Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp English language test: Assessment tools for business

A woman sat in a call centre with a headset smiling

You may have heard about Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp, an English test you can take remotely. You may have also heard that companies often use it for interviewing job candidates.?

But what does the test assess? And is it the right English proficiency test for you - or your company?

In today's language learning blog post, we¡¯ll cover everything you need to know about Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp. You¡¯ll find out who it¡¯s for, which language skills it tests, and why companies use it to assess candidates.

What is Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp?

Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp allows companies to quickly and efficiently evaluate the English language proficiency of their current or future employees. It helps HR managers assess candidates' language skills; as a result, companies can use it for recruitment, training, or promotion purposes.

The tests use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and auto-marketing technologies to streamline testing. This way, they can score assessments automatically, quickly, reliably, and securely.

Who is the Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp test for?

Imagine that HR Manager Maria has to hire a dozen new customer service representatives for her company. She only has a month to do it and is already overwhelmed with her other HR duties. And now, she has to screen tens - and potentially hundreds - of candidates. Above all, she needs to find people with a good enough English level to excel in a demanding customer service position.?

Test takers can complete Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp English tests online or offline, anytime, from anywhere. So if Maria chooses to use Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp tests to assess her candidates, she can run and deliver hundreds of standardized tests and get instant results.

Moreover, the administration of the test is very intuitive, so it won¡¯t take up too much of her time. And the easy-to-understand detailed score reports that it provides will make her hiring decisions all the easier.?

Similarly, a job seeker will be delighted to take an online English test from the comfort of their own home. Since test delivery is flexible, they can choose a time that suits them. All they need is a reliable internet connection and a headset with a built-in microphone.

The test will provide solid proof of the candidate's English level by evaluating language skills accurately and reliably. So they can demonstrate to the company just how well-equipped they are to do the job they're applying for.

How is Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp structured and which skills does it test?

Different companies have different assessment needs. Some need their employees¡¯ language skills to be well-rounded. Others focus on speaking skills. Others put a stronger emphasis on writing. Therefore, the Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp suite has four types of English proficiency tests to cater to all these needs:

1. The Professional English Test?

The Professional English Test is the most thorough of the 4 test types. It takes 60 minutes to complete and assesses all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It has 10 different task types covering a broad range of language abilities. The Professional English Test is a comprehensive test. So, it¡¯s the best choice for companies that need their employees to have mastered all aspects of the English language.

2. The English Speaking and Listening Test

The English Speaking and Listening Test?is a shorter, 17-minute English proficiency test focusing on evaluating speaking and listening skills. It assesses the candidate¡¯s ability to communicate effectively in English with tasks that target fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence mastery. Thanks to this, it¡¯s best for companies whose employees use spoken English primarily. For example, call centers, hotels, or delivery drivers.?This test replaces the Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp English Test, which retired in 2024.

3. The English Writing Test

The English Writing Test takes up to 35 minutes to complete. It allows companies to gauge the writing abilities of candidates. It tests skills such as grammar, vocabulary, organization, voice & tone, and reading comprehension.?

This English test for interviews is ideal for companies whose employees primarily use English in writing. For example, they use English for taking notes, responding to emails and chats, or writing product descriptions.

4. The English 4-Skills Essentials Test

The English 4-Skills Essential test is for companies looking to hire employees who are proficient in all four English language skills. Companies usually use it for filling entry-level positions. The test has a shorter time frame of 30 minutes and can be delivered flexibly online. Therefore, it¡¯s ideal for fulfilling urgent recruitment needs.?

What are the key benefits and features of Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp tests for administrators?

The tests are straightforward to administer. They seamlessly blend into an HR manager¡¯s routine. Here are some of the key benefits of it's English proficiency tests for administrators:

1. Automated scoring?

Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp has been perfecting its AI-based assessment technology for over 25 years. Because of the incredible amount of research that has gone into creating a reliable scoring system, it is able to automatically mark tests without the need for a human scorer. This provides a wide range of benefits for companies.?

Firstly, they can save time and money when testing job candidates. Secondly, unlike human scorers, Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp is free of bias and scores every candidate in a completely objective and consistent way. And thirdly, it prevents cheating by automatically alerting administrators of any suspicious test-taker behavior.?

2. Score reports

Another huge benefit is that it presents instant results in easy-to-read score reports. These contain detailed information about the candidate¡¯s language abilities. And they highlight skills that companies deem important so administrators can evaluate them at a glance.?

Score reports assign a CEFR or equivalent Global Scale of English score to the candidate. Consequently, the candidate¡¯s results become comparable to international standards. And the score reports contain suggestions for improvement, so candidates like Fred can practice the tasks that they¡¯re not yet proficient at.

3. ScoreKeeper test administration tool?

Last but not least, the tests come with the handy ScoreKeeper administration tool. It lets administrators deploy tests and review score reports in an easy-to-use platform. ScoreKeeper was designed with HR professionals in mind. As a result, managing tests, uploading rosters, and exporting results with the tool is a breeze.

Why do HR managers choose Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp tests?

From the above points, it¡¯s easy to see why an HR Manager would choose Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp.?

Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp automated language tests are an essential tool for scaling up your recruitment and candidate testing efforts. Most importantly, they allow HR Managers to save time and resources. And they let them focus on what they do best instead of trying to screen hundreds of candidates for English skills.?

It doesn¡¯t just significantly speed up the hiring process and cut down on costs. Above all, it lets HR departments manage secure, reliable, and bias-free standardized tests in bulk.

If you think that your organization could benefit from a quick, easy and reliable automated English proficiency test,?find out more about Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp.

Hire with confidence using our simple guide to language skill assessment

Find out when the best time to administer language assessment is, how to leverage results for business growth, and more.

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    Discussion points for English language learners on United Nations topics

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    Navigating global issues: United Nations topics to spark discussion for English language learners

    The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. For English language learners, discussing the key issues addressed by the UN can be an enriching exercise that enhances both language skills and global awareness. For United Nations day on 24th October why not use some of the discussion points in this blog to spark meaningful conversations and deepen understanding of these critical topics.

    Climate change and environmental sustainability

    Climate change affects every corner of the planet. The UN has been actively working to mitigate its effects and promote sustainability. Here are some prompts to spark a conversation on this urgent issue:

    Key points to discuss:

    The impact of climate change: How does climate change affect different parts of the world? Discuss rising sea levels, extreme weather events and their consequences.
    Sustainable practices: What are some sustainable practices individuals and communities can adopt to combat climate change? Consider renewable energy, recycling and conservation efforts.
    Global cooperation: How important is international cooperation in addressing climate change? Look at agreements like the Paris Accord and the role of the UN in facilitating these agreements.

    Discussion questions:

    • How has climate change affected your country or region?
    • What can individuals do to reduce their carbon footprint?
    • Why is it important for countries to work together to tackle environmental issues?

    ?

    Global health and well-being

    Global health and well-being are vital for sustainable development and international cooperation, underpinning the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are some ideas to start conversations around this topic:

    Key points to discuss:

    Health crises: Discuss major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing these crises.
    Access to healthcare: What are the challenges to accessing healthcare in different parts of the world? Explore issues like healthcare infrastructure, affordability and availability.
    Mental health: Why is mental health an important aspect of overall well-being? Discuss stigma, access to mental health services and the impact of mental health on communities.

    Discussion questions:

    • How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about global health?
    • What are the biggest healthcare challenges in your country?
    • How can we improve mental health awareness and support?

    ?