Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test
The Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test (Vietnamese: Kỳ thi năng lực tiếng Việt, abbreviated NLTV or NLTV VNS) is a standardized examination designed to assess the Vietnamese language proficiency of non-native speakers, particularly international students, professionals, and expatriates.[1] Administered by the Center for Vietnamese Language for Foreigners at the VNU-HCM University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the test evaluates four core language skills and aligns with the six-level Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework (KNLTV), which corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).[2][3]
Certificates issued upon passing are valid for two years and are widely recognized for university admissions, employment in Vietnamese corporations, and immigration purposes requiring proof of language competency.[4][5] The test is offered five times annually—in March, May, July, September, and November—and has gained international traction, with sessions conducted abroad, including in Japan.[6][7]
History
[edit]The NLTV was developed to standardize the evaluation of Vietnamese as a foreign language, addressing the growing demand from global learners amid Vietnam's economic integration.[8] Launched by USSH VNU-HCMC in the early 2010s, it draws from the national KNLTV framework established by the Ministry of Education and Training.[9] Early iterations focused on domestic administration, but by 2019, the test expanded internationally, attracting over 700 participants in a single session in Tokyo, including learners up to age 83.[10] Sample questions from these sessions, noted for their linguistic complexity, have highlighted the test's rigorous design for advanced non-native users.[11]
Distinct from parallel assessments like VINATEST (Hanoi University) and VIETEST (USSH VNU-Hanoi), the NLTV VNS emphasizes comprehensive skill integration tailored to southern Vietnamese dialects and cultural contexts.[9][12]
Format
[edit]The test comprises four sections, each scored out of 10 points, with a total duration of approximately 3–4 hours.[9][13] Candidates must achieve a passing score in all sections to qualify for certification.
- Listening: 55 multiple-choice questions on audio comprehension; 60 minutes.
- Reading: 40 multiple-choice questions assessing text interpretation; 60 minutes.
- Speaking: 15-minute oral interview involving topic-based discussion and role-playing.
- Writing: 60 minutes for tasks including cloze exercises, formal correspondence (e.g., email), and argumentative essays.
Results are typically available within five working days via the official portal.[14]
Scoring and recognition
[edit]Individual skill scores are averaged to determine an overall proficiency level on a 1.0–10.0 scale. Levels map to the KNLTV and CEFR as follows:
| Level | Score Range | Equivalent Hours of Study | CEFR Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Elementary) | 1.0–1.5 | 160 | A1 |
| 2 (Elementary) | 2.0–3.5 | 320 | A2 |
| 3 (Intermediate) | 4.0–5.5 | 480 | B1 |
| 4 (Intermediate) | 6.0–7.0 | 640 | B2 |
| 5 (Advanced) | 7.5–8.5 | 720 | C1 |
| 6 (Advanced) | 9.0–10.0 | 800 | C2 |
Certificates are issued by USSH VNU-HCMC and endorsed under the national framework, facilitating access to Vietnamese higher education and professional opportunities.[16]
Preparation
[edit]Preparation courses, offered by the administering center and affiliated institutions, span 20 sessions and align with the six-level framework.[17] Sample tests and audio materials are available online, emphasizing idiomatic usage and cultural nuances.[18] International candidates often utilize resources from partner organizations in Japan and Taiwan.[19]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Kỳ thi năng lực tiếng Việt NLTV VNS – Wikipedia tiếng Việt". Wikimedia Foundation (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on 2025-11-26. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test". Vietnam Education Information Center. USSH, VNU-Hanoi. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Learning Path to Obtain Vietnamese Language Certification for Foreigners". HelpAll247. 2025-05-23. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test". Vietnamese Guru. 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese proficiency test". Center for Vietnamese Language for Foreigners, USSH VNU-HCMC. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Thí sinh người Nhật 83 tuổi vẫn tham dự kỳ thi năng lực tiếng Việt". Tuổi Trẻ Online (in Vietnamese). 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "What is the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test?". Viet BookStore. 2025-09-25. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "What Are Some Common Vietnamese Proficiency Tests?". VietnamesePod101.com. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
viwikiwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Thí sinh người Nhật 83 tuổi vẫn tham dự kỳ thi năng lực tiếng Việt". Tuổi Trẻ Online (in Vietnamese). 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Đề thi năng lực Tiếng Việt 'hại não' dành cho người Nhật". VnExpress (in Vietnamese). 2019-05-06. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese Language Proficiency Tests". Avant Assessment. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test". Lang Mai International. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test". Vietnam Education Information Center. USSH, VNU-Hanoi. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test". Lang Mai International. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Learning Path to Obtain Vietnamese Language Certification for Foreigners". HelpAll247. 2025-05-23. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Khóa học ôn thi năng lực tiếng Việt". Center for Vietnamese Language for Foreigners, USSH VNU-HCMC (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Đề thi mẫu năng lực Tiếng Việt dùng cho người nước ngoài". Hanoi University (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 2025-11-26.
- ^ "Đề thi năng lực Tiếng Việt 'hại não' cho học sinh Nhật". Tuổi Trẻ Cuối Tuần (in Vietnamese). 2022-01-15. Retrieved 2025-11-26.