In Vietnam, what is the VSTEP Certificate used for? What is the validity period of the VSTEP Certificate?

In Vietnam, what is the VSTEP Certificate used for?

The VSTEP Certificate (Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency) is the one for assessing English proficiency according to the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency used in Vietnam.

Based on the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency in Vietnam, issued along with Circular 01/2014/TT-BGDDT on the elaboration of the levels of foreign language proficiency from Level 1 to Level 6, the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam has held the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency to accurately assess English proficiency according to this Framework.

What is the validity period of the VSTEP Certificate in Vietnam?

Currently, the VSTEP Certificate does not specify a validity period on the certificate itself. Therefore, in principle, this certificate is valid indefinitely. However, in Section 1 of Official Dispatch 3755/BGDDT-GDTX 2016 regarding the conversion of foreign language and computer certificates issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, the content is outlined as follows:

1. Regarding the conversion concerning foreign language proficiency

The foreign language proficiency of officials and public employees as stipulated in the circulars concerning codes and standards of professional titles is based on the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency for Vietnam (issued along with Circular No. 01/2014/TT-BGDDT dated January 24, 2014).

Pending the development and issuance of legal documents to organize and implement the national foreign language testing system, the Ministry of Education and Training has introduced 10 entities authorized to conduct reviews, examinations, and issuances of certificates equivalent to the 6 levels of the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency used in Vietnam (as per notifications No. 826/TB-BGDDT dated August 5, 2011; No. 896/TB-BGDDT dated August 24, 2011; No. 42/TB-BGDDT January 11, 2013). Regarding the equivalence consideration of the English Proficiency Certificates A, B, C issued under Decision No. 177/QD-TCBT dated January 30, 1993, with the European Framework of Reference for Languages, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued Official Dispatch No. 6089/BGDDT-GDTX dated October 27, 2014, sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (attached documentation). Additionally, departments of education and training may also consider other certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC... to evaluate the English proficiency of officials and public employees.

The acceptance of which certificate/certification of foreign language proficiency and the validity period of the certificate/certification is determined by the Chairman of the provincial/municipal People's Committee or the Director of the Department of Education and Training (if authorized by the Chairman of the provincial/municipal People's Committee) based on the foreign language proficiency requirements for the job position.

The validity period of the VSTEP certificate in Vietnam depends on the requirements of the entity requesting the VSTEP Certificate.

In practice, some entities may require the VSTEP Certificate to be issued within a certain timeframe, usually from 1.5 to 2 years, to ensure the foreign language proficiency of the certificate holder meets job requirements.

Therefore, even though the VSTEP Certificate does not have a set expiry date, its use and acceptance depend on the regulations of each entity. Before using the VSTEP Certificate for a specific purpose, users should verify the validity requirements of the certificate from the relevant entity or organization.

Which entities currently organize the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency?

As of April 2024, the Directorate of Quality Management announces the list of entities organizing the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency according to the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency used in Vietnam, comprising the following 34 entities:

1- University of Languages and International Studies - Vietnam National Parent University, Hanoi

2- Hanoi University

3- Hanoi National University of Education

4- People's Security Academy (Hanoi)

5- Academy of Journalism and Communication

6- University of Commerce (Hanoi)

7- Academy of Military Science and Technology (Hanoi)

8- People's Police Academy (Hanoi)

9- Hanoi University of Science and Technology

10- Foreign Trade University (Hanoi)

11- National Economics University (Hanoi)

12- Banking Academy (Hanoi)

13- Phenikaa University (Hanoi)

14- Ho Chi Minh City University of Education

15- Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking

16- Van Lang University (Ho Chi Minh City)

17- University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City

18- University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National Parent University, Ho Chi Minh City

19- University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City

20- Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City

21- Saigon University (Ho Chi Minh City)

22- University of Foreign Languages - Hue University (Hue)

23- University of Foreign Language Studies - The University of Da Nang (Da Nang)

24- Thai Nguyen University (Thai Nguyen)

25- Can Tho University (Can Tho)

26- Vinh University (Nghe An)

27- Tra Vinh University (Tra Vinh)

28- Quy Nhon University (Binh Dinh)

29- Tay Nguyen University (Dak Lak)

30- University of Economics and Technology Industries (Binh Duong)

31- Southern Can Tho University (Can Tho)

32- Lac Hong University (Dong Nai)

33- Dong Thap University (Dong Thap)

34- Duy Tan University (Da Nang)

Note: This content is for reference only!