This is an adaptive test focusing on language elements (mostly vocabulary and grammar), listening, and reading. The test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is randomised, so that students sitting next to each other will see different questions.
Test accuracy is ensured through access to telc’s vast database of sample, validated items, as well as through ongoing item analysis and standard setting.
Adaptive tests are more efficient, and deliver more precise outcomes in a shorter time frame across the range of test takers.
Sentence reconstruction and word placement questions take a holistic look at structures and syntax, so students engage with the language — and the test.
The content for this English level test has been devised, written and maintained by telc Language Tests, a non-profit subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association. Over 45 years telc has created and administered language tests based on international standards: fair, transparent and reliable.
Why is this test different from other online tests? Beyond providing institutes and schools with an effective tool, we wanted to give added attention to those taking the test: the candidates. Mia Aghajari, Content Developer
Read more...In the past we had more formalised, structured systems around and a test carried a lot more weight. Now I’m starting see people asking, "What is the relevance of this test? Why should I take this English test?" An interview with Sean McDonald, Lead Content Developer
Read more...A key objective was to devise a democratic test — a computer-based level test available to schools whatever their digital setup. Adrian Raper, Technical Director
Read more...The development team uses anchor items, item analysis and detailed data analysis to build up and maintain a valid and reliable item bank — and a delivery system that works for everyone.
With the constant influx of data from thousands of test takers the team is also able to confirm the validity of every item, ensuring it helps determine a test taker’s CEFR level within the 30 minute time-span.
The editorial team monitors test items for issues of cultural fairness, analyses feedback, and runs standard setting sessions where each question is examined by a team of assessment specialists.
ClarityEnglish delivered over 5 million sessions worldwide through the Cloud last year, with an uptime of over 99.9%. The system features multiple layers of servers that can scale to cover peaks in demand.
The test requires only minimal, intermittent connection to the Internet to run. Hundreds of test takers using their phones in an exam room can take advantage of pre-downloads and a mix of phone data and WiFi.
This is a multi-faceted approach: downloads are encrypted; test taker engagement with other apps is tracked; data storage follows Clarity's GDPR policies.