How are the results reported?
The Computer Test
The BULATS Computer Test produces a report with the candidate's overall score (on a scale of 0 - 100) and level (on the ALTE level system of 0 - 5), and their score on each section of the test. The Test Report Form can be printed from the administrator's Supervisor program. Reports can be printed onto specially prepared BULATS report paper in any of the four test languages.
The Standard Test
The exact format of your test result is decided by the organisation delivering the test. Normally candidates receive a Test Report, which includes their overall score and level and their score on each section. On the reverse of the report there is a summary of the ALTE Can Do statements.
Interpretation of scores
ALTE Levels |
Common European Framework |
Ability | Cambridge ESOL exam |
BULATS Scores(100) |
5 |
C2 (Mastery) | Very Advanced | CPE |
90-100 |
4 |
C1 (Effective proficiency) | Advanced | CAE |
75-89 |
3 |
B2 (Vantage) | Upper Intermediate | FCE |
60-74 |
2 |
B1 (Threshold) | Lower Intermediate | PET |
40-59 |
1 |
A2 (Waystage) | Elementary | KET |
20-39 |
0 |
A1 (Breakthrough) | Beginner | - |
0-19 |
The Speaking Test
Candidates receive a Test Report, which gives an assessment of their overall ability (on the ALTE level system of 0 - 5) with finer distinctions of +, - and =. A description of what the candidate is likely to be able to do in the language in the workplace (e.g. 'can deal with clients by responding to simple questions') can be printed on the reverse of the Test Report.
The Writing Test
Candidates receive a Test Report similar to the one for the Speaking Test.
Why is it important for scores to be reported on a European standard?
More and more companies are working in partnership with companies from other countries - whether this is the result of mergers, takeovers, joint ventures, closer supplier/distributor chain relationships, or other types of relationship. Communication is essential for effective and efficient working practices, and it is vital that the same standards of language skill are used across these international partnerships. What companies need these days is a single system of describing different levels of language ability. And this single system should not just apply for one language, but for a whole range of key languages.
Most companies do not have the time or expertise to establish a framework of standards in language ability in their own company, and they would certainly find it very difficult to link these to standards used by other companies they work with. What is needed is a properly researched, relevant and internationally accepted framework of levels which any company in the world can relate to, whatever their particular needs.
ALTE has been working for many years on establishing such a framework for all European languages. There is no system in the world with the same depth and breadth to its framework. For example, with the ALTE Framework, a multinational company in France can apply the same standards of language skill for workers coming to the French headquarters and who need French, for their staff who work in international business and need English, and for their staff who are frequently communicating with their Argentinian suppliers and so need Spanish. The ALTE framework has now been linked to Council of Europe levels which have a wide currency both in Europe and further afield.
BULATS is the only system in the world that can provide this single system in such a reliable and practical way.
