| Downloads |
| CANTEST_Regform.pdf |
CanTEST: The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees
CanTest Dates
| 2013 | May 18, Aug. 17 & Nov. 16 |
The University of Saskatchewan Language Centre can help you prepare for this English proficiency test.
- CanTEST provides proof of your English proficiency for admission to the University of Saskatchewan.
- It evaluates your Listening, Reading and Writing skills.
The test consists of
- Listening: 40 - 45 multiple choice or short answer questions approximately one hour
- Reading:
- Skimming and Scanning: 15 items, 10 minutes
- Reading Comprehension: passages (up to 650 words) with 20 - 30 questions (multiple-choice and short answer).
- Cloze: 25 multiple choice items
- Total time for parts 2 & 3 is approximately one hour.
- Writing: 45 minutes to write on an assigned topic
How is CanTEST different from other tests?
- Questions are based on a passage (dialogues, interviews, short lectures, articles, letters) and never on a single sentence. Each passage has 4 to 10 questions.
- There are different kinds of questions -- multiple choice, short answer, and labelling on a diagram.
- CanTEST passages are longer. Reading passages are usually a full page. Listening passages are up to five minutes.
- The dialogues are heard only once, but longer passages are heard twice.
- There is a separate reading test for skimming and scanning.
- The CanTEST is a paper-based test. Computers are not used.
- Textual passages on the CanTEST come from real documents: newspapers, magazines, information brochures, textbooks, radio broadcasts, taped interviews, etc.
- A practice test package including a sample listening test CD can be purchased from the Language Centre. When you register, you will receive a free information booklet with some sample questions. You can also view the booklet here (requires Flash).
- Testing is conducted by the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre
CanTEST scores
- Results will be reported as a Band Score. There are 5 band levels. Half bands are also reported. You will be given a band score for each skill.
- An average score of 4.5 in Listening and Reading and at least 4.0 in Writing is required for University of Saskatchewan admission.
- All tests are held on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. (12:45 p.m. sign-in). Locations will be announced the week before and signs will be posted at the Language Centre on the day of the test.
- Please allow 4 hours to complete the test.
Additional Information
- Registration: All candidates must register for the written test (includes listening comprehension, reading and writing). The deadline is 1 week before the test date. Register early as space is limited and usually fills up well up before the registration deadline.
- Practice test materials are available for purchase from the Centre for $30.
- The Speaking Test has limited spaces available. Spaces will be offered to those who are successful on the written test. Speaking tests will be conducted one to two weeks following the written test.
- Test Fees: $100 Listening Comprehension, Reading & Writing; $80 Speaking Test; a refund of 50% can be given if you notify the Centre at least one week before the test date.
- Candidates are required to wait three months before taking the CanTEST Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension components again. The waiting period for the Writing and Speaking components is six full weeks. This policy applies to all CanTEST Test Centres.
- Test Day: Candidates must bring their official receipt and their passport or photo identification to the test location at the scheduled time. Those without proper photo ID may be denied entry to the test. Also, bring your own pen, pencil and eraser.
- Test Results will be available 10 days after your test date. Students may pick up their unofficial results in our office that day. Official results will be sent to the institution of your choice on the same day if you have indicated this on your registration form. A $10 fee is charged if you request to have the official results sent to an institution other than the University of Saskatchewan. The fee will also be charged if you request results to be sent to the U of S more than 2 months after your test date.
- Scores are generally considered valid for 2 years.
For more information:
tel 306.966.4351
fax 306.966.4356
