Test of English Communication in the Workplace: TEC-W

Background

The National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS), a public organization, was established with the objectives of managing and conducting educational research, development, evaluation, and educational testing services. It also serves as a central hub for cooperation in educational testing both nationally and internationally and complies with the national strategy for the development and enhancement of human resources throughout life, especially for the working-age group, which would be fostering essential skills, particularly English communication skills, which are vital for the workforce in the 21st century. To expand this, NIETS developed the Test of English Communication in the Workplace (TEC-W), based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) standards. The test has undergone quality assurance and benchmarking against international English proficiency tests. It was piloted with 63 institutions nationwide, including public and private universities, vocational education institutions, and upper secondary schools. Furthermore, NIETS provides digital testing services for students, teachers, education personnel, employees in the workforce, and the general public who wish to assess their English language proficiency.

Objective:

1. To test English skills and competency for workplace communications according to standard criteria of The Common European Framework or Reference for Language or CEFR
2. The test results would support improvement of English skills for working communications
3. The test results would be applied for guideline the development policy and enhancing the human efficiency in English communication skills.

The Test of English Communication in the Workplace (TEC-W)

The Test of English Communication in the Workplace (TEC-W) is an English proficiency test designed to assess English communication skills for the workplace. It covers four key skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, for individuals who are about to enter the workforce. The test is based on international standards, specifically the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Target and Framework

Who is TEC-W suitable for?

TEC-W is suitable for students, university students, teachers, education personnel, employees in private companies, government agencies, and anyone interested in assessing their English language proficiency. It serves as a guide for developing English communication skills and is also valuable for individuals looking to enter the labor market by using their English proficiency test scores to demonstrate their skills to employers or agencies.

Application fee

Undergraduate student         300 THB

Ordinary individual               600 THB

Achieving a score of 85% or higher allows individuals to apply for the equivalency of test results and the assessment of professional teacher competencies (Teacher Certification) in the field of English at the Secretariat Office of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand.

Test results can be used to shorten the qualification period for specific conditions related to the teaching qualification or the promotion of teaching qualifications in the fields of teaching, school administration, and educational supervision, according to the letter from the Office of the Teacher Civil Service and Educational Personnel Commission (OTEPC)

Schedule of test program

Examination schedule at examination halls nationwide (40 provinces)

Remark: 1) The schedule is subject to change as deemed appropriate

          2) Payment can be made at the bank counter of Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasikorn Bank, and Government Saving Bank, all branches nationwide.

          3) Payment by mobile banking, all banks (free of charge)

          4) Payment by True Money Wallet (free of charge)

Examination schedule at examination halls NIETS’s office (35^th Floor, Phayathai Plaza Building, Bangkok)

Preparation and Examination Room Regulations.