Global Language Center (GLC) at ITS was packed with new students preparing to take the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) test as part of an initial assessment of their English proficiency (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

ITS Campus, GLC News — Global Language Center (GLC) at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is conducting the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Test for ITS’s incoming class of 2026 from Thursday (July 9) through Friday (July 24). Held at the GLC ITS Building, the EFL Test is conducted in four sessions each day over a 12-day period. Approximately 7.400 new students are participating in this activity as part of ITS’s initial effort to assess their English proficiency before the start of classes. Through the EFL Test, ITS gains an overview of the new students’ initial English proficiency, which serves as the basis for designing learning programs tailored to their needs.

During the test, participants are required to comply with established rules and regulations, ranging from turning off electronic devices and bringing exam materials as specified to following the proctors’ instructions to ensure the test ran smoothly. Before taking the test, participants listen to instructions on how to fill out the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheet and then answer the questions within the allotted time.

ITS’s incoming class of 2026 is taking the EFL Test at the GLC ITS to assess their initial English proficiency before starting classes (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

The TEFL Coordinator at GLC ITS, Ms. Mala, explained that the EFL Test for new students not only serves to assess participants’ English proficiency but also provides academic benefits throughout their studies at ITS.

“The EFL Test for new students aims to measure and map students’ English proficiency from the very beginning of their studies. Through this test, ITS can monitor students’ academic readiness to handle English-language literature and coursework. Additionally, students who have met the minimum score can immediately use their EFL Test results as a requirement for registering for their final project defense, thesis defense, or dissertation defense, eliminating the need to retake the test at the end of their studies,” she explained.

The ITS EFL Test uses a Paper-Based Test (PBT) format consisting of three sections—Listening, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading—to assess participants’ academic English proficiency. These three sections cover English comprehension, grammar usage, and reading comprehension in an academic context.

Based on Circular Letter No. 5239/IT2.I/T/TU.00.08/2023 from the ITS Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, foreign language proficiency scores are used as one of the requirements for registering for final project, thesis, and dissertation defenses. Students who have met the minimum score since taking the EFL Test as freshmen may use those results in accordance with applicable regulations. For undergraduate and master’s students, the required minimum score is 477, while doctoral students and students in the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) are required to achieve a minimum score of 500. Students who have not yet met the minimum score requirement may enroll in an English proficiency improvement program organized by GLC according to their proficiency level.

Ms. Mala also urged all new students to take the EFL Test seriously and to uphold honesty throughout the test. “View this EFL Test as a reflection of your current abilities, not as a daunting burden. Take the test honestly, calmly, and with integrity. For those who haven’t met the target, use these test results as a starting point to learn and improve even further through the various programs offered by GLC. Good luck, and show your best potential!” she said.

New students wait for their turn to take the EFL Test in the GLC ITS waiting area before entering the examination room according to the scheduled times (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

The administration of this EFL Test for New Students also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Quality Education, through efforts to improve the quality of learning by assessing students’ English proficiency from the very beginning of their studies. This initiative is part of ITS’s commitment to supporting a more focused learning process while enhancing students’ academic readiness in a global context. (*)

Written by: Alzena Mayla Shabrina
Editor: Global Language Center, ITS