Versant by app 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 app, 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 app. 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 app?

Versant by app 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.

Explore and learn more about Versant by app

Who is the Versant by app 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 app English tests online or offline, anytime, from anywhere. So if Maria chooses to use Versant by app 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 app 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 app 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 Testis 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 app 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 app 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 app 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 app 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 app tests?

From the above points, it’s easy to see why an HR Manager would choose Versant by app.

Versant by app 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 app.

Contact us to book a meeting to learn more

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.

5 steps to assessing candidates English language skills

More blogs from app

  • A teacher sat at a table with students helping them work

    GSE Teacher Toolkit: Teaching mixed ability classes

    By Sara Davila
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    One of the biggest challenges for language teachers is teaching a mixed ability class. Students with different levels and abilities will always be present in our classrooms. So, how can we use the to improve mixed ability teaching? Let’s find out.

    How to teach mixed-ability classes

    Differentiated instruction is the best way to address the challenges of mixed ability classrooms. This is a method that helps teachers adjust aspects of the curriculum to match the different levels ofstudents.*This practice ensures that all learners are meeting course outcomes, even though their learning experience may be varied anddifferent.

    In order to differentiate instruction and support students with different needs, teachers can change:

    • the content being taught
    • the process used to teach
    • the product students create
    • the environment where learning takes place

    Adjusting the content tends to be the most obvious way to support learners. So, teachers who want to engage with differentiated instruction in mixed ability classrooms often find themselves producing a lot of content. This is greatas a way tosupport learners. However, creating new content or leveling existing content is time-consuming, and it can become a real challenge for teachers.

    Content vs process

    Instead of adjusting your content, you can use the GSE Teacher Toolkit to adjust your process. When you’re not creating lots of new content, you’ve got more time to consider how to teach new language to your students and how they can show what they’ve learned.The GSE Teacher Toolkit helps teachers to focus on the process and language production of learners, rather than the content you are teaching.

    This means less work for you, and more engagement from your students, no matter what their level is. And the GSE Teacher Toolkit can help you understand the skills we can expect students to demonstrate. So how does this work in practice? Let’stake a look.

  • A woman with a backpack stood in a airport looking at one of the many boards

    Travelling to an English-speaking country? 6 simple things you need to know

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Regardless of where you’re travelling, it‘s definitely worth learning some basic English, and you won’t be alone: (20% of the world). Of course, if you’re visiting an English-speaking country like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, it’s especially useful to brush up on your English.

    Here are six simple things you need to know when travelling to English-speaking countries:

  • A teacher sat with students reading

    5 STEAM myths debunked

    By Sarah Hillyard
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) sounds like an overwhelming combination of subjects to teach – and only suitable for expert educators. But the reality is doing STEAM is simpler than you think. Here are 5 common STEAM myths and the truth behind them. We also outline a number of simple activities you try with your students.

    1. STEAM requires a lot of time

    STEAM projects encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration in the classroom – but they have a reputation for being preparation-heavy and for requiring a lot of teaching time and energy.

    But to get the full benefit of STEAM, there’s no need to plan out a full-blown project that lasts a whole month. In fact, you might integrate just one STEAM lesson into your syllabus. Or a lesson could contain a one-off 10-minute STEAM challenge.

    Here are some easy, low-preparation challenges your classes can take part in:

    10-minute STEAM challenges:

    • Winter unit: How tall can you build a snowman using paper cups?
    • Shapes theme: Using five toothpicks make a pentagon, two triangles, a letter of the alphabet.
    • Bug project: Can you create a symmetrical butterfly?

    2. You need fancy materials to do STEAM

    The biggest misconception is around technology. When you think of STEAM, you might imagine you need apps, computers, tablets and robots to teach it successfully. It’s true that you will certainly find STEAM challenges out there that involve extensive supply lists, expensive equipment, knowledge of programming and robotics.

    However, in reality, you probably have everything you need already. Technology doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It can refer to simple, non-electronic tools and machines, too. Think funnels, measuring cups and screwdrivers, for example. You can use low-cost regular classroom or household items and recyclable materials that learners' families can donate. Toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes are very popular items in STEAM.

    Here is a low-tech activity you can try:

    Combine engineering, art and math using cardboard and a pair of scissors

    This challenge involves creating 3D self-portrait sculptures in the using only cardboard. First, teach about parts of the face by observing and analyzing some Cubist portraits (eg, explore Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso). Then have learners cut out cardboard shapes and make slits in them to attach together. They create their self-portrait sculptures by fitting the pieces together using the slits so that the final product will stand by itself. Display the self-portraits and talk about them.

    3. STEAM is targeted to older learners

    Young children are naturally curious about the world around them, and STEAM experiences begin very early in life. They explore with their senses and test their hypotheses about the world, just like scientists do. Much of their play is based on engineering skills, such as building houses with LEGO® bricks. They learn to manipulate tools while they develop their fine motor skills and their awareness of non-electronic technology. They use dramatic play and enjoy getting their hands full of paint while engaged in art. They learn about maths concepts very early on, such as size (big and small toys), quantities of things, and even babies start using the word “more” if they’re still hungry.

    Check out this simple STEAM experiment to learn about plants and their needs.

    How do plants eat and drink?

    Have students put water and food dye in a pot. Put a white flower in the water. Ask students to guess what will happen.

    After a few days, students should check their flowers and observe how it has changed color. They must then record their results. Extend the experiment by asking if they can make their flowers two colors.