English Language Tests in Canada

CanTEST

Test format and contents

The CanTEST measures English language knowledge and English language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The CanTEST is divided into the following sections:

Listening

The English listening test involves answering 40 multiple choice or short answer questions based on authentic taped material delivered at normal speed. The listening samples include dialogues, announcements, interviews, and short lectures. The test lasts one hour, and listening passages vary in length from 45 seconds to five minutes.

Reading

The reading test has a 15-item Skimming and Scanning component, which is strictly timed (10 minutes) and administered before the Reading Comprehension. The Skimming and Scanning component features authentic texts from public information brochures, newspapers, university calendars, and annotated bibliographies. The reading comprehension part of the test is composed of passages of various lengths (up to 650 words) with 20 questions (both multiple-choice and short answer). This test also includes a 25-item multiple-choice cloze. A total time of 50 minutes is allowed for the reading comprehension and cloze sections.

Writing

All candidates produce a writing sample which is graded according to content, organization, and language use. The writing task varies but candidates are generally required to compare, contrast, or react to information given on a current issue of interest. Candidates have 45 minutes for this task.

Speaking

Candidates participate in a 15-minute interview with two judges where they are evaluated on the basis of listening comprehension, pronunciation, fluency, and range and accuracy of language used.

For Dates, prices and locations go to:http://www.cantest.uottawa.ca/

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)

New CAEL website at www.cael.ca the CAEL Assessment site includes: English test preparation materials that can be downloaded, access to purchase resource materials, sound files for listening practice, information for educators, research documents, test centre information, band score description and What's New Page.

LINC Assessments using Canadian Language Benchmarks

The benchmarks were developed for Citizenship and Immigration Canada by the Centre for Language Training and Assessment in Ontario. LINC uses the 1 to 12 level program for the assessments of new Canadians language proficiency.

LINK programs are offered free to qualified individuals for a one year period up to level 5. Candidates should note that most entry level jobs require level 8 skills and ability and most professions require level 10 to 12. Tutor prices for the level 5 to level 12 professional English classes range in price from $25 to 65 per hour.

TOEFL

Visit the TOEFL pages and the ETS web site. Information on TOEFL test dates and registration. There is information on preparation, practice materials, and advice for the day of the test. http://www.toefl.org/index.html , http://www.ets.org/

Computer Based Test Locations across Canada, with local Phone Numbers. Calgary - (403)777-1365 Edmonton - (780)444-6110Coquitlam - (604)464-6401 Richmond - (604)231-1966 Victoria - (250)472-4501 Winnipeg - (204)288-5056 St. John's - (709)724-8901 Halifax - (902)422-7323 Cambridge - (519)622-4479 Etobicoke - (416)236-2629 London - (519)657-4124 Ottawa -(613)745-8391 Whitby - (905)404-1818 Windsor - (519)974-8747 Montreal - 5259 (514)876-8818 Saskatoon -(306)978-7323

TOEIC

TOEIC Services Canada Inc. the official website for the TOEIC test in Canada. http://www.toeic.ca/

Cambridge

Cambridge EFL On-line is the website of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Division. In this site ( http://www.cambridge-efl.org/ ) you will find full information on all of the Cambridge EFL examinations and tests, as well as the latest news from Cambridge.

IELTS

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP:IELTS Australia. IELTS language assessment covers the four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is recognized by universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Some selectors feel that the IELTS gives the clearest picture of an applicant's English language proficiency. The IELTS test can be taken at four Centres in Canada: Conestoga College of Applied Art & Technology, Simon Fraser University, International Language Institute and GV Calgary.

Information Articles for Students

How to PASS the New TOEFL,TOEIC, IELTS English Tests

How to Learn English - Example Plan

ESL Books, Videos, Tapes & CDs

English skill descriptions for University Admissions

Other English TEST's

International House's (IH) Web site has a useful page on British English Language Examinations. the Oxford University Delegacy and the ARELS Examinations Trust, Pitman examinations, Trinity College London, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board (LCCI), the Associated Examinations Board (AEB), the University of London Examinations and Assessment Council (ULEAC), City and Guilds, Northern Examinations and Assessment Board (NEAB), University of Reading (TEEP), The English Speaking Board (ESB), the Institute of Linguists and CENTRA. The I H site provides the addresses and telephone numbers of all these UK examinations boards for anyone who wishes to get in touch with them.

Please confirm all English test information with the Organizations directly