The International Testing Service Center (ITSC) has announced several key updates to improve the accessibility and efficiency of G-TELP testing. These changes aim to provide a more inclusive and modernized experience for test takers worldwide.

Integrated Test Format: ITSC is integrating the G-TELP Reading, Speaking, and Writing Tests into a single comprehensive assessment. This new format will evaluate candidates’ grammar, listening, reading, and speaking abilities holistically, reflecting a more balanced measure of language proficiency.

Support for Underserved Test Takers: New initiatives will offer fee reduction programs and additional resources to expand G-TELP’s reach, making it more accessible to candidates from diverse and underserved backgrounds.

Digital Advancements: ITSC is introducing remote proctoring and streamlining the test registration process through an upgraded online platform, creating a flexible and user-friendly experience for candidates globally.

These improvements underscore ITSC’s commitment to delivering innovative and equitable testing services, positioning G-TELP as a premier choice for language proficiency evaluation.

The 45th annual Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), held this year, marked a pivotal discussion point for language testing professionals worldwide, who gathered under the theme, “Reforming Language Assessment Systems, Reforming Language Assessment Research.”

This theme responded to the dynamic landscape of language assessment, acknowledging shifts in technology, communication, and social values. Attendees from the fields of psychometrics, second language learning, and educational measurement were joined by prominent organizations, all committed to advancing research that reflects the global and inclusive nature of modern language assessment.

Dr. Nachowitz, Senior Researcher and Managing Director of Test Development at ITSC, participated in this year’s LTRC and shared his three key takeaways from the conference. ITSC is making concerted efforts to stay aligned with evolving language assessment practices, particularly in the areas of fairness, technological integration, and communicative constructs.

The 45th LTRC conference highlighted the transformation in a field where assessments are being re-envisioned to reflect technological, social, and communicative advances. As language assessment adapts to new standards of fairness, equity, and accuracy, ITSC remains poised to implement research-based enhancements, ensuring alignment with the latest in language assessment thought and practice.

ITSC has recently released G-TELP IBT Home Edition, an at-home testing solution that has been developed in response to circumstances in which test takers have been affected by the pandemic. Students can take not only
G-TELP Level Tests but also Speaking and Writing Tests at home, and all Home Edition tests being administered are identical in content and level of difficulty to the G-TELP tests that are administered at test venues. Test takers only need a headset and a desktop or laptop with a camera in order to take the G-TELP IBT Home Edition test. For further information, please contact an agency in your country.

ITSC-Group is currently offering research grants up to $20,000 to emerging and established researchers who are interested in contributing their time and energy to studies that will explore current issues in testing design and administration while informing future development. For more information, please click here

The 2021 conference of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), which has a reputation as a comprehensive and stimulating conference, was convened virtually from March 20 to 23, 2021. A recipient of ITSC Research Grant Program grant presented the results of her study during a paper session of the AAAL conference. The author is Eunice Yunjung Nam, a Ph.D. student at Georgia State University, and she made a presentation entitled “Stakeholders’ Beliefs About G-TELP Test as a Measure of English Proficiency Required for Professional Purposes.” Her study aims to explore stakeholder beliefs towards the G-TELP (General Tests of English Language Proficiency), which is designed by International Testing Services Center (ITSC) to assess general English proficiency of non-native speakers, and attempts to explore the stakeholder’s beliefs about the G-TELP Level 2 test in order to provide valuable insights on what should be further researched for test quality and valid score use. The presentation lasted 20 minutes and was followed by 10 minutes of discussion. According to the researcher, her study is now being finalized and the final version should be ready for publication soon. The current version of her paper is now available.

Click the link down below to view the results of the study (As of April 2021).

ITSC supports research programs to disseminate knowledge in the field of language assessment(s) and second/foreign language acquisition and offers research grant programs. Eunice Yunjung Nam, a Ph.D. student of Georgia State University, is one of Ph. D students awarded ITSC Research Grant Program grant for her project titled: “Stakeholders’ Beliefs about G-TELP Level 2 Test as a Measure of English Proficiency Required for Professional Purposes.” She participated in the 2020 East Coast Organization of Language Testers (ECOLT) Conference, which represents an East Coast group of professionals, scholars, and students involved in language testing projects and research. The conference was held virtually from October 29th to October 31st, 2020, and Eunice Yunjung Nam presented her research, which is a work in progress, at the conference. Her study aims to explore stakeholder beliefs towards the G-TELP (The General Tests of English Language Proficiency), which is designed by ITSC to assess general English proficiency of non-native speakers. ITSC is constantly working to provide new programs for scholars and young researchers in linguistics to support their research projects.

We are soon to launch the Junior G-TELP Speaking and Junior G-TELP Writing Tests (Jr. GST and Jr. GWT). Educational institutes can use the Jr. GST and Jr. GWT to evaluate their students’ current level of English proficiency and monitor their progress in learning English. The tests can also help in setting learning goals for the students and “Stakeholders’ Beliefs about G-TELP Level 2 Test as a Measure of English Proficiency involve educators in advancing their students’ English ability.

Junior G-TELP Speaking Test

Each Level Test is fifteen (15) minutes long, except for the Level 5 Test which is only twelve (12) minutes long. Each test is composed of fifteen (15) questions. The questions are divided into five (5) different parts:

Part 1: Introducing self

Part 2: Reading aloud

Part 3: Responding to questions

Part 4: Reading figures

Part 5: Describing a picture/Giving information/Giving an opinion

Junior G-TELP Writing Test

The Test varies in duration from twelve (12) minutes to forty (40) minutes, depending on the level of difficulty. Each test is composed of five (5) parts, with the number of questions also varying depending on the level of difficulty

Part 1 : Number/Sentence

Part 2 : Word/Sentence/Personal letter

Part 3 : Color/Date/Fill out a form/Business letter

Part 4 : Word/Question about a picture/Date/Narrate a story/Write about a graph

Part 5: Describe a picture/Narrate a story/Chat online/Write an opinion essay

The International Testing Services Center, or ITSC, participated in the 2019 Conference of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) in Atlanta, Georgia. Held at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, the conference ran over the course of four days, from March 9 to 12.

The AAAL is a professional organization of scholars who contribute to the multi- disciplinary field of applied linguistics. Its annual conferences are notable for being comprehensive and stimulating not only in the U.S. but also in the international community.

During the conference, ITSC representatives attended various sessions and off-site events. They also met with linguistics professors, scholars, and PhD students in attendance at the conference, and discussed research projects on testing and assessment with them. ITSC will continue to work with them to carry out a range of research projects.

ITSC group and G-TELP Philippines had renewed the agency contract on October 07, 2018. G-TELP Philippines conducts G-TELP English language proficiency tests at testing centers throughout the Philippines including Manila, Clark, and Baguio. The two companies will continue actively cooperating with each other to develop and distribute programs that can improve students' English skills.

Collaborative Research Agreement(CRA) is contract between ITSC and NE education that are cooperating in the conduct of a research program for Junior English.

Collaborative Research Agreements may include terms governing the following : - Publication of the research results - Transfer of materials among the collaborating organizations

Date
Jan 24	DISCUSSION: G-TELP SPEAKING TEST TASK OVERVIEW OF DESCRIPTORS, SCORING SYSTEM AND LEVELS
Jan 25	LISTEN TO AUDIO SAMPLES (LEVELS 2-11)
Jan 26	DISCUSSION : RATING GUIDELINES AND TIPS
Jan 27	EAR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION (general characteristics of each level):LEVELS 9, 10 AND 11
Jan 30	EAR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION (general characteristics of each level):LEVELS 7 AND 8
Feb 1	EAR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION (general characteristics of each level):LEVELS 5 AND 6
Feb 2	EAR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION (general characteristics of level4 examinees):LEVELS 4
Feb 3	EAR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION (general characteristics of level3 examinees):LEVELS 3
Feb 6	EAR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION (general characteristics of level2 examinees):LEVELS 2
Feb 7	CALIBRATION SESSIONS

This interactive workshop will feature the G-TELP business test and give the training needs of raters who need to develop and maintain language skills. Please find detailed information and the registration form at the local G-TELP office. Best wishes and hope to see you in California.

ITSC is pleased to announce that it has finished the development of the G-TELP Speaking & Writing Test for Junior. The test is a battery of tests designed to evaluate the ability of non-native speakers of English to use the language to communicate in daily situations.

ITSC group and Global Cast Inc. signed an agency contract on Nov. 1, 2014. Global Cast will manage G-TELP in Japan with various experiences in education field

The goal of this workshop is to share our experiences as English raters. We will also focus on calibration between raters. Please find detailed information and the registration form at the local G-TELP office. Best wishes and hope to see you in California.

Tentative Program Schedule subject to change

ITSC group and G-TELP Taiwan renewed an agency contract on November 27, 2012. Through this contract renewal, G-TELP Taiwan will extend its market to speaking and writing areas. ITSC will provide the IBT system for G-TELP Taiwan’s speaking & writing tests in 2013.

ITSC group workshop will be held from May 1st to 3rd, 2012 under the auspices of ITSC.General issues pertaining to the G-TELP TEST will be the primary agenda of this meeting.We sincerely hope that everyone will participate.

G-TELP Japan has been equipped with the IBT SYSTEM, and the IBT SYSTEM has been operational since January 2012. This technology makes it possible for examinees to take the examination through the Internet, from anywhere in the world, using a verified name and password to log in. The process is also easy for directors to manage.

The G-TELP test center serving the Philippines has relocated to Baguio City, Philippines. Students who want to take the G-TELP test, should go to http://www.g-telp.com. to find out how to register for the test. The Center is currently offering all G-TELP Tests for administration.

For more information regarding the G-TELP test, including access to registration, sample questions please visit http://www.itsc-group.com/tests/tests.html.

G-TELP KOREA, one of the major aviation English testing companies in Korea, joined the International Aviation English Forum in Malaysia for its 10th Aviation English forum held in Novermber 2010. The forum's theme and focus was on sustaining ICAO language proficiency implementation beyond March 2011, and was addressed from both operational and language training and testing points of view.

G-TELP Japan will start administering G-TELP speaking & writing test in Japan. Last \December 17th, G-TELP Japan sucessfully finished a trial speaking tests targeting unversity students. The tests are available on CBT version.

ITSC is pleased to announce that we are now offering an on-line version of the the G-TELP Junior Speaking & Writing Test. The G-TELP Junior Speaking & Writing Test is a battery of objective tests that assess the English language proficiency of young students in using the language to communicate in real-life situations. The G-TELP Junior Speaking & Writing Test evaluates English language proficiency at three levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.

ITSC would like to invite all relevant raters to attend the regular rating training workshop which is scheduled for 10th to 14th of May in California, USA. The goal of this workshop is to make sure that all the raters are calibrated. For the detailed topics for the training, download EPTA_Training_Topics

G-TELP Philippines opened the G-TELP Test Center in Pasay City, Philippines.The Center is now offering all G-TELP Tests for administration, including the EPTA.Go to Testing Dates for more details about test dates and schedules.Go to Registration to register, and get more information on how to take the tests.Download Examinee's Guidelines before you take the test.

G-TELP KOREA, provider of one of the leading aviation English tests in the world, the English Proficiency Test for Aviation or EPTA, participated in the International Civil Aviation English Association (ICAEA) CD ROM Training Aid - Rated Speech Samples Project (RSS Project). The RSS Project is conducted by the ICAEA in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The project aims to improve existing standards in aviation English language assessment and ensure that language proficiency requirements set by the ICAO are followed and implemented effectively. The project will also provide aviation English test raters an effective tool for rating calibrations.

A new edition aviation training aid will be made available free of charge on the ICAO website by the end of 2010. The new and improved training aid will include the following features: (1) speech samples generated from a wide range of aviation represent major language groups; (3) increased number of test takers at key levels of the ICAO rating scale; (4) sample ratings given by raters from a wider range of language backgrounds; and (5) a more robust assessment of aviation English language proficiency.

By actively joining in this endeavor, G-TELP KOREA shows its commitment in maintaining the EPTA to the highest standards.

EPTA is the official test for aviation English language proficiency of personnel under the supervision and regulation of the Ministry of Construction and Transportation in Korea.

ITSC (International Testing Services Center) has been providing top quality, reliable educational programs and testing services worldwide since 1987. We have developed numerous English language assessment tools and educational programs; customizing them as required for different applications and purposes.

What we provde
ITSC provides the following English proficiency tests worldwide;

G-TELP (General Tests of English Language Proficiency)

The General Tests of English Language Proficiency (G-TELP™) assesses the English language proficiency of nonnative speakers in real-world situations. Evaluation of examinee performance is based on well-defined, functional language tasks, which are assessed at different levels and vary in type and complexity. The G-TELP assessment system offers a full range of interrelated components.

- GLT (G-TELP Level Test)
- GST (G-TELP Speaking Test)
- GWT (G-TELP Writing Test)

Jr. G-TELP (General Tests of English Language Proficiency)

The Junior General Tests of English Language Proficiency is a battery of objective tests that assess the English language proficiency of young students (ages 7-14) on five different levels (1 to 5).

EPTA (English Proficiency Test for Aviation)

The English Proficiency Test for Aviation (EPTA™) is a specialized test designed to contain 100% aviation-specific materials, topics and situations. It assesses the speaking and listening ability of examinees by evaluating their responses to various work-related situations and conditions, as presented within the testing structure.

GBT (G-TELP Business Test)

The GBT is a specialized test designed to assess and measure the ability of an examinee to use the English language in a professional or corporate setting. It assesses the speaking and listening ability of the examinee through his or her responses to tasks and situations he or she will commonly face while working in such an environment.

Application

We are inviting all organizations and institutes to be G-TELP network partner. To apply to become a G-TELP agency, please contact us at webmaster@itsc-group.com

ITSC would like to invite all the G-TELP raters to attend the regular rating training workshop which is scheduled for 1st to 6th of June in California, USA. The goal of this workshop is to share our experiences as English raters. We will also focus on calibration between raters. Please find detailed information and the registration form at the local G-TELP office. Best wishes and hope to see you in California.

ITSC would like to announce that the levels of functional ability of the G-TELP Speaking Test will be changed from five levels to eleven levels,effective in September, 2008. This change will be made in order to more accurately assess and categorize the English speaking ability of all examinees. By assigning more accurate ratings, ITSC will enable prospective employers to more accurately and reliably decide on the suitability and proficiency of applicants. The new system will also help examinees determine their areas for improvement the elements of language and speech they will need to improve in order to become more proficient in using the English language.

Steven Buchele
President, ITSC Group

All planes leaving and landing at the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) must use English in wireless communication with ground controllers from May 5 in 2010, aviation watchdog said on Tuesday.

At least 30 percent of the flights must switch from Chinese to English from May 5 this year and no less than 60 percent must do that a year later, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement on its website.

"Many foreign airlines have complained they couldn't precisely judge their planes' position in the air because of failing to understand the talk between Chinese pilots and air traffic controllers in their mother tongue, which led to hidden safety problems," the statement quoted CAAC deputy director Li Jian as saying at a conference.

He said the problems might worsen as airlines were expected to add flights to Beijing after Terminal 3 was opened in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

The move was also an answer to requirements by the International Civil Aviation Organization for English competence of pilots and air traffic controllers to be upgraded, said Li.

The measure would be promoted to other international airports in the country, according to the statement.

From May 5 this year, crew members on new air routes or new flights to Beijing must be qualified in English, it said.

The BCIA's Terminal 3 went into full operation on March 26, expanding the airport's capacity to 1,700 flights per day, up from1,000.

The airport handled 53.47 million passengers last year, putting it among the world's 10 busiest. It was expected to receive 5.56 million people during the Games in August.

"Testing for ICAO compliance: Best practice in aviation English proficiency
assessment"

The provisional programme is a stimulating blend of specialist input and extended
time for discussion:

Wednesday 7th May 2008

16:00-19:00 Registration process
17:00-19:00 ICAEA Annual General Meeting for all who wish to attend

"Thursday 8th May 2007 - "What do we want to test?"

08:00-09:00 Registration continued
09:00 Opening addresses: Welcome, PANSA, ICAEA President, organisational information
09:30 Plenary session 1:
a) Summary of ICAO circular on testing criteria and
b) Presentation of the outcome of the ICAO regional workshops on LPR
implementation by ICAO Flight Safety Section, Air Navigation Bureau, with Q&A
10:30 Coffee break in Exhibition area
11:00 Plenary session 2:
Presentation on best practice in test design and construct by Magdalena Veeeøova,
Consultant in language test design to Eurocontrol's ELPAC project, with Q&A
12:00 Exhibition time
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Breakout session 1A on test design and construct rationale (4 simultaneous
breakout sessions conducted by specialists of different test methodologies)
14:40 Breakout session 1B on test design and construct rationale (4 simultaneous
breakout sessions conducted by specialists of different test methodologies)
15:40 Coffee break in Exhibition area
16:10 Breakout session 1C on test design and construct rationale (4 simultaneous
breakout sessions conducted by specialists of different test methodologies)
17:20 Plenary session 3:
Summary of breakout sessions by four moderators with Q&A
18:00 Aperitif in exhibition area
19:00 Dinner

Friday 9th May 2008 - "How do we test it?"

08:00-08:50 Plenary session 4:
Presentation on best practice in test assessment and implementation by Cambridge
ESOL, with Q&A session 09:00 Breakout session 2A on test assessment and implementation rationale (4
simultaneous breakout sessions conducted by specialists of different test methodologies)
10:00 Coffee break in Exhibition area
10:30 Breakout session 2B on test assessment rationale (4 simultaneous breakout
sessions conducted by specialists of different test methodologies) 11:40 Plenary session 5:
Summary of breakout / workshop sessions by four moderators with Q&A
12:15 Lunch
13:15 Exhibition time
13:45 Plenary session 6:
13:15 Exhibition time
Two presentations with Q&A
- An overview of accreditation agencies by Dr. Marjo Mitsutomi, Redlands University
- A rater accreditation project by Henry Emery, ICAEA Board
15:00 Coffee break
15:30 Plenary session 7:
Three presentations of feedback on test implementation experience with Q & A
17:00 Presentation of the ICAEA website by Melanie Quillen, ICAEA Board
17:30 Winding-up address
17:45 End of plenary and breakout sessions
19:00 Dinner

Saturday 10th May - "Where do we go from here?"

Provision for two follow-on meetings (a.m. or p.m.) on:

- Test certification processes
- Test rater accreditation.
09:00-12:00 Guided tour of Warsaw
12:15 Farewell lunch

The EPTA for Cabin Crew is designed to assess and measure the English language proficiency of cabin crew members. The examinee’s grasp of grammatical structure, reading comprehension, listening ability, and speaking proficiency will be tested through various, work-related, tasks, questions and situations.

In line with our commitment to deliver reliable, valid, and effective testing tools, we would like to invite aviation schools and organizations to take the EPTA CCT to determine if it will suit the goal of making the skies safer for both airline crew and passengers.

Those interested in participating in the administration of the EPTA CCT, or who would like more information on any of our services may contact the general manager of G-TELP services at anne@itsc-group.com

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad (BOCOG) announced on Tuesday that Airfly (Airfly Education & Technology Co., Ltd.), also known as G-TELP China (General Tests of English Language Proficiency ? China), was selected as the Official Language Training Services Suppliers for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

As the official language training services supplier, Airfly will carry out a nation-wide multi-language training program aimed at preparing the general public to communicate with international visitors during the Olympic Games, and at training the Olympic volunteers who will play a central role in ensuring the successful hosting of the Olympic Games.

ITSC is pleased to announce that it has finished the development of the G-TELP Business Test in October of 2007. The GBT is a battery of tests designed to evaluate the ability of non-native speakers of English to use the language to communicate in everyday business or corporate situations.

The GBT tests business-English language proficiency at three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each test is composed of two (2) sections: a written section, and a speaking section. There are 10 tasks in each section, and each section takes approximately sixty (60) minutes to complete. Thus, each test contains a total of twenty (20) tasks which take two (2) hours to complete.

ITSC, one of the leaders in language proficiency assessment and measurement, is currently conducting trials of a new testing system designed to facilitate the administration of language proficiency tests. This system, called the IBT or Internet Based Test, allows test takers to take tests through the internet. The IBT (Internet Based Test) project was first started in May, 2005, and the IBT system is now being used to administer the G-TELP Speaking Test in the United States. ITSC has high hopes for this testing system, as it will make the test administration process more convenient and efficient for both the test taker and the test administrator. Benefits include the reduction or elimination of the scheduling, space, and overhead requirements associated with traditional test administration systems, as well as the convenience afforded to test takers who can now take tests wherever a computer and internet connection are available. To ease concerns about the possibility of identity fraud on the tests, administrators in schools and enterprises will be given unique I. D. numbers which will allow them to check and verify the scores and level of their students and staff who took the test.