ACTFL Test of English Proficiency (TEP)

To increase accessibility and flexibility for test takers around the globe, ACTFL, in collaboration with Language Testing International (LTI), is offering corporate and educational institutions a valid and reliable, remotely proctored English language proficiency test appropriate for use in college and university admissions and hiring decisions. Click here to download an overview of the ACTFL TEP.

What is the ACTFL Test of English Proficiency (TEP)?
What does the ACTFL TEP provide?
How do I register for the ACTFL TEP?
How is the ACTFL TEP proctored?
How long does the ACTFL TEP take to administer?
How is the ACTFL TEP rated?
What do ACTFL TEP score results look like?
When can I take the ACTFL TEP?
How do I prepare for the ACTFL TEP?
What topics are covered by the ACTFL TEP assessments?

What is the ACTFL Test of English Proficiency (TEP)?

The ACTFL Test of English Proficiency (TEP) is a remotely proctored, four-skills English proficiency assessment that brings together three of ACTFL’s internationally recognized assessments (OPIc™, WPT™, L&Rcat™) to provide a valid and reliable measure of language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. ACTFL tests are widely used by schools, universities, corporations, and government agencies to assess language proficiency levels of students, prospective candidates, and employees.

What does the ACTFL TEP provide?

The ACTFL TEP provides a valid and reliable language assessment from ACTFL, enhanced security with live remote proctoring, access from any computer with online access, and flexible test dates and times. With the ACTFL TEP, students can use any computer with a webcam in a quiet location. A live remote proctor confirms the student’s identity and monitors their test in real time. Students receive reliable test results for reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency to submit to the institution of their choice.

How do I register for the ACTFL TEP?

Click here to register for the ACTFL Test of English Proficiency.

How is the ACTFL TEP proctored?

Remote proctoring is a service that emulates the role of an on-site proctor – confirming the identity of the test-taker and safeguarding the integrity of the exam and of the test taker’s scores – using an internet-delivered assessment monitored by our offsite proctor. Internet-based, remotely proctored tests may be taken from a quiet location on any computer with a webcam and a microphone.

To learn more about ACTFL TEP remote proctoring standards and procedures, click here.

With our trusted remote proctoring solution, the ACTFL TEP makes an official English language assessment accessible from any suitable location.

How long does the ACTFL TEP take to administer?

The TEP is a comprehensive assessment of proficiency which takes approximately three hours. Each component of the TEP is scheduled individually, allowing you to take it over several days if you wish. It is not intended to be taken in a single sitting. Total test time can range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the language ability that you demonstrate while taking the test, and is broken down as follows:

  • ACTFL OPIc: 20-40 minutes
  • ACTFL WPT: 20-80 minutes
  • L&Rcat: 50-105 minutes

How is the ACTFL TEP rated?

For the assessments for speaking (OPIc) and writing (WPT), spoken and written examples are captured online and then independently rated by two highly trained, ACTFL-certified raters. The listening and reading assessment (L&Rcat) is rated by computer.

What do ACTFL TEP score results look like?

Test takers receive official ACTFL ratings for speaking, writing, listening, and reading according to the ACTFL Rating Scale. Test results and certificates are delivered in approximately 14 days. Ratings for ACTFL assessments are descriptive. The raters assign one of the following ratings to each component of the test:

  • Superior
  • Advanced High
  • Advanced Mid
  • Advanced Low
  • Intermediate High
  • Intermediate Mid
  • Intermediate Low
  • Novice High
  • Novice Mid
  • Novice Low

You will receive separate ratings for each component, giving a more customized view of capabilities. For example, it is possible to receive a rating of Intermediate Mid in speaking and Advanced Low in reading. Remember, the TEP is the only assessment to measure language proficiency across all four communication skills – a true measure of what you can do with the language.

Read the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for details about what one can do with the language at each level.

When can I take the ACTFL TEP?

You can schedule the TEP when you are ready, but you must register at least 72 hours in advance. You should try to schedule it at least four weeks before you need the ratings for admissions. Test results and certificates are delivered in approximately 14 days.

How do I prepare for the ACTFL TEP?

Practice speaking and writing in English on a variety of topics. Practice listening to a variety of media and reading a variety of text types. There is no specific test preparation for the ACTFL TEP because it is an assessment of what you can do with language at the time of the test. Only language development over time will impact your rating.

To see how the test works, you can

You may access a free demo of each component of the test here:

What topics are covered by the ACTFL TEP assessments?

The subjects covered in the assessments reflect real-world concerns and cover a range of tasks one might be expected to handle in real life. To get more details about the ACTFL TEP, review the ACTFL TEP Familiarization Guide and the ACTFL TEP Examinee Handbook.

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