General Tests of English Language Proficiency

General Tests of English Language Proficiency

Acronym	G-TELP
Type	Paper-based standardized test.
Administrator	International Testing Services Center
Skills tested	Reading, listening, speaking and writing of the English language.
Purpose	To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
Year started	1985; 39 years ago (1985)
Duration	Level 1: 100 minutes Level 2: 90 minutes Level 3: 80 minutes Level 4: 60 minutes Level 5: 55 minutes
Score validity	2 years
Languages	English
Website	itsc-group.com

General Tests of English Language Proficiency (G-TELP) are English language tests, developed by the International Testing Services Center (ITSC) in 1985. They comprehensively evaluate the practical English use ability of test takers who do not speak English as their native language.^[1]

There are different forms of the exam: The G-TELP Test consists of areas such as grammar, listening, reading and vocabulary totaling a possible 99 score. There are also the G-TELP Speaking and Writing Tests. The G-TELP speaking test is composed of tasks that assess content, grammar, fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation of content. The G-TELP Writing test is composed of tasks that assess grammar, vocabulary, organization, substance, and style. Both assessments use a score scale of Level 1 to Level 11. ^[2]

In 1983, the International Testing Services Center under San Diego State University conducted research on the development of an English test with professors, linguists, and evaluation experts from the University of California, Los Angeles, Georgetown University, and Rado International College.^[3] For about three years after the completion of development, feasibility was verified and completed through sample surveys and preliminary test trials in countries around the world, including the United States, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, and the test began officially in 1985.

ITSC develops, administers, and evaluates G-TELP tests for people of all ages. ITSC is a research-oriented, independent educational measurement and evaluation organization that aims to provide equal educational opportunities to people all over the world.

Currently, tests are being conducted in the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. San Diego State University, Georgetown University, and Lado International College administered G-TELP as a college admission test.^[4][5]

G-TELP test includes the following features: ^[6]

• The G-TELP is made by licensed and qualified agents in many countries. The test is a comprehensive English proficiency assessment to measure competence in grammar, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. It assesses general English language proficiency instead of focusing on merely academic or business contexts, with multiple-choice four-choice questions.

• The G-TELP provides score quickly. Conveniently, test takers receive the announcement of results within a week of the test date. It also provides comprehensive analysis and diagnosis through absolute evaluation.

• The G-TELP is criterion-referenced rather than norm-referenced like other commonly-used tests are. The criterion referenced method analyzes the language abilities of A and B in addition to the simple comparison between A and B. The strengths and weaknesses of each structure and question information type are analyzed and diagnosed in detail. The test enhances the educational outcomes by suggesting the learning direction of the examinees.

• The G-TELP Level Test consists of 5 levels from Level One, the highest level, Level Five, the lowest. By focusing on a specific level of proficiency, each test achieves more extensive sampling of performance than a single test which assesses multiple levels. Listening skills are more emphasized at the lowest level, Level Five, and reading skills are more emphasized at the highest level.^[7]

This is a comprehensive English proficiency assessment consisting of three areas: grammar, listening, and reading and vocabulary. Each item is composed of multiple choice questions. Scoring is carried out in the absolute evaluation method, and the test is composed of five levels, so it is possible to evaluate each level.^[8]

The G-TELP's personal score report includes the Overall Proficiency, which indicates whether the grade is Mastery, the Skill Area Scores, which are grammar, listening, reading, and vocabulary scores, and the Task/Structure Score. Linking G-TELP score ranges to other scores. The comparison scores are provided by G-TELP Korea, the company that performs the G-TELP tests.^[9][10]

G-TELP Speaking is an internationally recognized English Speaking test developed by the evaluation experts of the International Testing Services Center. The Speaking test assesses grammar, vocabulary, organization, substance, and style. The G-TELP Speaking Test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The test has about 30 questions and a score range between Level 1 and Level 11, with test takers grouped into eleven proficiency levels for Speaking.^[11][12]

G-TELP Writing is a test that evaluates practical English writing skills of non-native English speakers in everyday life. The writing topics of G-TELP Writing are based on real life and consist of problems that can occur frequently in daily life, such as responding to letters or inquiries, writing reports, and writing journals. In addition, the writing topics and questions are structured so that the test takers can improve the correct composition, expression, and style of writing in English.

The test lasts about 60 minutes and consists of 5 areas. It is composed of tasks that assess grammar, vocabulary, organization, substance, and style. The test has a score range between level 1 and the level 11, with test takers grouped into eleven proficiency levels for Writing.^[13]

G-TELP Business is evaluates the ability to use English in a business setting containing business-oriented materials, topics and situations. The examinee's proficiency is measured through his/her responses to the various work-related situations and conditions presented.^[14][15]

G-TELP Business Speaking evaluates an examinee’s ability to use English to communicate in a business setting. The test includes Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced sections that evaluate proficiency at eleven levels of practical ability. The test assesses Content, grammar, fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The G-TELP Business Speaking Test takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. The test has about 30 questions and a score range between Level 1 and Level 11.

G-TELP Business Writing evaluates an examinee’s ability to write clearly and effectively in a business setting. The test lasts about 60 minutes and consists of 5 areas. It is composed of tasks that assess grammar, vocabulary, organization, style, and substance. The test has a score range between level 1 and the level 11.^[16]

G-TELP Jr. is a test that evaluates the practical English proficiency of elementary and middle school students. It consists of a total of 5 grades and evaluates grammar, listening, reading comprehension and vocabulary. It is scored in an absolute evaluation method.^[17]

This is a global English proficiency evaluation certification test conducted internationally. Test takers can take G-TELP in more than 14 countries.

In South Korea, it is used when hiring national civil servants, police officers, maritime police officers, firefighters, military officers, etc.^[18][19] In the case of educational institutions, it is being used as graduation requirements for major universities such as Kyungpook National University, Kyunghee University, Dongguk University, Sungkyunkwan University, Chung-Ang University, Daewon Foreign Languages High School, Korea University, Sogang University Sungbo High School, Yoido Girls High School, Youngnam University and Hanyang University, as well as for language talent selection tests and competitions.^[20] CJ Group, LG Group, SK Group, Samsung Group, Shinsegae Group, Mirae Asset Financial Group, Hanwha Group, Hyundai Corporation,3M Korea, BC Card, Daewoo Motors, Inc., DHL Korea, Digital Equipment Korea, Hyundai Shipping, KIA Group Korea Bank, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Exchange Bank Credit Card, Kunyoung Group, Kyongki Bank, Kyunghylang Dally Newspaper Inc., LG Electronics Academy, Longterm Credit Bank, Ministry of Agriculture, R.O.K., Ministry of General Affairs, R.O.K., Ministry of Science and Technology, R.O.K., National Assembly,P & G Korea Research Institute, Agricultural Development, Center, R.O.K., Pohang Steel Company Human Resources Development, Center Rochet Electric Co., Samsung General Training Institute, Samsung Human Resources Development Center, Samyang Group Sangyong Group, Seoul Olympic Organizing Committee, Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel, Shilla Hotel, Shinhan Bank, Sunkyong Group, Swiss Grand Hotel, etc. are using it for recruitment and promotion of new employees.

In the case of Gwangju Metropolitan City, Gwacheon, Gunpo, Gimpo, Ansan, Anyang, and Pocheon, local governments themselves are implementing a policy to support the test fee for young people living in the area.

In China, it was used as a system to evaluate the communication skills of hotel and lodging establishments in the China National Tourism Administration, [21] and is being used at the government level, such as being used for the 2008 Summer Olympics Organizing Committee's English Language Proficiency Test and Volunteer Selection Test. Also it was used Beijing Second College, Ladder College at East China Normal University, Shanghai National Tourism Administration, Department of Personnel and Education, Beijing, P.R.C., Shanghai Examination Authority, Shanghai Municipal and Government.

In Japan, it is used at Tokyo Metropolitan University, Keio University, Nihon University, Kagoshima University, Tokyo Seitoku University, Tokyo City University, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Nihon University, Fukuoka Prefectural University, Hokkai Gakuen University, and Nagasaki University.

Also it is used at Aichi Gakuin Junior College, Atomi Junior College, AYUSA International Japan, Baika College, Baiko Gakuin Women's Junior College, Biwako Seikel Sports University, Chuo University, Doshisya University, Eiti University, Fukuoka International University, Future University, Hakodate, Gakushuin University, Gakushuin Women's College, Helan Jogakuin University, Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin University Hiroshima Syudo University, Hokkaido College of Pharmacy, Hokkaido University of Education, Iwamisawa, Hyogo University of Teacher Education, Ibaraki University, Ikuei Women's College, International Buddhist University Jumonji Gakuen Women's College, Jumonji Gakuen Women's University, Kansai International University Kansai University of International Studies, Kanto Gakuin University, Kawarnura Gakuen Woman's University, Keio Gijuku University Keisen University, Kinjo Gakuin University, Kinran College, Kobe City College of Nursing, Kobe International University, Kobe Jogakuin College, Kobe Shinwa Women's UniversityKokusai Aviation College, Konan Women's University, Kove Shinwa Women's University, Kumamoto University, Kyoei University, Kyoto Gakuen University, Kyoto Koka Women's University, Kyoto Seika University, Kyoto Tachibana Women's University, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Meikai University, Meisei University, Mukogawa Women's College, Musashino Women's University, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagasaki Wesleyan University, Nagoya Gakuin University Nagoya Keizai University, National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Neopt College, Nihon College, Nihon University, Nippon Institute of Technology, Notre Dame Women's College of Kyoto, Oita Tomei High School, Osaka Aoyama College, Osaka Chiyoda Junior College, Osaka City University, Osaka Economic University, Osaka International University, Osaka Sangyo University, Osaka Seikei College, Osaka Seikei University, Osaka Seikei Women's College, Osaka Shoin Women's University, Osaka University of Arts Junior College, Otani Junior College Otemae University, Otemon Gakuin University, Otsuma Women's University, Ritsumeikan University, Sagami Women's College, Saitama Medical School, Saitama Prefectual University, Saniku Gakuin College, Sanyo Gakuen University, Sapientia University, Sapporo International Junior College, Seibold University of Nagasaki, Seijo University, Senshu University, Shobi Gakuen University, Shobi University, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, Takachiho University, Takasaki City University of Economics, Takasaki University of Commerce, Takushoku University, Tensi University, Tezukayama University, Toho University, Tohoku Institute of Technology Toin University of Yokohama, Toita Women's College, Tokiwakai Gakuen University, Tokiwakai University, Tokyo Christian University, Tokyo Kasei Gakuin Women's University, Tokyo Seitoku University, Tokyo Toritu University, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo University, TOP English Schools, Tottori University of Environmental Studies, Toyama Prefectual College, Tsukuba International University, University of Marketing and Distribution Science, Wakayama Shinai Women's College, Wako University, Wayo Women's University, and Yamanashi College of Nursing

In Taiwan, it is being used at National Tainan University, Taipei National University of Arts,Chern Gong High School, Chiang Shu High School Chung Shan High School, Keelung Girls High School, Ming Tao High School, San Hsin High School Shing Ming High School, Tainan Junior High School of Home Economics, Taipei First Girls High School Taipei National College of Business, Wen Tzao Junior College, URUGUAY, Victoria College Western Road, YES., and Chinese Culture University.

In United States, it is used as a qualification for official language proficiency in the Korean-American college student training program also known as WEST, American Language Institute, San Diego State University, AYUSA International USA, California State University, Los Angeles, Georgetown University, National Education Corporation, Spartan School of Aeronautics, University of Delaware, University of South Florida

In Canada, it is used when selecting exchange students at the University of Victoria.

In Argentina, it is used at Academia Argentina School, Asociación Educativa Pío León, Buenos Aires English centre, centro educativo latinoamericano, Academia de Inglés Juan XXIII, Argentina School, Asociación Educativa Pio León, Asociación Puntana Eva Perón, B. H. Mondos, Bridge English, Buenos Aires English Centre (B.A.E.), Centro de Inglés Americano, Centro Educativo Latinoamericano, Colegio Alemán, Colegio Aula XXI, Colegio Goyena, Colegio Manuel Belgrano, Colegio North Hills, Colegio Pellegrini, Colegio San Pedro Apóstol, Colegio Sarmiento, Colegio Schönthal, Colegio Siglo XXI, Columbia School, Compu-English, CR Language School, Cultural Inglesa Oxford, Dover High School, English Institute, Escuela Agropecuaria, Escuela Arco Iris, Escuela de Capacitación N° 10 "Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz, Escuela de Lenguas (Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata), Escuela del Sol, Escuelas Técnicas ORT 1, Escuelas Técnicas ORT 2, Ideas Institute Network, IICANA IICANA (Filial La Rioja), IICANA (Nuestra Señora del Carmen), Instituto Dialogue, Instituto Británico., Instituto Cardoso, Instituto Corazón de María, Instituto Newman, Instituto Saint Michael's, instituto Saint Thomas More, Instituto William Blake, Instituto Windsor, L.E.A. Institute, Landmark, Language Classroom, Language Network, Lincoln Institute, Link, Lugano English Institute, New Model International School, Pravia English Teaching Studio, Princeton School, Proyecto 3, Salem, St. John's School, T. S. Eliot Bilingual Studies, Thomas Jefferson College, Traductorado Superior "Lenguas Vivas" and Unidad Educativa Maryland.

In Mexico, it is used at Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (BANCOMEX), Banco Nacional de México (BANAMEX), CETAC, Mexicali Universidad de Guadalajara, General Electric de México, S. A., Instituto de Lenguas Extranjeras ILE, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Subsecretaria de Educación e Investigación Tecnológicas de México (SEIT, national adoption of G-TELP for all,university-level Institutos Tecnológicos and all CECATI and vocational centers)

In United Kingdom, it is used as a qualification for the official language proficiency of a working holiday visa.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English Proficiency (South Korea) (TEPS)
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Official website