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 neighbouring Singapore, with other nations and territories such as United Kingdom, United States and Hong Kong.
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, MUET on 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]
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
The duration and weighting of each component are as follows:[1][4]
Duration and weighting starting from MUET 2021
Paper Code
Component
Duration
Weighting
800/1
Listening
50 minutes
25%
800/2
Speaking
30 minutes
25%
800/3
Reading
75 minutes
25%
800/4
Writing
75 minutes
25%
Total
230 minutes (3 hours 50 minutes)
100%
Duration and weighting prior to MUET 2020
Paper Code
Component
Duration
Weighting
800/1
Listening
30 minutes
15%
800/2
Speaking
30 minutes
15%
800/3
Reading
90 minutes
40%
800/4
Writing
90 minutes
30%
Total
240 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 score
Band
CEFR
User
The CEFR Global Scale: Common Reference Levels
331 - 360
5+
C1+
Proficient
Can 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 - 330
5.0
C1
258 - 293
4.5
B2
Independent
Can 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 - 257
4.0
164 - 210
3.5
B1
Can 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 - 163
3.0
82 - 122
2.5
A2
Basic
Can 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 - 81
2.0
1 - 35
1.0
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 score
Band
CEFR
User
Communicative ability
Comprehension
Task performance
260 - 300
6
C2
Highly proficient user
Very fluent; highly appropriate use of language; hardly any grammatical error
Very good understanding of language and context
Very high ability to function in the language
220 - 259
5
C1
Proficient user
Fluent; appropriate use of language; few grammatical errors
Good understanding of language and context
High ability to function in the language
180 - 219
4
B2
Satisfactory user
Generally fluent; generally appropriate use of language; some grammatical errors
Satisfactory understanding of language and context
Satisfactory ability to function in the language
140 - 179
3
Modest user
Fairly fluent; fairly appropriate use of language; many grammatical errors
Fair understanding of language and context
Fair ability to function in the language
100 - 139
2
B1
Limited user
Not fluent; inappropriate use of language; very frequent grammatical errors
Limited understanding of language and context
Limited ability to function in the language
Below 100
1
A2
Very limited user
Hardly able to use the language
Very limited understanding of language and context
Very 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)
MUET
CEFR
IELTS
TOEFL
English Level
Aggregated score
Band
Band
Band
Band
260 - 300
6
C2
>8.0
110-120
Advanced
220 - 259
5
C1
7.0-8.0
94-109
Upper Intermediate
180 - 219
4
B2
6.0-6.5
60-93
140 - 179
3
5.5
46-59
Lower Intermediate
100 - 139
2
B1
4.0-5.0
31-45
Below 100
1
A2
<4.0
<30
Elementary
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 test taker's name, index number (candidate number) and national identity number.
Obtained score for each components of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
Obtained aggregated score of all the components of the test.
Band Achieved (from Band 1 to Band 6 or Band 1 to Band 5+)
The validity period for MUET results are as follows:[1]
Prior 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.
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.
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