The Michigan English Test (MET) is a multilevel, modular English language examination, which measures English language proficiency in personal, public, occupational and educational contexts. It is developed by CaMLA, a not-for-profit collaboration between the University of Michigan and the University of Cambridge and has been in use since 2008.
Contents
The MET can be taken by learners at a range of levels, from upper beginners to lower advanced (Levels A2 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). It is recognized as official proof of English language ability in many countries around the world. It is a modular test, meaning that the test taker can choose to take one or more of the three modules of the test: Listening/Reading; Speaking; and Writing.
Test format
The MET is a paper-and pencil test, with the following test sections:
In the Listening/Reading test, each correct answer carries equal weight and there are no points deducted for wrong answers.
The Listening/Reading test is available on a monthly basis (sometimes twice a month) and the Speaking/Writing tests are available on demand. New test forms are developed each time the exam is administered.
Scoring
Test takers receive a CaMLA Score Report, which has the following information:
Test takers have the option to purchase a Certificate of Achievement within four months of the test date. The Certificate of Achievement contains the same information as the Score Report and is professionally presented for display purposes.
MET test scores are also linked to the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
MET test scores do not show how many questions were answered correctly. They are calculated using item response theory to ensure that test scores are comparable across the different administered test forms. There is no pass or fail score.
Test takers can take the MET as many times as they want, but are recommended to have at least eight weeks of language study between each attempt.
MET scores represent a test taker’s English language proficiency at the time the test was taken. Language ability changes over time; therefore, organizations are advised to consider a test taker’s experience with English since they took the test in addition to their test scores.
Usage
The MET can be used for educational purposes, such as when finishing an English language course or seeking to meet English language graduation requirements at universities outside North America. It can also be used for employment purposes, such as applying for a job or a promotion that requires an English language qualification.
The MET is accepted by organisations in countries around the world, including:
The MET is not used as an admissions test for students applying to university and colleges in the USA, Canada and the UK. CaMLA provides the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) for this purpose.
In 2014, the MET was used by test takers with 25 different first language backgrounds (the largest being Albanian, Portuguese and Spanish). It is mainly used by test takers at school, university or in the early stages of their careers:
Preparation
Free practice tests, answer keys, and student instructions are available on the official website.