The Birmingham City University (BCU) English Proficiency Test is one of the basic requirements for incoming students to the university. It is offered online and students can sit the test at the comforts of their homes. The language test is used to assess English language ability based on four categories, such as listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Do I Need to Take the BCU English Proficiency Test?
If you are an incoming international student to Birmingham City University (BCU), you would need to take the BCU English Proficiency Test.
Since different courses in the university require different marks, there is no single pass mark for incoming students. The BCU English Proficiency Test can be used as evidence of English language ability for undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the university.
Since different courses in the university require different marks, there is no single pass mark for incoming students. The BCU English Proficiency Test can be used as evidence of English language ability for undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the university.
BCU EPT Online Test (delivered in 2 parts):
| Part 1 | Part 2 |
| Listening, Reading, Writing | Speaking |
| All delivered online in one session | Available to book after completing Part 1 |
| Starts every half hour between 9:00 and 11:30 (UK time) on the test day | Duration: 20 minutes |
| Duration: 2.5 hoursSecurity and ID verification: 15 minutesListening: approx.30 minutesReading: 60 minutesWriting: 45 minutes |
How to Book the BCU EPT Online Test:
| Step 1: Make a Payment | Select a test date and complete paymentPayment confirmation email will be received once payment is successful |
| Step 2: Register & Select Start Time | Instructions will be sent through email a week before the test dateContact Testing@bcu.ac.uk if no email is received 5 days before the test |
| Step 3: Start on Time | Make sure to start the test on time on the test dayAn online examiner will carry out security checks at the beginning of the test and will also monitor the entire test |
| Step 4: Book Speaking Test | After completing the Listening, Reading and Writing tests, you will receive an email with instructions on how to book the Online Speaking Test |
Important Reminders to BCU Test Takers
- Since Part 1 of the test will be delivered using a platform owned by Calibrand Ltd. and Examity Inc., personal information and test scores will be collected and stored by said companies.
- Applicants who have already joined or accepted a pre-sessional course will not be allowed to take the test.
- Test registration closes 10 days prior to the test date or when the test is fully booked. (whichever comes first)
- Each applicant may only take one test in one calendar month. Those who book more than one test date may not be entitled to a refund for unused test schedules. Please see BCU EPT refund policy here.
- All applicants must have the following for all parts of the test:
- Quiet, private room
- Working laptop or computer with functioning webcam, microphone and speakers
- Google Chrome browser
- Strong, stable and reliable internet connection (minimum speed of 2Mbps)
- Applicants with a disability will be given additional support. A minimum of 10 working days prior to the test date is needed for preparation.
How to Pass the BCU English Proficiency Test?
All English proficiency tests require knowledge, practice and hard work. Not because you know how to speak the language means you are proficient already. There are different details to the English language and each test taker must prepare. Here are useful strategies to pass that English proficiency test:
- Learn and understand questions
- It is important to learn and understand each question asked in the English language test. This will help you narrow down the correct answers.
- Practice listening ahead
- The listening part of the test can be quite challenging to international students not familiar with the accent. So it is best to listen to the news, radio or any audio that will make it easier to understand the English language.
- Master spelling patterns
- Read and practice different word spellings. Learn about the short and long vowel sounds, as well as double consonants.
- Widen your vocabulary
- During the writing and reading parts, you will come across a myriad of terms or words. Being able to stock up on your vocabulary before the test will come in handy.
- Immerse in the language
- Talk to as many people using the English language. Watch movies, commercials and immerse yourself. This will make it easier for you to grasp the language before taking the test.
- Make use of practice tests
- Remember that all parts of the English proficiency test are timed. So answer all practice tests just like you are already sitting the real exam. Time yourself and see where you need to improve.
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