After you take the APTIS test, you are sent a Candidate Report outlining your results. Each section, Reading, Listening,
Speaking and Writing, is given a numerical score between 0-50, contributing to a Final Scale Score out of 200. Each of these are aligned to a CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level of A1-C for each skill as well as one for the Final Overall Score.
However, it is important to note that the numerical scores for the individual components should not be measured against one another since the values for each CEFR score vary in each respective skill. For example, a 20/50 may signify a B1 in the Listening section whereas it represents an A2 in the Reading part. For this reason, candidates should take note of the aggregated CEFR levels to get a more accurate depiction of their skill levels.
In addition to these figures, you are also presented with a score of 0-50 for the Core Grammar and Vocabulary section. This value is separate from your Final Overall Score.
Why do I have different scores for each skill?
One of the key assets of the APTIS score scale is that it can identify a test-taker’s differences in ability, providing a realistic measure of his/her aptitudes. Accordingly, the APTIS test examines each skill in isolation in order to better identify the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, a candidate who scores a B2 in the Overall Final Score, could have received a B1 or C in Speaking. This may be of interest to a potential employer or educational opportunity who receives the score if Speaking is a major part of what the prospective role entails.
How are the Reading and Listening tests scored?
As APTIS is a computer-based test, the receptive skills of Reading and Listening are graded by a computer. The questions in these sections utilize multiple-choice or matching formats and thus have objective answers that allow for the easy computation of scores.
How are the Speaking and Writing tests scored?
Due to the subjective nature of Speaking and Writing tasks, the productive skills are assessed by human evaluators. Each section is comprised of four individual tasks. Responses for each of these are recorded in the system. In order to ensure the utmost precision in the grading scheme, each of the four tasks is divided and assigned to a different examiner. By doing so, APTIS avoids the troublesome situation in which an examiner may grade each task with the same score without following the dedicated criteria. Moreover, this allows the scoring to be more reliable and valid.
Why is Grammar and Vocabulary a separate score?
It is a common misconception that since the Core section of Grammar and Vocabulary has its own score out of 50 and is independent from the Final Overall Score, that it is unimportant. In fact, a test-taker’s knowledge and ability to use grammar and vocabulary effectively is at the basis of his/her overall CEFR placement. That is to say, if a candidate is in between CEFR levels, the Grammar and Vocabulary score is the deciding factor on whether the score sides with the higher figure or falls to the lower. For instance, let’s consider two candidates receiving equivalent final numerical scores with CEFR values in the B1 to B2 range for each individual skill. However, one candidate receives more points than the other in the Grammar and Vocabulary section. In this case, the higher-scoring candidate would finish with a Final Overall Score of a B2 whereas the other one would finish with a B1.
