CanTEST
Score Interpretation, Requirements and Reporting
Score Interpretation
You will receive a separate score fro each of the four skills. These scores, called Band Levels, tell you your level from 1 to 5. Descriptions of the level of performance corresponding to each band are found below.
The scores you receive for the Listening and Reading tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. As a general example, you have to get about 60 or 65% of the questions right to achieve a Band Level of 4.0.
In Writing and Speaking, your performance is described by the test evaluators and compared to the Band Level descriptions. For example, a moderately fluent speaker with good pronunciation whose errors are not confusing to the interviewer would receive a band score of 4.0 or 4.5.
BAND |
DESCRIPTION |
[5+] |
Fluent User. Consistently effective command of the language in demanding familiar and unfamiliar contexts of language use. Full comprehension. No language problems that would impede academic or professional success. (This band is awarded only in the productive skills.) |
[5] |
Very Good User. Very good command of the language, even in demanding contexts. High degree of comprehension. Only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate language use in communication, which very rarely impede communication. Level of proficiency considered adequate for full time academic study. |
[4] |
Competent User. Generally effective command of the language in fairly demanding contexts, with a satisfactory level of comprehension. Some inaccuracy and misunderstandings in less familiar contexts with more complex language. Weaknesses exist which sometimes impede communication, and could affect performance in an academic program. Additional language training would be helpful to improve accuracy, speed and overall proficiency. |
[3] |
Limited User. Fair command of the language only in familiar language contexts or in interactions with a sympathetic speaker. Limited comprehension. Markedly reduced effectiveness in demanding or unfamiliar situations. Systematic inaccuracies and misunderstandings significantly impede communication and comprehension. Requires additional language training before being considered for academic placement. |
[2] |
Very Basic User. Some ability to function in highly contextualized, familiar situations, but no real command of the language. Frequent breakdowns in communication. |
[1] |
Novice. Extremely limited command of the language. |
Half-bands (e.g. 3.5) are awarded where the candidate’s performance exceeds that described in one band but does not fully meet the next higher level.
Score Requirements
- The University of Ottawa generally, requires an average 4.5 in Listening and Reading and a 4.0 in Writing. Occasionally, candidates with 3.5 in Writing are given conditional offers of admission that stipulate that the candidate take an advanced ESL writing course. For specific requirements please verify with the specific department to which you are applying.
- Candidates submitting CanTEST scores to other universities should verify the scores required. The usual practice is to demand an average of 4.5 and nothing lower than a 4.0.
- Professional organizations including licensing boards generally require a minimum score of 4.5 in listening, reading and speaking and a 4.0 in writing. You should always verify the scores required with the organization to which you are applying.
Score Reporting
Candidates are mailed an “Unofficial Score Report” within 10 working days of the test administration. For Toronto and Ottawa sessions, test results are also posted on the website.
Official Score Reports are sent automatically to the university or certifying institution you specified on your registration form. If you did not specify an institution and decide to do so after the test, or if you need to have your score sent to more than one receiving institution, you must complete the form “Request for an Official CanTEST Score Report” available online or from the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute. The fee for this service is $15.00, payable in cash, by certified cheque or money order.
Please note that you are responsible for providing accurate addresses for score reporting.
* All fees are subject to change.