Versant English Test

The professional Versant™ English Test, developed by experts in psychology and linguistics, is our most comprehensive assessment of Versant language proficiency. Administered on a computer and scored using Pearson’s patented Versant AI technology, the test is designed to evaluate employees’ ability to handle workplace situations and provide rich insights into their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Corporations, private language schools, and training providers around the world use Versant to identify employees’ English skills, measure progress in a language program, or use the results as insights to explore learning needs.

Scoring

Our precise AI scoring technology eliminates the bias and inconsistency sometimes found in human scoring. With a correlation of 0.97 (1.00 being perfect), you can trust the scores to accurately assess proficiency.

Versant’s reliable scores are supported by over 25 years of research in speech processing, statistical modeling, linguistics, latent semantic analysis, and test theory.

Automatically flagging fraudulent test submissions with Pearson’s superior technology, the test provides quick, consistent results. Rapid score reports can be generated within minutes after test completion.

A Seamless Testing Experience

The test can be used for learning and development, language training services, higher education institutions offering vocational training, or in self-paced classroom settings.

  • Assess core skills essential for English communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Flexible testing means tests can be taken at home or other locations, with remote proctoring options to enhance security.
  • Two difficulty levels ensure results provide reliable, data-rich insights across all ability levels.
  • Automatically scored by Pearson’s trusted AI, the test provides personalized score results within minutes.
  • Detailed score reports offer helpful improvement suggestions and recommended activities in selected Pearson ELT courseware to guide instruction.
  • Easy test management helps you quickly get started, track progress over time, and review scores.

Versant Test Types

Test Name Test Purpose Skills Test Duration Score Range
LEVEL Test 3 Skills, In Class (20 minutes), using Pearson textbook Assess English proficiency for class placement. 3 Skills (Listening – Reading – Writing) 20 Minutes Level 1: GSE (22 – 58) CFR – A1 – B1 + Level 2: GSE (59- 90) CFR – B2 – C2
LEVEL Test 4 Skills, In Class (30 minutes), using Pearson textbook Assess English proficiency for class placement. 4 Skills (Listening – Speaking – Reading – Writing) 30 Minutes Level 1: GSE (22 – 58) CFR – A1 – B1 + Level 2: GSE (59- 90) CFR – B2 – C2
Versant Test 1 skill Assess proficiency in a specific skill 1 Skill

Professional English Testing Features of Versant

  • Security: Securely captures and stores candidates’ responses.
  • Anonymous test IDs to ensure data privacy.
  • Randomized test forms at each level to prevent cheating.
  • Establish baseline English proficiency at the start of professional English training programs.
  • Measure learner progress throughout the course to ensure learning objectives are met.
  • Identify learners’ strengths and weaknesses to inform course planning.
  • Demonstrate learner proficiency at the end of professional English training programs.
  • Score Reports: Overall score provided on the Global Scale of English (10-90).
  • Individual skill scores in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Improvement suggestions: All scores align with CEFR levels.
  • Recommendations mapped to selected Pearson courseware.

Data-Rich Results to Guide Learning

Score reports are available within minutes and provide valuable insights into the candidate’s current English proficiency level.

A Perfect Pair for Learning

Use Versant in conjunction with Pearson’s business partners and market-leading courseware to deliver a complete learning solution.

Recommended activities highlighted in the Versant score report make lesson planning easier and empower employees by clarifying what to focus on for each candidate.

Simple Test Management

  1. The test manager provides candidates with test instructions.
  2. Candidates enter their unique test ID on the secure Versant testing website to begin the test.
  3. Candidates answer test questions by speaking, typing, or clicking, and responses are automatically scored.
  4. The test administrator retrieves candidates’ scores from the online reporting system.