Test of English Proficiency

• What is the TEP?
• Entry to Academic Programmes
• Who may take the TEP?
• When does it take place?
• How much does it cost?
• How do you register to take the TEP?
• What do I do on the day of the test?
• What do I do after I finish the test?
• Where do I get my results?
• Re-Marks and Re-Counts

Test of English Proficiency

What is the TEP?

The TEP, as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL for prospective or current AIS St Helens students, is an assessment of English language proficiency and may be used to satisfy entry criteria for AIS St Helens programmes. In all, the four main English language skills are evaluated: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Alternate versions of the TEP, such as the offshore versions, do not include the speaking assessment.

The Listening and Reading sections have a maximum of 20 points (one point per question) and writing is evaluated out of a score of 20; thus, creating a total out of 60. Speaking is a five to ten minute interview and is scored out of 20. The speaking score is added to the versions where speaking is a component and the total score is scaled down to 60. Each skill area is weighted equally. The test takes approximately two hours, (for a breakdown of times see the appropriate test skills sections in this book).

Entry to Academic Programmes

The TEP allows entry to the following programmes based upon minimum scores. Entry into the UOFY programme through the TEP is conditional and the Coordinator of the UOFY programme must be consulted before the test is taken. Currently, the Master of Commerce support programme may only be entered through IELTS.

Direct entry means that the student has a sufficient score to enter the programme without support.

The supported stream allows students with lower scores to enter BIB and BTM directly but students are required to take a number of English-language support courses in conjunction with their BIB or BTM courses.

Skill minimums, i.e., a minimum score for each skill area, are required in some cases as a way to ensure students can manage a range of required English- language skills in their tertiary studies.

Who may take the TEP?

All students are eligible to take the TEP, whether they are a current student at AIS St Helens or they are studying at another institution. It is advisable that students have been in an Intermediate English class for at least 4 weeks, or have the equivalent level of English proficiency, in order to successfully reach the entry level for a foundation course. Students at a high intermediate or advanced level of English can be expected to score the entry level for a bachelor or post-graduate programme.

When does it take place?

The TEP takes place on Wednesdays at 5:00pm at the AIS St Helens Main Campus. Sometimes, usually just before a semester starts, more than one TEP is run in a week. Additional tests will be publicised in the Marketing Reception. Alternate tests are usually scheduled at 5:00pm on Thursdays.

How much does it cost?

How do you register to take the TEP?

1. Decide which Wednesday you want to take the TEP.
2. Pick up your “TEP Authorisation Slip” from the Marketing Department or Asquith Reception. The student must give their name, student ID number and the date they want to take the TEP to the receptionist. The students must fill in the rest of the “TEP Authorisation Slip” themselves. If the student does not have an AIS St Helens student ID, the student must use his/her valid passport as ID. If the passport cannot be used, another type of picture ID can be used if the Director Student Services or the Head of ELC accepts the ID as valid.
3. You will have to sign the Authorisation Slip saying that you understand you cannot sit the TEP until the date that the Receptionist has written on your slip.
4. You will also be asked to sign the indemnity waiver for giving out your results. If you wish to receive your results over the telephone, or you allow someone else to receive your results, you must sign the waiver form. If the form is not signed by you, AIS St Helens will not release the TEP results over the phone or to anyone except yourself.
5. You must go to the AIS St Helens cashier and pay your $35 (non-AIS St Helens' students $60) to take the TEP. (Remember that there are no refunds).
6. Take your receipt to the AIS St Helens Marketing Reception and sign into the TEP registers kept there. Your receipt will be held in the register as proof of payment.
   Students who have not signed the registration book will not be allowed to take the test.

What do I do on the day of the test?

1. On the date of your TEP you must bring your Authorisation Slip with you and report to the main Reception at Main Campus, before 3.30pm. The TEP will start at 4.00pm.
2. If you have not yet registered and paid for the test, you must register and pay before 3.00pm on the Wednesday. Failure to do so will mean you will have to return and take a later TEP.
3. You also must bring with you the Identification that is written on your slip, Student ID or Passport. ONLY THIS IDENTIFICATION will be accepted anything different and you will not be permitted to take the TEP.
4. Before entering the test room, you will be asked to present the green slip and your ID.
5. You must also bring a pen or pencil to use in the test. Any other belongings will be kept by the invigilator at the front of the classroom. Mobile phones must be turned off during the exam.

What do I do after I finish the test?

You will not be allowed to leave the test room until all students have completed their tests and the tests have been collected and counted. You will need to make an appointment to have your oral test if you have not already done so. Do not miss your oral test or you may be required to pay a further test fee.

Where do I get my results?

Your results will be available on the Friday after you have taken the TEP at the Marketing Department after 1.00pm. If your receipt is not in the register, you will not be given your result. If you have signed the indemnity form, you may get your result over the telephone. Someone may get your result for you if the indemnity form has been signed and you have informed the receptionist that the pick up will be made.

The TEP is valid for six months after the test date, and can only be sat twice in a twelve-week period. There are opportunities for both re-counts and remarks. These will be available to the student after a period of three working days from the time of application.

Re-Marks and Re-Counts

You may request either a re-mark or a re-count when you have received your result. A re-count will mean that a new assessor will count the points again to see if there has been an error in counting the marks.

A re-mark will mean that a new assessor will mark your test again. They will not know what you originally received and will use the marking key to re-assess your scores and will re-assess your writing (and speaking if necessary.) In both cases your result may be reduced. The re-mark score or the re-count score will be the final score. The original score will be removed from the official records.