New English test for UAE employees

Dubai - Taking an English test over the phone would soon become possible as the British Council has launched a new test for evaluating English language skills of employees working in the UAE. The Aptis test will help companies find out the weak areas in language skills of employees. Organisations will be able to evaluate and get detailed feedback on the grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening and writing skills of their employees. “The ability to speak in English provides greater opportunities and there was a demand from employers for developing a test to evaluate English language skills of employees,” said Philip Rylah, Director of Examinations (Mena) at the British Council. Some 20,000 people in the UAE are expected to take the test in the first year. Employers will be able to request the tests on-demand and at their convenience. The business-to-business assessment service will only be available to organisations and not individuals.  “The test is designed to be flexible and accessible. It can be taken at any venue,” said Andrew Mackenzie, head of assessment services at the British Council. Each year, more than 13 million tests are taken worldwide to evaluate skills of English language learners. “The British Council is a world authority on English language. Aptis will definitely be one of the most cost-effective tests available in the market,” added Mackenzie. Aptis tests can be customised to test skills relevant according to the requirements of a company, such as for teaching or travel and tourism, as well as customised to suit specific cultural contexts and variants of English.  The test will be task-based and applicants will be able to take the test online. Plans are also being made to offer the tests in different variations for different industries. The grammar and vocabulary test costs Dh65, whereas the complete test including reading, listening and writing will cost Dh190 per person. Muaz Shabandri  / Khaleej Times