LTEST is an automatic test designed to measure passive knowledge of the language and receptive skills (grammar, vocabulary, understanding of spoken and written English, etc). It does not measure productive skills (speaking and writing) and therefore in common with all automatic tests, LTEST cannot ‘certify’ linguistic competence. However, results of exhaustive experimentation have demonstrated that the level assigned to a candidate on the basis of the score he achieves on LTEST is a generally reliable indicator of actual competence.
L0 corresponds to levels of linguistic competence below level A1, the lowest score on the CEFR scale. We have added this level because a candidate may be more than an absolute beginner (no knowledge of the language) but his level may not be sufficient to be assessed as CEFR level A1. To interpret the meaning of L0, it is important to look at the numerical score achieved on the test, bearing in mind that CEFR level A1 already corresponds to a minimum score of 20 on LTEST.
You can view all the CEFR (Common Europe Framework of Reference for Languages) levels by going to the LTEST website (http://www.commoneuropeanframework.org).
LTEST calculates the candidate's level according to the score achieved on the test. The level assigned makes reference to the standards described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. CEFR uses a progressive system of level descriptions: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. TOEIC™ (Test of English for International Communication) also uses a progressive system of level descriptions, based on a points system where 990 is the maximum score. The creators of LTEST have analysed the CEFR and TOEIC™ level descriptions and created a Table showing the broad correspondence between the two systems. The same approach could be used to determine equivalents for the IELTS™ scale, although a comparison cannot be made between all the descriptors.
Yes, if you want to retake the short test, just remember that you have to wait 10 days before doing so, while the full version is always available. Your results will only be kept on file for a year, because after that your level may have changed. Remember, when you do the test again you cancel the result of the test you have already taken. Click on the appropriate button on the results page if you want to retake the test.
Because there are so many variables involved, it is not possible to say exactly how long it will take you to improve without knowing your specific context of learning. However, the following can be used as a rough guide to calculate the minimum number of hours of face-to-face lessons required to improve your test marks and move up the level scale.
