iTEP FAQs

 1.  What are the main differences between the iTEP and the other tests on the market?

-  iTEP is a comprehensive, Internet-based exam that takes between 50 and 90 minutes to administer, depending on the exam.

-   iTEP’s flexibility means it can be administered on-demand anywhere in the world at a secure location.

-   iTEP’s quick result delivery- immediate or 5 business days’- and its affordability, set it apart from all the other tests on the market.

2.  What skills does the iTEP assess?

iTEP tests proficiency in Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. There is also a section that tests knowledge of Grammar. In the Writing and Speaking sections, examinees produce actual writing and speaking samples which are graded by Native English speaking trained ESL professionals.

3.  How long is the iTEP exam?

The iTEP Academic, ITEP Business, and SLATE exams take 40 minutes to complete. The iTEP Academic-Plus, iTEP Business-Plus and SLATE-Plus exams take 80 minutes to complete. An additional 10 minutes are allocated for the iTEP administrator to provide pre-test instructions.

4.  Is there a shorter version of the iTEP?

Yes, the versions of iTEP Academic, iTEP Business, and SLATE, as mentioned above,  include only the multiple-choice sections of the test: Reading, Listening, and Grammar. These versions of iTEP Academic, iTEP Business, and SLATE are computer-graded and the results are available immediately after administration of the test.

5. How is the iTEP exam scored?

The Reading, Listening, and Grammar Sections are scored automatically by the computer. The Writing and Speaking samples are graded by Native English speaking trained ESL professionals, according to a standardized scoring rubric. Each test section is weighed equally. There is no penalty in the multiple-choice sections for guessing/incorrect answers.

6.  In what form are test results provided?

The Official iTEP Score Report shows the examinee’s Overall Level (from 0-Beginning to 6-Advanced), as well as levels attained on each of iTEP's three or five sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, Grammar). Results are presented in both table and graph, in easy to read formats.

7.  How are iTEP's levels interpreted?

iTEP levels range from 0 (Beginning) to 6 (Advanced) and are expressed in .5 increments (e.g. 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, etc.) Please refer to the iTEP Ability Guide (Academic, Business, or SLATE) to see, at a glance, how well an individual can use English to communicate in the "real world", the work environment, or in a high school context, as evaluated by each of iTEP's seven levels.

8.  Who decides what level of iTEP should be accepted at an institution?

Each institution is responsible for deciding what level of iTEP to use for their program. Most institutions however, choose from level 4 (High Intermediate) to level 6 (Advance).

9.  Where is the test administered?

Individuals who take iTEP for applying to U.S. colleges or universities must take the iTEP at one of our Certified iTEP Test Center. However, organizations or individuals who wish to take the iTEP only to determine English language proficiency must contact our representative(s) in their country. If you wish you use the iTEP in a country where we do not yet have a representative, please contact us directly at http://iTEPexam.com/contactus.

10.  How does iTEP ensure test security?

The security of the conditions under which the iTEP is administered is of utmost importance to Boston Educational Services. Whether iTEP is administered at one of our Certified iTEP Test Centers or at a facility approved by one of representatives, we ensure that the test is proctored at all times and that it meets all the requirements stated in the iTEP Test Security Protocol.

11.  How much does the test cost for international students applying to a U.S. college or university?

The test costs $89for all prospective U.S. college or university students who take the test at one of the Certified iTEP Centers worldwide.
 

12. How much does the test cost for non-U.S. college applicants?

The price of the iTEP varies around the world. Please contact our representative in your country. If you wish to use the iTEP in a country where we do not yet have a representative, please contact us directly at http://iTEPexam.com/contactus.
 

13. Is the iTEP only used by colleges and universities?

No. The iTEP Academic is also used by English language programs and other institutions interested in an academically oriented test of English. On the other hand, iTEP Business is used by businesses and organizations interested in a business oriented English assessment tool. The SLATE is used by high schools and academies to assess young ESL learner’s ability to follow classroom material.

14.  What is the difference between iTEP Academic and iTEP Business?

The iTEP Academic is used by institutions interested in testing English language abilities utilizing settings, content, and vocabulary found in an educational environment. iTEP Business is used by businesses and organizations interested in a test of English proficiency that employs situations and terminology characteristic of the workplace.

15.  In which countries does the iTEP have official representatives?

Please visit our website for the most up to date listing:  http://iTEPexam.com

16.  Is a paper version of the iTEP available?

Yes. There is a paper version of iTEP available in countries where there is an iTEP representative.  If for some reason, your organization is unable to use the Internet version of the test, the paper version is an alternative.  The paper version of the iTEP only includes the three multiple-choice parts of the test: Reading, Listening, and Grammar. It will not include Speaking and Writing assessment sections.

17.       How do I prepare for the test?

You can become more familiar with the iTEP Exams by reviewing the Users’ Guides, browsing the website http://iTEPexam.com,  viewing the sample test content, and studying English in your everyday life.

18.       How do I find a Certified iTEP Test Center? 

A drop-down menu on our website at http://iTEPexam.com/testcenter provides access to a list of Certified iTEP Test Centers worldwide. Typically, an iTEP Test Center can arrange for your individual iTEP test administration, within three business days of the date you contact them. If you wish to take the iTEP in a country where we do not yet have a representative or test center, please contact us directly at http://iTEPexam.com/contactus.