There are three versions of the EFSET: a 15-minute test which is basically a quiz type test, a 50-minute test which assesses the reading and listening skills, and a 90-minute test which covers reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The results are fully aligned with CEFR levels, i.e. the 6-level Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Initially, the test used to evaluate the receptive skills (reading and listening) only, but later the test makers integrated writing and speaking section to the test. Unlike other standardized English tests, the EFSET uses computerized adaptive testing methods to adjust the difficulty of the test according to the examinee's ability level. The EFSET is not a proctored exam.[3]
Test launch
EF Education First initially intended to build the EFSET for internal use as a low-cost alternative to third party standardized English tests, with the aim of attaining the same level of accuracy as those tests. Soon, the company realized it could gain branding benefits from releasing a robust, testing tool for any English learner to use.[4] The initial public launch of the EFSET in 2014 was the result of a 3-year process, which included 15 months of formal trials involving 14,500 students.[5]
Scoring
The EF SET English Certificate is scored on a scale of 0 to 100 with a separate score attributed for reading and listening as well as an overall score. EF SET English Certificate scores are mapped to the 6-level CEFR bands from A1 to C2 as well as to IELTS and TOEFL scores as shown in the table below.[5]
EFSET English Certificate
CEFR
Level
TOEFL
IELTS
Description
1-30
A1
Beginner
N/A
N/A
Understands familiar everyday words, expressions, and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
31-40
A2
Elementary
N/A
N/A
Understands sentences and frequently used expressions (personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment)
41-50
B1
Intermediate
57-86
4.0-5.0
Understands the main points of clear, standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, & leisure.
51-60
B2
Upper Intermediate
87-99
5.5-6.0
Understands the main ideas of complex text or speech on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his field of specialisation.
61-70
C1
Advanced
100-109
6.5-7.5
Understands a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognises implicit or nuanced meanings.
71-100
C2
Proficient
110-120
8.0-9.0
Understands with ease virtually every form of material read, including abstract or linguistically complex text such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works, and any kind of spoken language, including live broadcasts delivered at native speed.
