iTEP International has received notification of membership approval into the European Association for Language Testing and Assessment – more commonly known as EALTA. Created as a professional association for language testers in Europe, EALTA’s stated mission is “to promote the understanding of theoretical principles of language testing and assessment, and the improvement and sharing of testing and assessment practices throughout Europe.” Further, EALTA represents those involved in language testing and assessment at a European level, including in the European Union and the Council of Europe.

The rationale for the creation of EALTA has been articulated on its webpage in the following manner, “Europe is a multilingual continent, where the diversity of languages, cultures and traditions is highly valued. Part of such diversity is diversity in education systems and assessment traditions and values. Given such diversity, the testing and assessment of language proficiency is a crucial component of language policies which aim to respect linguistic and cultural diversity, whilst seeking to ensure that the highest possible quality is guaranteed of the measurement of educational outcomes and of language learning and language proficiency in particular.”

Recent developments in Europe, particularly associated with language policy in the European Union and the Council of Europe, including the dissemination of the Common European Framework of Reference and the European Language Portfolio, have highlighted the need for a European language testing association, which speaks for testers in Europe and which has no commercial affiliation or aims.”

Entering EALTA

ITEP’s membership in EALTA became effective in September 2019. Thomas Shandorf, Executive Director of iTEP Europe, guided the application process. “As a company dedicated to quality English language proficiency tests and quality test development, it was very natural that iTEP should desire to become a member of EALTA. Our organizational philosophy on testing and assessment is very much in sync with EALTA’s goals and we look forward to being an active member”, Shandorf stated.

For iTEP, Europe represents a market with growing potential. Currently project proposals are underway in several countries that would utilize iTEP testing. In addition, several new iTEP public test centers have recently been approved and are now offering a range of iTEP exams.

Schools, companies, or individuals interested in learning more about iTEP testing in Europe should contact Thomas Shandorf, Executive Director iTEP Europe, at tshandorf@iteponline.com.