PEIC test now available in computer-based format

07/10/2024

The Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC), an internationally recognized English proficiency test assessing all four language skills—Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing—is now available in a computer-based format, offering greater accessibility for students and professionals.

Rigorous assessment of proficiency and progress

On October 3, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) issued Decision No. 2733/QD-BGDDT, authorizing the addition of computer-based testing for all levels of the Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC) in Vietnam.

The PEIC test is divided into six levels corresponding to the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), providing a rigorous assessment of learners' proficiency and progress at each stage of language development.

The certificate is awarded by Pearson Education, one of the world's most reputable and long-standing educational organizations and the largest examination board in the United Kingdom. The test is widely administered in many countries worldwide, and the certificate is recognized by businesses, universities, and government agencies in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa such as the Italian Ministry of Education, and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc. The test is accredited by the UK's Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL).

With the addition of computer-based testing (referred to as the PEIC CBT), the certificate becomes even more accessible to a wider range of students.

While maintaining the advantages of the paper-based test, such as the fine-grained scoring scale and test questions based on real-life language use scenarios relevant to English learners, the computer-based format offers greater flexibility and convenience for test takers.

Candidates can register for the test throughout the year instead of only during fixed periods. The result turnaround time for the computer-based test is also shortened to just 2-3 weeks, thanks to Pearson Education's advanced testing technology.

Notably, the PEIC CBT holds the same value as its paper-based counterpart. Specifically, since the beginning of 2024, the MOET has issued Decision No. 93/QD-BGDDT recognizing the levels of the PEIC English certificate as equivalent to the levels of the 6-level Vietnamese Framework of Reference for Languages (VFRFL). Accordingly, the levels of the certificate recognized by the MOET correspond to the six levels of the VFRFL as follows:

VFRFL		PEIC
Elementary	Level 1	Level A1
Elementary	Level 2	Level 1
Intermediate	Level 3	Level 2
Intermediate	Level 4	Level 3
Advanced	Level 5	Level 4
Advanced	Level 6	Level 5

Additionally, in 2024, the MOET issued Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BGDDT amending and supplementing a number of articles of the current high school graduation examination regulations. Accordingly, the PEIC Level 2 test (equivalent to Level 3 of the VFRFL) is also recognized for exemption from the English Language test in high school graduation assessments.

Thus, in addition to familiar English standards in Vietnam such as IELTS and TOEFL, PEIC international English certificate scores (including both paper-based and computer-based formats) can be used for university admissions and training purposes, as well as being applicable as an English proficiency standard for students at the general education and postgraduate levels, opening up new opportunities and choices for English learners in Vietnam.

test-location-PEIC-CBT-exams_emg.vn PEIC diverse testing formats

How to take the PEIC test?

In Vietnam, the PEIC certificate is administered by EMG Education, a strategic partner of Pearson Education. EMG Education and Pearson have been approved by the MOET to jointly organize certificate examinations in Vietnam under Decision No. 868/QD-BGDDT dated March 22, 2023, and Decision No. 2733/QD-BGDDT dated October 3, 2024.