This test is an outcome of more than 20 years’ research in assessing language and communication skills in IT specialists. 

This is version 5.0, with previous versions including the variety of formats and tasks as well as rubrics for evaluation and calibration techniques. 

 

At the core of this test is the company’s urge to assess practical hands-on skills in English, balanced with academic skills. 

The content of the test includes general and industry-related vocabulary of a specialist in IT related domains. 

 

Along with assessing basic language and communication skills we included functional language and intercultural skills. These two competencies are one of the most critical for communication with clients and international partners. Functional language is the language for work communication. Intercultural expertise is key to the personal stance of an employee and, unfortunately, is usually low. 

In spite of the high level of general and technical English skills most of the Eastern Europeans are not aware about the nuances and tend to make egregious mistakes that may not be seen in the moment, but in the long run will do an irreparable damage to trust and, eventually, company reputation.

 

That is why we have decided to not only offer standardised tests on grammar, use of English or listening skills, but include the tasks that employees come across while performing their work-related activities. The tasks were carefully selected, formulated and tested on a focus group, with their results checked by the experts and confirmed as reliable. 

 

Alla Bykova, the author of the test,  is an Oxford pre-testing research partner with the experience in training and assessment of over 20 years.