your candidate’s needs correctly. For instance, if you select a test for Business English learners who need the result for work, you would need to check that the employees are tested on presentations, ability to use specific complex language in context, and communication skills. However, if you’re looking for a testing system for young learners, you would select a more accessible and colorful test, including stories, songs, and interactive games. 

The key to identifying how you will examine the components of the assessment you select is who the test is for. 

The Features Of The Test – What?

When looking at Language assessments, the construction of the test might include proficiency of the language, communication skills, listening, pronunciation, and comprehension skills. To pinpoint the what of the test, you will need to answer the following questions; What will be included in the test? How are the resources available used to assess your learners? What are their specific abilities or skills that you need to consider? 

When choosing an assessment, it is vital to identify the components of the test. In other words, what is being assessed? And how is it going to be constructed? There are several ways to evaluate a learner depending on the outcome you want, if for example, you need to test a learner’s conversational ability and fluency, you might consider if it focuses on hesitations, their ability to answer off-the-cuff, informal questions, pauses, and even the correct use of syntax and colloquialisms in the higher levels. 

Selecting a comprehensive assessment is crucial to identify the structure and content. Our Bright Standard English Test offers a clear, well-researched, and unique approach to testing. We have developed a comprehensive assessment that identifies the needs of your candidates and thoroughly tests learners with verbal communication, comprehension, active listening, and writing skills. Get in touch with us today!

The Purpose Of The Test – Why?

Once you’ve identified the type of learners you have and the brief elements of the test, it is essential to ask why you are testing? What is the purpose of the test you have chosen? And how will it appropriately assess your target group? 

A valid test is very objective, and we can’t fully identify whether a test is accurate or not because it really depends on the type of learners and why you want to assess them. To purposefully test your learners, you will want to consider the test’s aim. Maybe, you’re checking for understanding at the end of the learning unit. You require a placement test to organize groupings of students, or you want to check for language proficiency at the end of the year to examine the effectiveness of the teaching units. 

There are many different reasons why a center, business, or school would want to test, and this can, in turn, affect the type of test, the construction of appropriate tasks, and which elements should be included.

The Testing Assessment – How? 

When you have analyzed the construction of the test, you will want to decide how they are going to test the learners effectively. In other words, how are you going to ensure that the test appropriately assesses the learning outcomes and aims for your specific brief?

If, for example, you require an assessment for a University student aiming to study abroad, you would want to correctly select a wide range of tasks and options to assess the student’s readiness accurately. 

A testing assessment should always include a differentiated approach where the candidate is assessed through different types of tasks so that the advantages and limitations of each task are correctly thought through. Each candidate is different and has its own individual limitations; thus, choosing a successful test with a wide range of tasks is imperative to evaluate your students’ abilities properly and, therefore, successfully achieve your aims and objectives. 

Authenticity – How? 

There are many language proficiency tests on the market, and not at all are going to work to the same standards. When designing a test, it is very important to work from a standardized testing rubric, where the scores are noted on the same merit, depending on the learner’s language level. It is vital to ensure that when choosing tasks, they are checking the range of assignments and how they are going to be scored fairly. 

For example, if you have selected a test that includes multiple-choice questions, you would want to consider how the score is determined, whether it is correct or incorrect. Or, if you’re going to pick an assessment with a partial credit scoring system, where maybe an answer alludes to the correct one but doesn’t fully answer the question, you will have to make sure it is fairly assessed across the board. 

At BSET, our flexible testing system is appropriately assessed. We fairly and accurately test all learners. We have a team of experts who are fully trained to suitably evaluate the exams, and we also guarantee results within 72 hours of completing the test.

Another critical thing to note when choosing a testing system is whether it’s authentic or not. Will it appropriately assess your learners with situations they may encounter in real-life? We have developed a testing system available for Educational Organizations, Employers, and Candidates. Our testing system is adaptable and can offer the best of testing options should you need to grow and develop the language skills of your employees, or test students proficiency for admission, graduation, or admission, or you want to show the world what you can do as an individual – we’ve got the testing options for you! We help all kinds and sizes of institutions, businesses, and candidates. 

Whatever your language goals, we’re here to help you along the way!

The post Validity: Choosing The Correct Learning Assessment first appeared on Bright Exams.

Language in its simplest form is a means of communication, and with technology, it is paramount that businesses work outside of country and continent lines, communicating and connecting people worldwide. 

Often English is also deployed as the Lingua Franca when speakers of different languages get together, and because of this, businesses must test their employee’s language skills. 

Why is it essential to test the proficiency of your employees?

Better hiring practices 

Many companies waste a lot of precious time interviewing candidates and checking credentials. Using a pre-interview proficiency test will allow you to save time and hire with purpose. 

Our Bright Learning Standard Test is personalized, helping you get exactly what you need from your future and current employees. We also give you a dedicated account manager as a point of contact so you can optimize your time.

Ensuring effective communication

In business, you need to ensure your team is the best it can be, especially globally. It is vital to ensure that your team is ready to communicate with many different people professionally. At BSET, we provide you with an easily accessed online program that tests the candidates’ speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills alongside the European framework for languages; CEFR. 

What do you need to test? 

You know your employees best and what you need to achieve. At BSET, we offer a customizable program, adaptable to your needs and tailored to your organization. 

In general, however, it is important to be aware of the following skills a diverse team needs;

Eloquence 

Having the ability to communicate efficiently is perhaps one of the most important skills anyone can have. Communication allows us to process and pass on information to others and, therefore, helps us to build relationships. 

As English is recognized by about 76 countries worldwide as an official or co- language, it has become one of the most sought-after skills in the world, after Mandarin and Spanish. 

Therefore it is crucial to test the communicative abilities of your employees in English so they can accurately communicate with colleagues and customers. 

Our BSET test is designed to examine not only the learner’s speaking skills but also listening. Doing so enables you to identify the expertise of your team. 

Ability to use the target language in context

Business English is a growing market, with more and more companies spanning over countries and continents; learners need to be able to use the target language in context, specifically business English. 

At BSET, we are specialists skilled in creating individualized content and making topics relevant to each individual. 

How can you use the results? 

It is important to note that when testing your candidates, you should also employ based on the interview, curriculum, and personal notes.

 A highly proficient test can save you time and give you a good perspective of a possible or current staff member, and it is a crucial step when employing and developing a global company.

The beauty of our test is its rapid, on-the-spot, and accessible; all that is needed is a computer, microphone, internet access, and headphones and can be completed in less than 110 minutes.

We also guarantee results within 72 hours of completion, meaning less time spent screening and more time acquiring the right talent for your business! 
Please take a look at our website here and get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. We look forward to helping you grow your business!

The post The Advantages Of English Proficiency Testing in Business first appeared on Bright Exams.

In this article, we’re going to break down the levels for you, so you can see where your proficiency skills are currently, tips on how to prepare for and pass your exam, and the different services that we offer to help you and your employees navigate the world of English proficiency examinations. 

CEFR levels – What are they?

The Common European Framework Reference For Languages or CEFR is the standardized European scheme of testing a learner’s language level in about 40 different languages. 

Although there are many different placement and proficiency tests on the market, CEFR levels are considered the best way to assess a candidate’s language level properly, and all reputable companies work alongside this framework to adequately examine their students. 

CEFR level – What is my level? 

There are 6 recognized CEFR levels grouped into three varied sections; Basic, Independent, and Proficient. These three groups are then divided further into sublevels to identify the learner’s language proficiency as seen below:

As you can see, the different language levels correspond to the learners’ proficiency in the target language and range from basic understanding to highly proficient. 

What do I need to do before taking a proficiency exam?

To take any test, whether for work, school, or personal reasons, it’s important to feel confident and prepared. Here we’ve got 5 tips to help you and your candidates’ feel self-assured;

1. Look at the format of the test you’re going to take 

With so many proficiency tests out there, it’s essential to know what the structure will look like so you don’t feel thrown off. At BSET, we clearly outline the design of our test here.

2. Practice makes perfect

The best way to learn a language is through exposure; with various resources available, there are many ways in which you can prepare yourself. Whether you’re more of a visual learner, auditory, tactical, or didactic, look at exposing yourself to English and native English speakers.

An idea might be to listen to podcasts on topics that interest you, listen to audiobooks or read books you’re already familiar with. You can practice your writing skills by creating short stories or even sending emails in English. 

Many companies use English to communicate, so it’s fundamental that you can write in different styles and formalities. 

3. Take the complimentary practice exam! 

If your test center or company offers a practice test, don’t hesitate! If you schedule it a little bit before the official exam, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and therefore work on the things you need to.                                            

It’s best to check where you are and where you want to be, then you can study with purpose! 

4. Use the resources available to you

With language exchanges, social events, and community lessons available almost everywhere, online and off, now is the best time to use those resources. If you’re planning on taking a proficiency exam, take a moment to research possible events, teachers, and even course books that will help you. 

5. Take your time and remember why you’re taking the exam 

This one is less of a practical tip for passing the exam but general advice. You will perform better on your exam if you’re confident and at ease. 

Plan some fun things to do around your exam, take your time over the information given, and most importantly, remember where the result can take you and why you’re doing it in the first place. 

Bright Standard Learning System – What can we offer?

At BSET, we are very proud to declare that our proficiency exam is accredited by IAQLS (International Accreditation for Quality Language Services), EHEA (Europeans Agency for Higher Education and Accreditation), and ECICEL (European Centre of Independent Certification in E-Learning). 

BSET is also an International affiliated member of AERA (American International Research Association) and an Institutional member of ILTA (International Language Testing Association) and ICC (The International Language Association).

Our system is recognized and designed to properly incorporate all four key language acquisition skills to evaluate candidates’ proficiency and consists of a 107-minute exam. 

Everyone has a different reason or aim for taking a language proficiency exam, and these reasons will differ depending on where you are, what you want and who you are. Therefore we’ve created flexible schemes for businesses, schools, and individuals. 

English for Business

Our English Proficiency test is designed for businesses to get the best out of their employees and to assess their language skills quickly, efficiently, and comprehensively. We have created an on-the-spot system, making it highly accessible and adaptable for your needs. 

In a world full of great global companies, BSET offers a competitive assessment that guarantees your employees will be prepared to communicate effectively with team members and customers worldwide. 

What are you waiting for? Improve your hiring process and grow your global business with Bright Standard English Test. 

English for Education Organizations

At BSET, we are passionate about improving and giving institutes the ability to make informed decisions on admissions. We offer an on-demand test, which allows you to check a candidates’ results within 72 hours of submission.

It is designed to assess all four language proficiency skills needed to evaluate a learners’ real-world communicative abilities in English appropriately. 

Get off on the right foot with BSET!

English for Test Takers

Our BSET developed test is for you! We have carefully constructed a thorough, verified exam directly aligned with the Common European Framework for Language, meaning you can show potential employers and educational organizations just what you can do!

The post Gaining Your English Proficiency Certification first appeared on Bright Exams.

What does English proficiency mean? 

Proficiency is defined as being able to confidently, concisely, and skillfully do something, whether in professional settings or life. It’s being able to do something with ease and competency. 

When it comes to English proficiency testing, it’s about showcasing your skills and expertise within the English language and having a command in writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Now there are many ways you can show this, but testing is vital to be able to prove this. 

One of the many frameworks describing language proficiency levels is the Common European Framework of Reference For Language or CEFR. The scale spans over 6 levels and is highly regarded as an authentic, accurate, and fair framework.  

While the CEFR levels are European and designed for European languages, they are starting to be used worldwide to test many language abilities. It is not associated with any language test in particular, but most standardized testing companies work alongside the framework and develop programs accordingly.

The 6 CEFR levels are as follows:

As you can see, these 6 levels are thoroughly detailed to enable English learners to fully understand what level they have and what level they may want to achieve. 

It is clearly outlined to enable even the most basic use of the target language and has been translated into about 40 different languages. 

How can English proficiency testing help me?

There are many ways that incorporating English proficiency testing can help your business, and we’re going to delve into the top 5 here!

1. Hiring with purpose 

Many companies spend hours carefully selecting candidates based on interviews, curriculums, and credentials. However, if you could screen possible employees based on English proficiency before hiring, you could save a lot of this time to focus on your business. 

2. Company growth 

With English being the primary language of the internet, in meetings, and in business, it’s essential to focus on this skill within your company. No matter your company or what you are setting out to do, it’s vital to authentically test your employees’ ability to communicate with customers and colleagues in English to grow your company.

Now, we’ve all been there where you’ve taken a test but haven’t felt any increase in confidence after. 

That’s why we’ve created our Bright Standard Learning test. Our test highlights honest communication and meaningful content, applicable to many different situations that the candidate will face. Meaning you can be sure that once the candidate has completed it, they will be ready to put it into practice.

Proven English skills can also add growth to your company by giving what you offer value and therefore more opportunity for what you can provide. 

3. Boosting employee skills 

Every company wants to make its employees succeed because success translates to success in the business. By testing an employee’s skills and giving them a certificate to use, you’re increasing their prospects and, in turn, yours. At BSET, our tests are designed to be on-the-spot demand, meaning we guarantee results within 72 hours of completion, no longer waiting weeks and weeks. Please take a look at our website here.

4. Across the world communication 

Success comes in the form of many things, but to go beyond country lines, we need to be able to communicate with companies, customers, and colleagues worldwide. Like it or not, English is a global language. With over 1.5 billion native and non-native speakers of the language, it’s now vitally important to communicate in English. Growing your team and your company by checking English proficiency is key to building global partnerships, which we will discuss below.

5. Building global partnerships

Similar to hiring, companies want to make sure they are collaborating with partners that help not hinder their business. With a wealth of opportunities out there for the taking, many companies are improving their skills, mindset, and language proficiency. However, with these many opportunities come conditions, and often English proficiency is one of them. As a common working language, lack of English proficiency can affect growth as many companies, when working with others, will use English for effective and clear communication. By using English proficiency tests for your business, you can increase the chance of opportunity and growth.

At BSET, we are dedicated professionals who want to help you succeed. Please get in touch with us, and we can start working together to achieve your goals! 

The post 5 Ways Focusing On Language Can Grow Your Business. first appeared on Bright Exams.

Generally, there are a few key things to be aware of when choosing a test for your needs. There are so many options to choose from, and so it’s essential to select a reliable testing system. So, what are the elements of a great assessment test, and how can we sift through the inferior ones?

1. Easy to understand

An English assessment test must be clearly understood, where the pace and instructions make sense to the candidates without leaning on their native tongue. It should feel intuitive in its structure so that the questions can easily be understood and have a clear and concise purpose for the learner.

The Bright Standard English Test assessment offers a clear, standardized format and thoroughly tested process that is accessible for A1 – C2 learners’.

2. Clear and Simple

Some examiners will try to over-complicate questions to trick candidates’. A competent test should be straightforward in its structure. So, the learners know what they are being asked to do.

3. Reliable

When looking for an assessment module, you need to be sure that it’s reliable and produces competent results each time. 

A reliable test should:

• Produce the same results when given to the same group of people after a reasonable length of time.
• Be marked using the same rubric every time the test is taken. There shouldn’t be any changes in the marking scheme and how the learners are being assessed.

4. The validity of a test 

When choosing a test, you must be sure that it will appropriately assess the candidates. An English proficiency exam, for example, should only evaluate the language skills of a learner and will be invalid if it targets other areas of assessment such as general knowledge.

It’s important to choose the right type of test and assess which one will adequately prepare the candidate. 

Our tests are purposely designed to be relevant for daily, academic, and professional life. We focus on the use of English in social and professional settings.

5. Easily accessible

An English proficiency test must cater to all types of people. Candidates’ should be able to use the chosen platform and achieve results in a timely manner. 

The organization or school must make sure that the learners’ can take the English proficiency tests with ease and confidence. This is why it’s so important to choose a great program!

6. Be objective

Every institute must ensure that testing is objective and doesn’t contain favoritism. Unfortunately, however, this isn’t always the case, and often you will find that some learners will lose interest in the subject because of this. 

At BSET, we are dedicated to providing professional and fair testing for all. We score based on performance and ability rather than on relationships. Our thoroughly researched program ensures our testing is effective and objective for businesses, schools, and individuals. 

7. Be well-rounded 

An excellent assessment should test four language acquisition skills to correctly determine a learners’ level correctly. Quite a few online testing websites have entered the market over the last few years that simply don’t achieve this and often only assess writing and reading skills. 

Our Bright Standard Of English Test, focuses on all four language acquisition skills– writing, listening, speaking, and reading, while still being interactive for the learner. 

 In order to assess speaking skills, the candidates produce an audio recording containing the answers to 2 questions. The writing test comprises 2 pieces of written text, and a listening component and reading skills are assessed through multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

If you want to see how professional test organizers work, Begin using BSET today!

8. Time is of the essence

The length of a test is critical, too long, and it can be tiring for learners, too short, and it doesn’t properly assess the candidate. 

Exhaustion is one of the principal reasons that most people don’t perform well in exams, and it can cause deflation in confidence and ability to achieve. 

Likewise, shorter tests can be untrustworthy and fail to assess a learners’ language acquisition skills properly. 

As an institutional member of ILTA (The International Language Testing Association) and an affiliate of AERA (American International Research Association), we have developed an optimal testing time of 107 minutes, which comprises of a 30-minute writing and listening section, 40 minutes for reading, and 7 minutes to effectively evaluate speaking skills. 

With our optimized testing system, students are less likely to become bored and unengaged. We have developed this 107-minute test to properly assess the four language skills a learner needs in order to show their commandment of the language!

9. Effective for all levels

To achieve a comprehensive test system, it needs to be effective for learners with different language levels and include questions of various difficulties from easy to hard. A comprehensive testing system should cater to all levels despite the individuals’ grasp of the language. 

10.  Fair and secure 

Lastly and most importantly, there should be no room for unfairness and insecurity during the conduction of a test. Since most language proficiency tests use AI systems to monitor them, this can sometimes result in learners hiring others to take the test for them. 

At BSET, we have come up with a solution to combat this. We have designed strict policies against imposters. Our intelligent system enables a candidate to identify themselves before commencing, therefore preventing a test from being taken by someone else. 

 In addition, BSET’s questions have been specially crafted and are unique to us. Therefore reducing the chances of answers being able to be researched during the test. Our smart system never repeats our questions and contains new random optimized ones chosen for every candidate. 

We also offer a complimentary practice exam to candidates to help them succeed, with the results being announced within 72 hours of finishing. So, what are you waiting for? Begin using BSET today!

Our team of experts, after thorough research, has composed a language proficiency testing system that achieves a fair, secure, and effective experience to help learners and organizers around the globe with an intelligent, unique, and reliable examination. 

We also take huge pride in declaring that our proficiency exam is accredited by IAQLS (International Accreditation for Quality Language Services), EHEA (European Agency for Higher Education and Accreditation), and ECICEL (European Centre of Independent Certification in E-Learning).

We look forward to working with you to achieve your language learning goals today!

To help assess candidates’ or your proficiency in the language, BSET has come to offer its services.

A good test has to go through several checks before assessing candidates. Here are the qualities of a good English proficiency exam.

The post 10 Qualities of a Good English Proficiency Exam first appeared on Bright Exams.