Developing and Validating an English Proficiency Test

Abstract

In response to the high demand for English proficiency exams for various purposes including placement, admission, certification, and program evaluation in Mexico, a university in Western Mexico created the English Proficiency Test (EPT) for the B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The EPT has been developed and piloted and is now ready to be administered for its operational use. This paper reports on the qualities of the language test which have been determined by the overall usefulness of the test in terms of several different but interrelated qualities including reliability, construct validity, authenticity, impact, and practicality. The test, which consisted of a reading, writing, speaking and listening section, was piloted with 91 students. Analyses of the test qualities revealed the test to be reliable and valid with regard to its functionality.