PROFICIENCY TEST

Name: Kevin Miguel Fernández Nieto

Date: March 14th, 2018
A. DEFINITION

A proficiency test is a type of examination that try to find out whether learners have
already reached a superior level of knowledge in some specific field. They neither are
focused on the learning process nor measure it, but they seek to assess the learners'
ability to use the language for real-world purposes and accomplish real-world linguistic
tasks.

This type of test also can be seen as a driver’s test: the main aim to achieve is to
determine how well a person can drive a car (Language Testing International, 2018).
The final results will be based on the driver’s performance during the test including
simple tasks such as turning on the car and more complex ones such as driving in
unfamiliar areas.

B. ADVANTAGES

Proficiency tests provide a unique opportunity to undertake new achievements in life,

so they have many benefits to highlight.

 Because proficiency tests are based on some form of standards or defined

following a set of parameters that assure a superior understanding in some
specific field, the results guarantee that learners have reached a level of
complete dominance and can act accurately and effectively at any kind of
situation that requires the use of their learned skills.

 The structure of proficiency tests is developed in deep detail. Because these

tests measure many specific aspects of a field, it is necessary to evaluate each
relevant aspect involved in the field. For instance, when we refer to language
proficiency test, the four main skills are evaluated: listening, reading, writing,
and speaking, and also some other topics like grammar, vocabulary, idioms,
and collocations.

 Having an outstanding score on these tests sometimes can ensure a better

position in a job due to their impact and relevance. Because of what those
tests measure, hiring a person who has a superior level in a specific field that
will substantially benefit the company will always be the best option.

C. DRAWBACKS

Even though proficiency tests are known to be effective when grading the general
domain of a specific field, these sort of tests also have some disadvantages to take
into account.

 The application of proficiency tests that use standards to measure knowledge

sometimes might produce false positive results, so many learners are
 considered proficient when in fact they are not. It happens because it is
possible to manipulate the perception and interpretation of the results by
elevating or lowering standards (Great Schools Partnership, 2018) used in this
type of test. Therefore, the use of standards does not necessarily ensure
absolute control of knowledge in any field.

 Proficiency tests tend to be very long and exhausting. Because it is necessary

to assess everything, the time used exceeds the two consecutive hours of
evaluation most times. It sometimes makes students lose their attention,
concentrate on something else, feel bored, and fail the test.

 According to the British Council (2018), "Proficiency tests are uncommon within
the classroom but very frequent as the end goal (and motivation) of language
learning It stands to reason that these tests are made to accomplish specific
aims for a very small group of people. Therefore, learners probably will not
have the opportunity to take a proficiency test during their basic educational
instruction or life unless they have the necessity to demonstrate a superior
knowledge in a relevant field.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
British Council (BBC). (2018). Proficiency test. [online] Available at:
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/proficiency-test [Accessed 14 Mar. 2018].
Cambridge English. (2018). Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). [online] Available at:
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2018].
CaMLA. (2018). Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English ECPE. [online]
Available at: http://cambridgemichigan.org/institutions/products-services/tests/proficiency-
certification/ecpe/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2018].
Language Testing International (ITI). (2018). Understanding Proficiency. [online] Available at:
https://www.languagetesting.com/understanding-proficiency [Accessed 14 Mar. 2018].
Great Schools Partnership. (2018). Proficiency Definition. [online] The Glossary of Education
Reform. Available at: https://www.edglossary.org/proficiency/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2018].