1. What is VSTEP English Certificate?:
    • VSTEP is an acronym for the English phrase Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency. This is an English proficiency test according to the 6-level Foreign Language Competency Framework for Vietnam, equivalent to levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 of the European Framework.
    • VSTEP is designed and applied at foreign language training institutions nationwide and this certificate is issued by schools authorized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

 

 Practising VSTEP with BIET Language Center

 

2. Who is the VSTEP certificate suitable for?:
    • VSTEP A2 (level 2) is suitable for kindergarten or primary school teachers and professional-class civil servants.
    • VSTEP B1 (level 3) is suitable for students of Universities or Colleges and those who are preparing to study for a master's degree or those who want to take civil servant exam as a main expert .
    • VSTEP B2 (level 4) is suitable for high school teachers, or those who are about to complete a master's degree and senior professionals.
   • VSTEP C1 (level 5) is suitable for teachers specializing in teaching English at high school, non-language teachers at universities and colleges.

 

 

3. The structure of the VSTEP exam: Including 4 skills
    * Listening comprehension skills:
      • 3 parts, 35 questions with a test time of 40 minutes, including 7 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
      • This section tests candidates' listening comprehension skills by answering questions of difficulty level 3 to 5 after listening to short conversations, tutorials, announcements, lectures, talks, …

    * Reading comprehension skills:
      • 4 reading passages, 40 questions, ranging from 1,900 - 2,050 words with a test time of 60 minutes.
      • This section tests students' reading comprehension skills in different formats ranging from level 3 to level 5.
    * Writing skills: 60 minutes:
      • Task 1: Candidates are asked to write a letter/email with a length of about 120 words. This task accounts for 1/3 of the total score of the written test.
    • Task 2: Candidates are asked to write an essay of about 250 words on a given topic. With their knowledge and practical experience, candidates make arguments and defend their opinions. This task accounts for 2/3 of the total score of the written test.

    * Speaking skill: 12 minutes
      • Speaking part 1: Candidates are tested on their ability of describing and explaining and socializing.
     • Speaking part 2: Candidates are given a given situation with 3 solutions. Candidates must come up with the best solution, defend their argument and counter other opinions.
     • Speaking part 3: The candidats asr given a given topic and can use the ideas provided to develop a complete speech. Then, candidates discuss with the examiner some questions about the above topic.

 

 

4. The method of taking the VSTEP:
    • When registering to study and practice this certificate at BIET Center, candidates will be guided by the teacher on how to do each skill one by one to get high scores.

 

5. How long is the VSTEP certificate valid?:
    • The certificate does not specify the expiration date because this depends on the requirements of the agency, business, ... where the candidate applies.
     • The units that do not specifically require this VSTEP certificate are considered valid forever.

 

6. VSTEP exam score scale:
    • Each VSTEP test from level 3 to level 5 is scored on a 10-point scale for each skill, and is rounded to 0.5 points. Rounding points of 4 skills are used to calculate 3 levels respectively B1, B2, C1.

From 4.0 - 5.5/10: B1 certificate.
From 6.0 - 8.0/10: B2 certificate.
From 8.5 to 10/10: C1 certificate

 

    • Particularly, the VSTEP A2 test only assesses 1 level of English A2. Scores are calculated on a 100-point scale to 10. Each skill accounts for 25% of the total score. Candidates achieve English level A2 if they score 6.5/10.

 

 

Level                   TOEIC        IELTS          CEFR         TOEFL ITP         TOEFL iBT         Cambridge Tests
Level 3 VSTEP     450          4.5 -5.0           B1                450                       45                      70-89 PET
45 - 59 FCE                        
Level 4 VSTEP     600          5.5 -6.0           B2                550                       61                       90 -100 PET
60 - 79 FCE                        
Level 5 VSTEP     780          6.5 -8.0           C1                550                       80                       80 -100 FCE
60 - 79 CAE                        
Level 6 VSTEP     900          8.5 -9.0           C2                625                      107                      80 -100 CAE
45 - 59 CPE                    
    

8. How much is the VSTEP exam fee?:
    • VSTEP exam fee is regulated by each school, but the exam fee usually fluctuates from 1,500,000 to 1,800,000 VND/ 1 candidate/ 1 test time.

 

9. The requirements for the file for VSTEP exam: All relevant documents must be notarized
     • Application form with 3×4 photo sticker (photo must be taken no longer than 6 months, clear, sharp).
     • 3 4×6 photos with full name and date of birth on the back.
     • 1 copy of ID or 1 of the candidate's other identification documents such as driver's license, passport.
     • 1 copy of student card, student, graduate, civil servant, official (if any).

 

10. Exam format:
     • The exam format of VSTEP is computer-based or paper-based. No matter the format, the exam is the same.