CanTEST
Frequently asked questions about the CanTEST
1. How will I know what score I got?
Within ten working days of the test session you attend, you will receive an "unofficial score report" by regular mail. Please note that this is NOT an official score report. Official score reports are sent directly to the receiving institutions or organizations specified only. Test results are also posted on this Web site ten working days after the test.
2. How do I arrange to have an official score report sent to another university?
Official score reports are sent to one university or certifying institution. Candidates to the test must specify the receiving institution at the time of registration; requests received later are subject to a $15 fee. If you need scores to be sent to more than one institution, you must complete the form Request for an Official CanTEST Score Report, available online (see the Web page on score reporting) or from the Second Language Institute. The fee for this service is $15, payable in cash or by certified cheque or money order. Candidates are responsible for providing accurate addresses for score reporting.
3. Can I get a refund if I decide not to take the test after having paid the registration fee?
Candidates who cancel at least one week prior to the test session will receive a refund, less a $20 administration charge. Candidates who cancel less than one week before the testing session are not entitled to a refund, but they may, upon request, transfer their registration and fees to the NEXT scheduled test session. Candidates unable to attend the test session must contact the CanTEST Office within five days of the testing session to request a transfer of their registration.
4. Can I write the CanTEST at a special session if the published dates are not convenient for me?
We are not able to provide this service except occasionally in the case of the writing component of the CanTEST.
5. If I failed to obtain the required score on one component of the CanTEST, must I rewrite the entire test?
It depends. Candidates whose Reading and Listening scores meet the requirements of the receiving institution may register separately for the Writing or Speaking components of the test. Candidates who meet the Writing score requirements of the receiving institution but do not meet the requirements in Listening or Reading must take all three components (listening, reading, and writing) at the next scheduled test session they are eligible to attend.
6. How often can I write the CanTEST?
Candidates are required to wait three months before taking the CanTEST Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension components again. The waiting period for the Writing and Speaking components is six full weeks. This policy applies to all CanTEST Test Centres.
7. All I need is a score for my speaking ability. Can I register for the Oral Interview alone?
Yes; you may register and pay the fee for the Oral Interview alone. Please note that professional organizations and institutions do not generally combine test results from different testing organizations.
8. Can I look at my exam papers to see what my problems were?
The CanTEST is a test of English proficiency; it is not a diagnostic test. For this reason and for test security, exam papers are not released to test candidates. Your profile of scores will tell you in which general skill area you need improvement—listening, reading, writing, or speaking.
9. Is there any practice material I can use to prepare for the CanTEST?
Yes; in the Information Booklet for Test Candidates, available free from the Second Language Institute. You can also purchase a set of practice materials from us for $30. The practice test will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the format of the CanTEST, the types of questions, and the speed of delivery on the listening recording. It is not intended to help you improve your English. Use this form to request the practice materials (PDF format).
10. Are there any courses that prepare candidates for taking the CanTEST?
You should seek the advice of the ESL coordinator at the college or university nearest you so that you can be directed to the best course for improving the language areas in which you are still weak. For example, candidates at the University of Ottawa who are still having difficulty with the writing section of CanTEST are often advised to take credit courses like ESL2121 or ESL2361. Candidates at the University of Ottawa who need improvement in all four skills may be interested in the Second Language Institute’s English Intensive Program (www.can-esl.uOttawa.ca).
11. How can I find a tutor?
The CanTEST Project Office cannot supply tutors. Contact the head of ESL at one of the postsecondary institutions near you.
12. Can I have my test re-scored if I am not happy with my score?
Candidates who wish to have their scores re-checked must submit a request in writing by mail, e-mail, or fax within ten days of the posting of the scores on the Web site. The CanTEST Office will NOT accept telephone requests.
Chances are very slim that an error was made in computing scores for Listening and Reading, but should you want a re-check, there is a $15 fee to re-check Listening or Reading scores. The writing paper can be re-checked for a $30 fee, but you should know that the paper was originally scored by two trained readers who conferred before assigning the final score. Your speaking test can be re-evaluated for a $30 fee, but please remember that your interview was originally evaluated by two trained interviewers who conferred before assigning the final score. The re-check fee will be refunded if the scores are changed. Use this form to request re-scoring (PDF format).
13. What scores do I need to "pass"?
You will need to contact the university and/or the faculty to which you are applying to determine the required scores. The CanTEST Project Office does not set the standards, but simply administers the test. The usual practice at Canadian universities is to require an average of 4.5 with no score lower than 4.0. Some professional organizations require higher scores as do some faculties such as Education or Law.
14. Can I write the CanTEST anywhere in Canada besides the five sites listed on this Web site?
In general, no. However, the test is regularly offered in Toronto, and we are seeking to establish new test sites in Canada. Check the Web page periodically for more information.
15. I am coming from out of town to write the test. How long should I expect to spend in the test session?
The test starts at 8:30 a.m. and lasts three and a half to four hours, including one or two short breaks. The Oral Interview lasts about 15-20 minutes and is scheduled every 25 minutes, usually starting at 12:30 p.m. Some candidates may have their interviews scheduled as late as 5 p.m. Interviews are scheduled in the order in which the registration forms are received. Some candidates may be required to complete their Speaking test on the day following the written test.
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