The CaMLA English Placement Test (EPT) is used principally by English language teaching schools to assess students’ language ability levels and place them in the right English language course. It is also used by organizations as a screening test to evaluate the English language proficiency of prospective employees. The CaMLA EPT is developed by

CaMLA Michigan Language Assessment (MLA), also known as the Cambridge–Michigan Language Assessment (CaMLA) and previously the "English Language Institute Testing and Certification Division at the University of Michigan", has been providing English l ...

, a not-for-profit collaboration between the

University of Michigan , mottoeng = "Arts, Knowledge, Truth" , former_names = Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania (1817–1821) , budget = $10.3 billion (2021) , endowment = $17 billion (2021)As o ...

and the

University of Cambridge , mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts. Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge. , established = , other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...

, and has been in use for over four decades. A major revision of the test occurred in 2013 leading to the launch of CaMLA EPT Forms D, E and F. A further three test forms were released in 2015: Forms G, H and I. The CaMLA EPT can be used with learners of English as a second language at all levels, from beginners to advanced. It tests the following key skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammatical knowledge and vocabulary range. The test can be taken on either a computer or on paper.

Test format

There are multiple forms of the test (Forms D, E, F, G, H and I), which are parallel in difficulty. Each form has unique content—no questions are shared across the different forms. All the CaMLA EPT forms use the same test format: * The test lasts 60 minutes. * There are 80 questions. * All questions are multiple-choice, with three options for questions in the listening section, and four options for the questions in the other sections. The CaMLA EPT has the following test sections: The computer-based test contains exactly the same items, in exactly the same order, as the paper-based test. Research has shown that the two different delivery methods lead to test takers achieving statistically equivalent results.

Scoring

In the computer-based test, results are available instantly as soon as the test is completed. In the paper-based test, the institution scores the test using the provided scoring template. Institutions can administer the test, calculate scores and report back to test takers within one day. Test-takers receive a total score between 0–80. Scores have been allocated into six levels of language ability, although it is up to each institution to determine their exact cut-off points. Test scores are also linked to the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Older versions of the CaMLA EPT Test (e.g. Forms A, B and C) use the same scoring approach. Institutions can use equivalence tables to see how raw scores on the current forms of the test compare to the raw scores on the older version of the test, which had 100 items.

Usage

Typically, the CaMLA EPT is used by language schools to test incoming language learners whose English language level is not known. Test scores are used to place learners in level-appropriate classes. Institutions may administer the CaMLA EPT again after a period of instruction to assess learners’ readiness to advance to the next level course. Alternatively, institutions may choose to use tests specifically focused at a learner’s level, such as the

MTELP Series The Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP Series) is used by institutions to measure the achievement and progress of English language learners within a language program. It is produced by CaMLA, a not-for-profit collaboration betwe ...

to measure the learner’s progress. Many English language institutions use CaMLA EPT to make placement decisions and as proof of English language proficiency. Examples include: * American English College *

American National University American National University, formerly National Business College, is a private for-profit university with multiple campuses in the United States, including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. History The university ...

* American English & Culture Programs *

Atlantic Union College Atlantic Union College (AUC) was a private Seventh-day Adventist college in South Lancaster, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1882. The college closed in 2018 due to accreditation and financial problems. From 1933 to 2018, AUC was a four-year l ...

* Carson-Newman University * ESL English School Chicago Ivy * New America College *

Sacred Heart University Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sacred Heart was the first Catholic un ...

* Solex College *

University of Charleston The University of Charleston (UC) is a private non-profit university with its main campus in Charleston, West Virginia. The university also has a location in Beckley, West Virginia, known as UC-Beckley. History The school was founded in 1888 as ...

Webster University Webster University is a private university with its main campus in Webster Groves, Missouri. It has multiple branch locations across the United States and countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs ...

Preparation

provides free sample test questions on th
official website

References

External links