According to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, a B2 English proficiency certification is a compulsory requirement to enroll in any international universities within Vietnam. Out of several language certifications offered in the nation, Greenwich University currently recognizes FOUR certificates including IELTS, TOEFL, APTIS, and VSTEP. This paper is going to offer an insight in these certifications based on four key aspects: test format, scoring system, duration of validity, and examination fees.
IELTS
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System – an English Language proficiency test. There are two versions of the IELTS:
- IELTS Academic is for people applying to admission at a college or university in an English-speaking country.
- IELTS General Training is for individuals moving to an English-speaking country (usually the UK, Australia, or Canada) and/or applying to training programs or jobs in said countries.
At Greenwich University, students are required to present an IELTS Academic Certificate with a band score of 6 or higher in order to pursue one of three main majors. For those whose scores fall below 6 (specifically at 5.5), successful completion of the “Level 5” English preparation course is required.
Since 2017, there have been too test versions of IELTS test: paper-based and computer-based. Results for the former are typically released within 2 weeks, while those for the latter are available in just 3 days. IELTS scores remain valid for 2 years from the date of the examination.
While IELTS is widely recognized as one of the most esteemed English language certificates, it also boasts the highest examination fee at around 4,700,000 VND. Despite the cost, the test sees over 4 million participants annually worldwide, making IELTS the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
TOEFL (iBT)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL, is one of the world’s most widely recognized standardized English-language tests. The main purpose of the TOEFL is to assess a non-native English speaker’s ability to use and understand the English.
Technically, the TOEFL has two versions: Internet-based test (iBT) and paper-based test. However, in Vietnam, the TOEFL test is taken entirely on computer.
In terms of the test structure, TOEFL comprises four main sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each section allows for a maximum score of 30, making 120 the highest possible score. At Greenwich University, students aiming for a B2 certificate are expected to achieve TOEFL scores that fall within the range of 46 to 93.
Among the four aforementioned tests, the TOEFL assessment presents questions that are considered the most challenging. Similar to IELTS, the validity for TOEFL exam is only two years from the date of release. Notably, its exam fee is slightly lower than that of IELTS, standing at 3,980,000 VND.
APTIS
APTIS is an innovative assessment tool that helps accurately test English language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Unlike other English proficiency tests which often consist of 4 sections, APTIS test is divided into 5 parts: grammar and vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing – at levels from A1 to C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In the exam sections, question formats and content are diversely interwoven.
The maximum score for each skill is 50, making the highest possible score is 200. To attain the B2 level mandated by Greenwich University, students must demonstrate proficiency at a minimum of 2 skills at B2 or higher, and 2 skills at B1 level, equivalent to an overall score ranging from 120 to 160 points. In cases where a candidate’s score falls between two levels, the examiner will decide the level based on the Grammar-Vocabulary result.
APTIS results are provided within 48 hours of the test date, excluding weekends and holidays. Unlike IELTS or TOEIC which is only valid for 2 years, the APTIS certificate is valid forever.
Another significant advantage of the APTIS is its cost-effectiveness, with an examination fee of 2,000,000 VNĐ, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to other internationally recognized certificates.
VSTEP
VSTEP, which stands for Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency, is a 6-level English proficiency test according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The evaluation comprises four distinct sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each assessed on a scale of 10. In order to get a B2 certificate, a test taker must score at least 6 out of 10 (5.75 is rounded up to 6).
VSTEP exam is taken 100% on computer at the test room. With the familiar format and affordable test fee ranging from 1.500.000 – 1.800.000 VNĐ, VSTEP is considered the best choice to most Greenwich students at the moment.
A remarkable feature of the VSTEP assessment is the expeditious release of results. It is typically available on the website after only 2-3 days from the test date. Similar to APTIS, VSTEP exam result and certificate are valid indefinitely.
Recently, to support Greenwich students in their journey of conquering English certificates, VSTEP-focused lessons have been integrated into the curriculum of both English Preparatory Program and Supplementary Courses.
In order to make a final decision on the most suitable exam, students should delve into each test to determine which one aligns the best with their strengths, financial situations and study habits. Additionally, they should consider essential aspects such as test format, scoring system, and test locations to ensure convenience and comfort on exam day. Finally, as “practice makes perfect”, students are encouraged to invest time in acquainting themselves with sample questions and regularly taking mock tests to have the best preparation for the upcoming examination.
References:
British Council (2021) ‘Lệ Phí, Địa Điểm và Lịch Thi IELTS’ [Online]. Available at: https://www.britishcouncil.vn/thi/ielts/le-phi-dia-diem (Accessed: 9 July 2024).
IIG (2022) ‘TOEFL iBT’ [Online]. Available at: https://iigvietnam.com/bai-thi-toefl-ibt/ (Accessed: 9 July 2024).
British Council (2024) ‘Aptis – English language test | British Council’ [Online]. Available at: https://www.britishcouncil.org/exam/english/aptis (Accessed: 9 July 2024).
VNU Education (2022) ‘Giới thiệu format đề thi VSTEP và tiêu chí chấm bài thi B2 VSTEP’ [Online]. Available at: https://www.is.vnu.edu.vn/gioi-thieu-mau-de-thi-va-tieu-chi-cham-bai-thi-vstep/ (Accessed: 9 July 2024).
