School of Continuing Education

Educational Testing and Assessment Division

Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) Format
SEPT purpose:
The Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) is the main placement tool for all SCE learners in the
different instructional programs offered by the different divisions of the School of Continuing education
(SCE), AUC. SEPT measures the English language proficiency of candidates/applicants in alignment with
the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It generally addresses three language skills:
listening, reading, and writing in the four main contexts of language use defined by CEFR as personal,
social, occupational, and educational domains. It particularly focuses on the following language activities
(sub-skills):

Listening

Understanding native speakers interaction

Listening to announcements and instructions
Listening as a member of a live audience

Reading

Reading correspondence
Reading for orientation
Reading for information and argument
Reading instructions

Writing

Creative and imaginative writing

Writing personal or business letters
Writing reports and essays

Test details and timing:

SEPT consists of three parts: listening, reading, and writing. In part I, the test taker is required to complete 8
listening tasks including 35 multiple choice questions in 40 minutes. In part II, the test taker is required to
complete 8 reading tasks including 40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes. In part III, the test taker is
required to write a 35-50 words description of a picture, write a 100-150 response to a business letter read,
and write a 200-250 words argumentative essay.

1|Page

Listening
Reading
Writing

8 tasks
8 tasks
3 tasks

Total

19 tasks

35 MCQs
40 MCQs
3 Constructed
response questions
78 questions

40 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
160 minutes

How to answer:
The test taker will have a test booklet and two answer sheets: one for the writing part, where s/he is required
to complete the writing tasks, and an optical mark reader (OMR) answer sheet, where s/he is required to
answer the multiple choice questions (MCQs) in the listening and reading parts. The test taker answers
MCQs by blackening the circle which corresponds to the answer chosen in the test booklet. For example, if
the correct answer for question number 1 is the answer (D) in the test booklet his/her answer should appear
on the answer sheet as follows: (note that E is on the answer sheet but will not be part of the choices)
Sample from the answer sheet
1

5
E

Important directions for marking answers on OMR Answer sheets

Use black lead pencil only (No. 2)

Do NOT use ink or ballpoint pens
Make heavy black marks that fill the circle completely
Erase cleanly any answers you wish to change
Make no stray marks on the answer sheet

Items to bring on the day of the test:

Photo-bearing ID (passport, national ID card, driver's license)
Two soft lead pencils
An eraser

2|Page