Test taker guide
Your guide to taking Kaplan Test of English in China
Test format
The test is administered in one sitting and consists of the following sections:
| Section | Timing | Format | Question Types | Focus (Examples) | Context (Examples) |
| Listening and Reading | Untimed (average: 65 mins) | Adaptive: The platform generates questions based on your previous answers | Multiple-choice | Understanding • main ideas • specific information • opinion and argument • inference | Listening: • Lectures • Presentations • Debates • Discussions Reading: • Newspaper articles • Reports • Journal articles |
| Writing | 35-40 minutes | The essay task is displayed on the screen. You type your essay directly on the platform. | One essay task | • Developing an argument • Explaining pros and cons • Speculating | • Common topics • Abstract ideas • Broad range of language functions |
| Speaking | 10-15 minutes | Speaking tasks are displayed on the platform. You have some time to prepare your answer. Then, you record your responses on the platform. | 3-5 tasks. For example: • Answering questions • Describing images • Giving a presentation | • Making comparisons • Expressing opinions • Explaining pros and cons | • Common topics • Abstract ideas • Broad range of language functions |
Accessing a test in 3 easy steps
1. You complete an online registration form
2. You complete payment for your test
3. We send instructions on how to schedule your test slot
What to expect
You can take the test from the comfort of your home, as long as you’re in a quiet space.
All you need is a computer with a webcam and a microphone and a reliable internet connection.
Your test will be live proctored by an Exam Conduct Officer.
When you’ve completed the test, you’ll receive your test outcome within 5 business days.
Remote proctoring
Your test will be remotely proctored by an Exam Conduct Officer through a live proctoring service with our partner Tencent. Your Exam Conduct Officer will:
Your questions answered
Tests taken in China are completed with live proctoring. After you complete registration and payment you will be asked to book a suitable test slot. Prior to the test start time you will be sent a link and login information for the test.
You will be sent information on how to book a test slot for your test. Choose a test slot suitable for you and ensure you are available for at least four hours from the start of the test slot.
Prior to the test you will be sent the link for the test. Ensure you choose a suitable location for taking the test that has a good internet connection, and is quiet, private, and where the test can be taken under exam conditions (no communication with anyone other than the Exam Conduct Officer, not permitted electronic devices etc). On the day of the test you should log in at the required time.
If you cannot find a suitable test slot please contact us.
You will need:
- A desktop or laptop computer (not a tablet, Chromebook, iPad or mobile device).
- A webcam, speaker, and a microphone. These can be separate plug-ins or in-built (part of your computer).
- You may also want to use headphones/earphones to make the listening section clearer.
Only a valid passport is accepted. You should have it ready and available before the testing session starts. When requested by the Exam Conduct Officer, show them your ID.
You will be required to take the test at a specific test slot time. After you complete registration and payment, you can choose from the available test slots.
Yes, in China all Kaplan Tests of English are completed via a live proctoring session.
If you experience any technical issues during your test, please inform your Exam Conduct Officer so that they can assist you.
As the test is an English proficiency test, there is no specific learning material to study. Any learning resources which improves your English will help you prepare.
We will provide a practice test to give you a feel for the test and an opportunity to practice.
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready and that your internet is reliable and fast enough.
We’ll let you know the technical requirements before you pay for the test, so you can check your computer and internet are ready.
The reading and listening sections are graded automatically by the testing platform.
The speaking and writing sections are graded by a human grader, according to these criteria:
• Speaking: Overall Response, Linguistic Range and Accuracy, Fluency
• Writing: Overall Response, Linguistic Range and Accuracy, Coherence and Cohesion
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test or how soon after a previous attempt. Please
bear in mind, however, that you are unlikely to make big improvements to your score unless you study
more English between attempts.
Not all universities accept Kaplan Test of English certificates. You can find the full list of universities and institutions that do here.
Certificates expire two years after the assessment date.