Test taker guide
Please note: This guide only applies to official certified tests, which are booked on the official Kaplan Test of English website or through one of our university referral partners. If you have any questions not answered in this document, please contact [email protected].
Test format
The test is administered in one sitting. It can be taken at any time. You do not need to book any sections separately.
| 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. We send you instructions on how to pay
3. We send instructions on how to access the test
What to expect
You don’t need to book specific times for any part of the test.
You can take the test anywhere, at any time, day or night.
All you need is a computer with a webcam and a microphone and a reliable internet connection.
When you’ve completed the test, you’ll receive a certificate within five working days.
Remote proctoring
Your test will be taken through our partner’s remote invigilation/proctoring service, Proctortrack. This will:
Your questions answered
You can contact the Kaplan Test of English Team at [email protected] if you have
any problems. You’ll receive a response within 24 hours (working days only). Proctortrack also has an
online helpdesk, which will help you if you have problems with the remote proctoring service.
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.
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.
You will need a webcam and a microphone. These can be separate or in-built (part of your computer). You
may also want to use headphones/earphones to make the listening section clearer
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. If you’re applying for a
particular university, you should check on their websites or contact them.
There is no expiry date on the certificate. However, the date of your assessment is recorded, so a
university may not accept a certificate which is too old.
Any official ID with a photo and your name is accepted such as a passport, national identity card or driving
licence.