Malaysian University English Test

Last updated

Malaysian University English Test
MUET Certificate.jpg
Sample of MUET Certificate
AcronymMUET
TypeStandardised test (either paper based or computer based).
Developer / administrator Malaysian Examinations Council
Knowledge / skills testedListening, reading, writing, and speaking of the English language.
PurposePrerequisite for admissions into all public universities and colleges in Malaysia
Year started1999;25 years ago (1999)
DurationListening: 30 minutes,
Speaking: 30 minutes,
Reading: 90 minutes,
Writing: 90 minutes.
Total: 240 minutes (4 hours); Prior year 2021
Score / grade range1 to 6, in 1 band increments. 1 to 5+, in 0.5 or 1 band increments.
Score / grade validityPrior year 2009, the validity period is until 18 July 2013. From year 2009, the validity period is five years from the date of issue of results.
OfferedUp to 3 times a year. Up to 12 times a year (MUET On Demand).
Countries / regions Malaysia
Languages English
Annual number of test takers85,000
Prerequisites / eligibility criteriaNo official prerequisite.
Fee100 MYR
Website http://webmpm1.mpm.edu.my/muet/

Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is a test of English language proficiency, largely used for university admissions in Malaysia. The test is set and run by the Malaysian Examinations Council and was established in 1999. MUET is largely recognised in Malaysia and Singapore, with other countries such as United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and Hong Kong.

Contents

MUET is a prerequisite for admissions into all public universities and colleges in Malaysia. Besides that, public servants also take MUET as an English qualification and for promotion opportunities.

From 2012 onwards, MUET is administered three times a year, in March, July and November. [1] Candidate can choose whether to take the test at the beginning, middle or end of the year. Registration for the mid-year test opens in mid-January and closes in early February, while registration for the end-of-year test opens in early May and closes in early July. Refer to the MUET schedule for closing dates.

Besides that, an alternative test, MUETon Demand (computer based test), is also held in nearly every month for candidates who are urgent to get the MUET results. On average, 85,000 candidates sit for the MUET each time. [2]

Candidates for this test must register at their respective schools/institutions. For private candidates and other candidates, they can register at any State Education Department (JPN) office. Registration forms can be obtained at JPN at a price of RM2.00 a set. The test fee is RM100.00 where previously it was RM50.00. There is also a book containing the test rules and scheme, syllabus and sample questions published and can be purchased by candidates.

From 2021, MUET has undergone a major change in format. [3]

MUET Test Structure

The four components of the MUET test

There are four components in MUET are as follows: [1]

The duration and weighting of each component are as follows: [1] [4]

Duration and weighting starting from MUET 2021
Paper CodeComponentDurationWeighting
800/1Listening50 minutes25%
800/2Speaking30 minutes25%
800/3Reading75 minutes25%
800/4Writing75 minutes25%
Total230 minutes (3 hours 50 minutes)100%
Duration and weighting prior to MUET 2020
Paper CodeComponentDurationWeighting
800/1Listening30 minutes15%
800/2Speaking30 minutes15%
800/3Reading90 minutes40%
800/4Writing90 minutes30%
Total240 minutes (4 hours)100%

Scoring & Band Scale

Starting from MUET 2021, the maximum scores for each component are 90, makes an aggregated score of 360. The scores are graded in nine bands, including half bands, with Band 5+ being the highest while Band 1.0 the lowest. [3] [5]

Description of aggregated scores starting from MUET 2021
Aggregated scoreBandCEFRUserThe CEFR Global Scale: Common Reference Levels
331 - 3605+C1+ProficientCan understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
294 - 3305.0C1
258 - 2934.5B2IndependentCan understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
211 - 2574.0
164 - 2103.5B1Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
123 - 1633.0
82 - 1222.5A2BasicCan understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
36 - 812.0
1 - 351.0

Prior to MUET 2020, the maximum scores for each component is 45 for Listening and Speaking, 120 for Reading Comprehension and 90 for Writing, with an aggregated score of 300. The scores are then graded in six bands, with Band 6 being the highest while Band 1 the lowest. [1]

Description of aggregated scores prior to MUET 2020
Aggregated scoreBandCEFRUserCommunicative abilityComprehensionTask performance
260 - 3006C2Highly proficient userVery fluent; highly appropriate use of language; hardly any grammatical errorVery good understanding of language and contextVery high ability to function in the language
220 - 2595C1Proficient userFluent; appropriate use of language; few grammatical errorsGood understanding of language and contextHigh ability to function in the language
180 - 2194B2Satisfactory userGenerally fluent; generally appropriate use of language; some grammatical errorsSatisfactory understanding of language and contextSatisfactory ability to function in the language
140 - 1793Modest userFairly fluent; fairly appropriate use of language; many grammatical errorsFair understanding of language and contextFair ability to function in the language
100 - 1392B1Limited userNot fluent; inappropriate use of language; very frequent grammatical errorsLimited understanding of language and contextLimited ability to function in the language
Below 1001A2Very limited userHardly able to use the languageVery limited understanding of language and contextVery limited ability to function in the language

MUET and CEFR, IELTS & TOEFL

Mapping of MUET Results against CEFR, IELTS, and TOEFL (Malaysian Examination Syndicate, 2018)
MUETCEFRIELTSTOEFLEnglish Level
Aggregated scoreBandBandBandBand
260 - 3006C2>8.0110-120Advanced
220 - 2595C17.0-8.094-109Upper Intermediate
180 - 2194B26.0-6.560-93
140 - 17935.546-59Lower Intermediate
100 - 1392B14.0-5.031-45
Below 1001A2<4.0<30Elementary

Results

School/institution candidates can collect their MUET test result slip from their respective schools/institutions, while individual private candidates from the State Education Department (JPN) [1] .

MUET results are presented in a results slip that shows:

The validity period for MUET results are as follows [1] :

Locations and test dates

The MUET test centres are largely in public secondary schools that offer Form Six, matriculation colleges, certain universities, as well as certain private and semi-private colleges.

Listening, Reading and Writing components are usually tested on the same day, normally the second or the fourth Saturday of the month. The Speaking component is held on separate day, usually before the written test.

University Entry English Requirement

STPM, Matriculation or Diploma students applying for admission to pursue a first degree at a local higher education institution must show evidence that they have taken the MUET test.

QS Ranking 2024 [6] UniversityMUETBand 3Band 4Band 5Band 6
65 University Malaya(UM)Equals to IELTS4.5 [7] 6.0 [8] --
137 Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM) [9] 4.0---
158 University of Putra Malaysia(UPM) [10] -6.0--
159 National University of Malaysia(UKM) [11] 4.0-4.55.0-6.0
6.5(MUET 4.5)
7.0-7.5
8.0(MUET 5.5)
8.5-9.0
188 University of Technology Malaysia(UTM) [12] -5.5--
300 UCSI University(UCSI)5.0 [13]
5.0(MUET 3.5) [14]
6.0 [15] --
555 Universiti Teknologi MARA(UiTM) [16] 5.06.0--
621-630 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman(APU) [17] 4.0-4.5
5.0(MUET 3.5)
5.5-6.0
6.5(MUET 4.5)
--
781-790 Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) [18] 5.0-5.56.0--
801-850 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman(UTAR) [19] 5.56.0--
1001-1200 Universiti Malaysia Sarawak(UniMAS) [20] 4.0-4.5
5.0(MUET 3.5)
5.5-6.0
6.5(MUET 4.5)
--

See also

Related Research Articles

Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries and territories. TOEFL is one of several major English-language tests worldwide, including IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge Assessment English, and Trinity College London exams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International English Language Testing System</span> Test for learners of English as a second language

International English Language Testing System is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge English, and was established in 1989. IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world. The IELTS test has two modules: Academic and General Training. IELTS One Skill Retake was introduced in 2023, which allows a test taker to retake any one section of the test.

A cram school is a specialized school that trains its students to achieve particular goals, most commonly to pass the entrance examinations of high schools or universities. The English name is derived from the slang term cramming, meaning to study a large amount of material in a short period of time. The word "crammer" may be used to refer to the school or to an individual teacher who assists a student in cramming.

An examination board is an organization that sets examinations, is responsible for marking them, and distributes the results. Some are run by governmental entities; some are run as not-for-profit organizations.

Education in Vietnam is a state-run system of public and private education run by the Ministry of Education and Training. It is divided into five levels: preschool, primary school, secondary school, high school, and higher education. Formal education consists of twelve years of basic education. Basic education consists of five years of primary education, four years of secondary education, and three years of high school education. The majority of basic education students are enrolled on a daily basis. The main goals are general knowledge improvement, human resources training and talent development.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated in English as CEFR, CEF, or CEFRL, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. The CEFR is also intended to make it easier for educational institutions and employers to evaluate the language qualifications of candidates for education admission or employment. Its main aim is to provide a method of learning, teaching, and assessing that applies to all languages in Europe.

Cambridge Assessment English or Cambridge English develops and produces Cambridge English Qualifications and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The organisation contributed to the development of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the standard used around the world to benchmark language skills, and its qualifications and tests are aligned with CEFR levels.

The Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination was a standardised examination between 1974 and 2011 after most local students' five-year secondary education, conducted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA), awarding the Hong Kong Certificate of Education secondary school leaving qualification. The examination has been discontinued in 2012 and its roles are now replaced by the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education as part of educational reforms in Hong Kong. It was considered as the equivalent of the GCSE in the United Kingdom.

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) is an examination conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, a private board designed to provide an examination in a course of general education, in accordance with the recommendations of the New Education Policy 2020 (India), through the medium of English. The examination allows secure suitable representations of responsible schools in their states or territories. The National Admissions and Accreditation agency of the UK, UCAS recognizes ICSE at par with the Higher School qualification of University of Scotland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malaysian Higher School Certificate</span> Educational qualification in Malaysia

The Malaysian Higher School Certificate, commonly abbreviated as STPM, is a pre-university examination in Malaysia. It was formerly known as the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Since 1982, STPM has been administered by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC), a statutory council under the Ministry of Education.

C1 Advanced, previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced and the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and the University of Cambridge ESOL examination).

The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) was the name of a SAT II last administered in January 2005. It was a one-hour multiple choice test given on English language proficiency by The College Board. A student whose native language was not English could have chosen to take this test instead of or in addition to Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for college entrance depending upon requirements of the schools in which the student was planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT II's were known as Achievement Tests. The ELPT assessed both the understanding of spoken and written standard American English and the ability to function in a classroom where English is spoken. The test was intended for students whose best language was not English; who attend U.S. high schools, or who had studied in an international school where courses were taught in English; had completed two to four years of English language instruction in an English as a Second Language program or in English enrichment courses; and/or students who spoke a language other than English at home or work. It was scored on a scale of 901 to 999

Jakarta International College, founded in 2002, is an Indonesian international college set up for students who wish to further their university education overseas. JIC offers four internationally recognized education programs that help students transition from high school to university, namely Monash College Diploma Program, Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY), Monash English Bridging Program (MEB) and Pathway to American Degree Program.

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, or CELPIP, is an English language assessment tool which measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises., a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Paragon is the only Canadian company delivering Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designated English proficiency tests. The CELPIP test is offered in two versions, CELPIP-General, and CELPIP-General LS.

The EF Standard English Test is a standardized test of the English language designed for non-native English speakers. It is the product of EF Education First, a global language training company, and a team of language assessment experts including Lyle Bachman, Mari Pearlman, and Ric Luecht. EF compares the EFSET's accuracy to the most widely used high stakes standardized English tests: TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge International Examinations.

The Cambridge English Scale is a single range of scores used to report results for Cambridge English Language Assessment exams. It was introduced in January 2015, with Cambridge English Scale scores replacing the standardised score and candidate profile used for exams taken pre-2015. The scale aims to provide exam users with more detailed information about their exam performance than was previously available.

IELTS Life Skills is an English language test which provides proof of English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1, A2 or B1. It can be used to apply for a 'family of a settled person' visa, visa extension, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship in the UK.

The Policy Aptitude Test (PAT) is an offline written test held in India. This test scores a person on the bases of General Knowledge, Numerical Problem Solving, Policy Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Language and Policy Analysis Ability. The National Law School of India University, Bengaluru (NLSIU) started this exam and use the test for selecting students for its Public Policy Programme. The test is conducted every year.

The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment or CAEL is a standardized test designed to measure English language proficiency for admission to college and university, and for membership in professional associations. Test takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions, and write a short essay, as they would be expected to do in a first-year university or college classroom.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Regulations, Test Specifications, Test Format and Sample Questions (PDF). Malaysia: Malaysian Examinations Council.
  2. "Malaysia Students: New Format & Free Syllabus for STPM & MUET in 2012" . Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  3. 1 2 Regulations and Test Specifications (PDF). Malaysian Examinations Council. 2019. ISBN   9789832321699.
  4. "Regulations and Test Specifications - Official Portal Malaysian Examinations Council". www.mpm.edu.my. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  5. "Regulations and Test Specifications - Official Portal Malaysian Examinations Council". www.mpm.edu.my. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  6. QS World University Rankings 2024: Top global universitiesTop Universities, 2024
  7. Entry Requirement Undergraduate Handbook 2023/2024 (Malaysians)Pg.2UM, 2023
  8. Entry Requirement Undergraduate Handbook 2023/2024 (Malaysians)Pg.48UM, 2023
  9. UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA USM-KLE International Medical Programme Academic Session 2021/2022 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ADMISSIONUSM, 2021
  10. UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA USM-KLE ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTUPM, 2023
  11. PENSETARAAN MUET - IELTS – TOEFL – CEFRUKM, 2021
  12. English Language RequirementsUTM, 2024
  13. BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (HONOURS)UCSI, 2023
  14. BACHELOR OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) WITH HONOURSUCSI, 2023
  15. DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (MD)UCSI, 2023
  16. english-requimentUiTM, 2020
  17. ENGLISH REQUIREMENTSAPU, 2023
  18. "Admission Requirements". UMP, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. Entry Qualifications & English Language RequirementsUTAR, 2023
  20. English Courses Structure for 2022/2023 intake onwardsUniMAS, 2022