What is the VSTEP Certificate? Which entities currently organize the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency?
What is the VSTEP Certificate?
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, equivalent to levels A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Under Section III of the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency used in Vietnam issued in conjunction with Circular 01/2014/TT-BGDDT:
The Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework is developed based on the reference and application of the CEFR and several English proficiency frameworks from other countries, combined with the actual conditions and requirements of teaching, learning, and using foreign languages in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework is divided into 3 levels (Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced) and 6 levels (from Level 1 to Level 6, compatible with levels A1 to C2 in the CEFR):
The 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency used in Vietnam, issued under Circular 01/2014/TT-BGDDT, provides detailed descriptions of proficiency levels 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 VSTEP Certificate? Which entities currently organize the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency? (Image from the Internet)
Which entities currently organize the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency?
The Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency is held and the VSTEP certificate is issued by universities authorized by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam (also known as the assessment of English proficiency according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework).
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 arranged by regions such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other areas:
(1) In Hanoi
- University of Languages and International Studies - Vietnam National Parent University, Hanoi
- Hanoi University
- Hanoi National University of Education
- People's Security Academy
- Academy of Journalism and Communication
- Hanoi University of Commerce
- Military Science Academy
- People's Police Academy
- Hanoi University of Science and Technology
- Foreign Trade University
- National Economics University
- Banking Academy of Vietnam
- Phenikaa University
(2) In Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
- Banking University Ho Chi Minh City
- Van Lang University
- University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National Parent University, Ho Chi Minh City
- University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry
- Saigon University
(3) In other areas
- University of Foreign Languages - Hue University (Hue)
- University of Foreign Language Studies - The University of Da Nang (Da Nang)
- Thai Nguyen University (Thai Nguyen)
- Be able to Tho University (Be able to Tho)
- Vinh University (Nghe An)
- Tra Vinh University (Tra Vinh)
- Quy Nhon University (Binh Dinh)
- Tay Nguyen University (Dak Lak)
- University of Economics and Business (Binh Duong)
- Nam Be able to Tho University (Be able to Tho)
- Lac Hong University (Dong Nai)
- Dong Thap University (Dong Thap)
- Duy Tan University (Da Nang)
Note: Content is for reference only!
What is the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework used in Vietnam by each level?
According to Section IV of the 6-level Framework for Foreign Language Proficiency used in Vietnam issued in conjunction with Circular 01/2014/TT-BGDDT, a general description of the content of the Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework is as follows:
| Levels | General Description |
| Level 1 | Be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type; be able to introduce him/herself and others and Be able to ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows, and things he/she has; be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
| Level 2 | Be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment); be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters; be able to describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need. |
| Level 3 | Be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc; be able to deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken; be able to produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; be able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| Level 4 | Be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization; be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party; be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
| Level 5 | Be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning; be able to express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; be able to use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes; be able to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. |
| Level 6 | Be able to understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; be able to summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; be able to express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. |
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