PROULEX English Proficiency Test

The Proulex English Proficiency Test (EPT) B1 is a qualification of English proficiency at an intermediate level. The test is designed to meet international standards and is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Each version of the test went through rigorous procedures to assure stakeholders that they are receiving a high quality test which can be trusted for educational and business purposes.

The EPT test reflects the academic and travel situations candidates are presented with in a globalized world. With this in mind, different varieties of English are used in the listening and speaking tests.
The EPT exam mirrors the interactive nature of authentic language tasks where reading, writing, speaking, and listening are used in an integrated way.

Thus, while candidates are preparing for the EPT test they are developing transferable skills that can be used in real life situations.


GENERAL INFORMATION

LEVEL CEFR:

B1.

Language context:

Academic and travel situations

Integrated language skills:

  • listening test 25%
  • reading test 25%
  • reading to writing and extended writing test 25%
  • speaking test 25%

Test versions:

Paper Based

Speaking and Listening sections:

Different varieties of English

Total time:

2 hours (approximately)

Certificates:

  • Pass with Distinction
  • Pass with Merit
  • Pass
  • Borderline

Authorized Test Center

The EPT B1 test is offered monthly at Proulex-authorized test center, Centro de Exámenes Internacionales (CEI).

The EPT test is given at the CEI facilities. If you want the test to be taken at other facilities, contact the CEI Administration.

To find available dates and times, visit CEI Website.

Dates & Times at CEI

EPT Fees


Details on our fees and payment policies:

EPT B1 REGISTRATION

English Proficiency Test B1

$1,200 .00
mexican pesos
  • Listening Section
  • Reading Section
  • Reading to Write & Extended Writing Section
  • Speaking Section

EPT B1 RESCHEDULING

English Proficiency Test B1

$120 .00
mexican pesos
  • Listening Section
  • Reading Section
  • Reading to Write & Extended Writing Section
  • Speaking Section

EPT B1
MODIFY NAME

$180 .00
mexican pesos

When registering to take the EPT test, verify that your name(s) and last name(s) are written correctly as in your documentation and official IDs. Your registration data will be taken as the official data to print your certificate.
In case you need to modify this data after receiving your printed certificate, an extra charge will be made for re-printing.

Fees are subject to change without notice. The above amounts are included of the Value Added or similar taxes.

EPT B1 Score

Your score is based on your performance on the EPT. You will answer questions in the Reading and Listening tests, write a reading to write essay and an independent writing task. On the EPT, you will receive a score for each skill and an overall score. The breakdown of the scores is seen in the following:

  • Listening Section (0–25 pts.)
  • Reading Section (0–25 pts.)
  • Reading to Write & Extended Writing Section (Score of: 0–25 pts.)
  • Speaking Section (0–25 pts.)
  • Total Score: (0–100 pts.)

The minimal passing score is 60 pts (Pass). EPT certificates are valid for 2 years after the test date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period. If you already have a test appointment, you cannot register for another test within 12 days of your existing appointment.

How We Ensure Quality

EPT raters are trained extensively, pass a certification course for quality control. The calibration includes task familiarization, guidance on scoring the task, and practice on a range of responses. Raters are continuously monitored for accuracy by Proulex Assessment scoring leaders.

Certificates EPT B1

Pass with Distinction
Candidates who score exceptionally well will be given a certificate which states that they have shown a level of English at a high B1.
Pass with merit
Candidates who receive a pass with merit will be given a certificate which states that they have shown a level of English at a good B1 level.
Pass
Candidates who receive a pass will be given a certificate which states that they achieved the B1 level.
Borderline
Candidates who receive a borderline will be given a certificate which states that they have shown a level of English at an A2.

The Way the Test is Scored

Proulex uses both human raters and automated scoring methods to offer a complete and accurate picture of a test taker's ability. While automated scoring models have advantages, they do not measure the effectiveness of the language response and the appropriateness of its content. Human raters are needed to attend to a wider variety of features, such as the quality of ideas and content as well as form.

Additionally, studies have shown that prompts designed for fully automated scoring have been more vulnerable to prompt-specific preparation and memorized responses.

Understanding Your EPT B1 Score

EPT B1 Score Scale

Section Score Range Level
Listening 0-25 High (17-25)
Intermediate (9–16)
Low (0–8)
Reading 0-25 High (17-25)
Intermediate (9–16)
Low (0–8)
Reading to Write &
Extended Writing		 0-25 Good (19–25)
Fair (13–18)
Limited (7–12)
Weak (0–6)
Speaking 0-25 Good (17–25)
Fair (9-16)
Limited (1-8)
Score of Zero (0)
Total Score 0-100

Although the score range for each of the 4 test sections (Listening, Reading, Reading to Write & Extended Writing and Speaking) is from 0 to 25, each section is a separate measure and each measure has its own scale.

EPT Test Overview

Listening Test Information
  • 3 sections
  • 25 questions total
  • Test item types: multiple choice (A, B, and C), True/ False
  • 20 minutes total
  • Construct measures: listening for the gist, details, to identify key information (see each section below)

Section 1 description: Candidates listen to eight short conversations about everyday topics in order to answer questions that will require them to focus either on the gist (listening for general understanding) or the detail of the exchange (recognize how details embody a more general concept). Some announcements or recorded messages may be included.

Section 2 description: Candidates hear an in depth discussion about a topic and are required to distinguish fact from opinion and to listen for key pieces of information (identify key information at word level).

Section 3 description: Candidates listen to different people commenting on the topic of the discussion in section two. They will need to pay specific attention to the stress and intonation used by the speakers to convey their meaning (identify the mood or attitude of speakers).

Download sample Download overview Download audio sample
Reading Test Information
  • 2 sections
  • 25 questions total
  • Test item types: Matching, True/False/Not given, multiple choice, summary completion.
  • 40 minutes total
  • Sources: Graded reading in the style of: newspaper articles, encyclopedia, magazines, and websites
  • Construct measures: skimming, scanning, making inferences, deducing meaning from context, and summarizing

Section 1 description: One long reading text of 400 words and five paragraphs. Candidates read a long text which deals with the following topics: travel, money, health and fitness, learning a foreign language, festivals, means of transport and music. The candidates answer 15 questions related to the text. Questions 1-5 involve matching a heading to the appropriate paragraph. Questions 6-10 are true, false or not given statements. Questions 11-15 have four possible responses. These questions deal with vocabulary in context, general understanding and making inferences.

Section 2 description: This section consists of three short texts which in total have 400 words. Candidates read the three short texts which are based on authentic sources and deal with the following topics: travel, money, health and fitness, learning a foreign language, festivals, means of transport and music. The candidates answer 10 questions related to the text. Questions 16-20 involve a task where five statements are given and candidates have to decide if they are true, false or not given according to the text. The last five questions 21-25 consist of a summary completion. Candidates have to go back to the texts and find the words that correctly substitute the blanks.

Download sample Download overview
Reading to Write & Extended Writing Test Information
  • 2 sections
  • Test item types: responding to a prompt and/or answering a question
  • 50 minutes total
  • Construct measures: write essay based on previous reading

Section 3 description: Candidates have to write an essay, which is related to the reading texts in Section 2. In order for candidates to receive high marks, it is necessary that they make use of the information in the reading texts in their writing. The candidates will be graded using a rubric with the following traits:

  1. Integration-- whether the writer selects important information from the reading and uses it in the writing.
  2. Task achievement-- whether the writer addresses the given task using appropriate register and style.
  3. Organization-- whether the writer organizes the text in a coherent and cohesive manner at paragraph and sentence level.
  4. Language use-- whether the writer uses a range of lexis and grammar structures in an accurate manner.

Section 4 description: Extended writing with no reading texts used as support. The Integration trait will not be graded in this section.

Download sample Download overview
Speaking Test Information
  • 3 sections
  • Test item types: responding to a prompt and/or answering a question, speak on a prepared familiar topic with little prompting
  • 10-11.5 minutes (14.5-15.5 minutes for groups of 3)
  • Construct measures: interview with 2 examiners and 2 candidates, ask and answer personal questions, take turns to discuss from written prompts and respond a follow up question, giving opinions based on facts (see each section)

Section 1 description: Candidates answer questions about personal information and what they do. They should communicate their basic personal information, express how they feel and what they do on a daily basis. This section will last from one and a half to two minutes. Candidates are assessed on their performance in all sections in the speaking test in four distinct areas: Fluency, Language Use, Interaction and Pronunciation.

Section 2 description: Candidates will speak on a prepared topic independently for one to two minutes. They will have some time to prepare their topic from the list of authorized topic areas before the test commences. The list of topics includes: the environment, movies, future plans, hobbies, holidays, pets, music, famous people, favorite places and favorite foods. Candidates will be able to make notes on their chosen topic. These notes will be submitted to the examiner in the form of a mind map on an official note sheet during the test. When they complete their mini talk, which should not be read out or memorized, the examiner may ask one follow up question to close the topic. This part will last for four and a half to five minutes or six and a half to seven minutes for groups of three.

Section 3 description: Candidates will be given a topic card which will prompt a discussion in pairs or a group of three. Candidates should address each other rather than the examiner in this discussion phase and be able to exchange views and reach an outcome with little support. Candidates should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the prompts before reaching a consensus of opinion. This part will last four to four and a half minutes for pairs and five to five and a half minutes for groups of three.

Download sample
EPT full manual
Download Manual

VIDEOS EPT Test

Listening Section

Reading Section

Reading to Write &
Extended Writing Section

Speaking Section

What level does the EPT test?

The Proulex English Proficiency Test (EPT) can either be taken at a specific level within the CEFR or as a multilevel level qualification which can test from a basic to advanced level.

Who is the exam for?

The EPT Test is aimed at young adults and teenagers who are typically in high school or college. These students often use English as a way to communicate in school, work, and travel.

How is the test scored?

The score is a result of the combination of the four skills being tested: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

TOTAL SCORE

DIVIDED IN 4 SECTIONS

HOURS

Total Test Time

SKILL

Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

Contact Us

Feel free to ask your question any time.

EPT F.A.Q.


Frequently Asked Questions about the EPT Test

How is the EPT scored?
The EPT is graded over four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. For each part you will receive a score out of 25 points and a final score out of 100 points.
What does it test?
The EPT test your comprehension and language proficiency across the fours skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Where will I take the test?
The test session will take place at Proulex’s Centro de Examenes Internacionles (CEI) cei.proulex@proulex.udg.mx Tomás V. Gómez #125, Col. Ladrón de Guevara Guadalajara, Jalisco. Tel: 01 800 00 PROULEX. You will be informed via your Proulex site about registration and payment and the exact time to present yourself for the examination.
How long will it take?
The written part of the test will take two hours and then you will have to wait a maximum of one hour before you take the speaking test which has a duration of 13 minutes.
Is the speaking test in pairs?
Yes, the speaking test format is two candidates and two examiners.
Can I choose my partner for the speaking test?
No, you will be assigned a partner by the exam officials. If there are absentees, then your test partner may be subject to change. You will be informed after the written part of the test.
What do I need to bring with me to the test?
It is essential that you bring your official ID or your school photo ID. You should also bring a pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener. All other exam materials will be provided at the site.
Where can I keep my belongings during the test?
You can store your belongings in the exam room during the written exam and with an exam official during the speaking test.
Will the listening be with headphones?
No, the listening test is played via a CD player in the exam room.
No. You must remain seated until all parts of the exam are complete. You are allowed to go to the bathroom during the Reading and Writing test. However, you do not have any extra time to do this.
How long will it take to get my results and certification?
You will be notified via email when the results are ready. The process is usually complete three weeks after the test date.
Who will be testing me?
You will be tested by certified EPT invigilators who will take you through the written part of the exam, and certified EPT speaking examiners who will conduct the speaking test. The exam team is made up of Proulex teachers who are specially trained, monitored and assessed in order to work with EPT.
Is the EPT certificate valid for Visa applications and immigration purposes?
No, at present the EPT certificate can only be used for internal purposes with Proulex and the UdG. We are currently in the process of having the exam validated through SEP which will make the EPT valid on a national level.
Why should I take the EPT test?
The EPT is completely separate to Proulex programs and is used to assess the level of all graduating PDU students. For you, the student, it will allow you to find out whether you have achieved a B1 level according to the CEFR and give you a clear benchmark of your current proficiency in English.
The EPT was designed by a team of experts in language assessment, following the guidelines of test developments established for all high stakes tests to ensure the maximum level of quality, reliability and validity. The test is aligned to the CEFR.
This process included: test design, test piloting, proof reading and editing, more piloting and editing, statistical analysis of all results and an academic paper summarizing the research and findings.
I took the test a while ago, Does my certificate have an expiry date?
The certificate has a validity of two years. After that time, we recommend that you retake the test in order to have an up to date record of your English language proficiency.
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference which defines linguistic competencies across different levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. At B1 it reads as follows:
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
https://rm.coe.int/168045bc78
If I have a problem before or after the test, who should I contact?
All queries related to the logistics of the examination should go through the C.E.I. The email is: cei.proulex@proulex.udg.mx Tomás V. Gómez #125, Col. Ladrón de Guevara Guadalajara, Jalisco. Tel: 01 800 00 PROULEX.