STAMP for CEFR Level Scale
Test takers receive a level (numerical score) for each section of the test. The major levels and sub-levels are aligned to the CEFR scale and grouped in the following way:
- A Level: Pre-A1 (1), A1 (2), A2 (3)
- B Level: B1 (4), B2 (5)
- C Level: C1 (6)
Levels and Sub-Levels
Scoring and rating for STAMP for CEFR assessment is done using levels and sub-levels. Test takers may achieve the following levels (scores):
- Reading, Listening sections: Pre-A1 (1) – C1 (6)
- Writing, Speaking sections: Pre-A1 (1) – C1 (6)
Writing and Speaking Sections
Rubric
The Writing and Speaking responses are rated by Avant Certified Raters using STAMP for CEFR Rubric. The rubric outlines in detail what expectations are placed upon the test takers for performance at any given level. Test takers who hope to attain a specific level should know the characteristics of the work they must produce to meet the requirements of that proficiency level. Please see STAMP for CEFR Level Descriptors:
Rating Process
Rating is done using STAMP for CEFR rubric and the following three-step rating process:
STEP 1 – Overall evaluation of the response to assess for ratability
Avant raters first determine if the response is on topic and appropriate for the given prompt. If the response is off-topic, contains any profanity, includes any menacing or threatening language, shows evidence of Test Agreement Violation, or if it has non-target language, the response will be treated as unresponsive and receive a Zero score. If the test taker experienced technical issues, including the use of a special keyboard or input system for character-based languages, they will receive an “NR” score for that response. Please refer to Avant’s Test Retake and Reset Policy for more information.
STEP 2 – Evaluation of each ratable response.
Avant raters evaluate each ratable response to determine a Level based upon Text-Type characteristics (Novice-Low through Advanced-Mid), along with an indication of Language Control characteristics (accuracy/comprehensibility) with a possible score of High, Average, or Low.
STEP 3 – Posting scores for each response.
The system will then report ratings for each of the three responses, which are used to calculate the final score for the skill.
Note: 20% of all test taker responses are rated by a second rater to assist in tracking rater accuracy and reliability.
The same rubric is used for all Speaking and Writing responses. Individual responses are moved into the Avant Rating system once all three prompts have been submitted by the test taker. The target turnaround time is based on the date of the last completed response. There is an expected turnaround time of 7–10 days.
Reading and Listening Sections
Scoring Process
The Reading and Listening section scores are generated by the computer.
Each question has an associated benchmark level. Test takers experience questions at various levels because the reading and listening sections are computer-adaptive. The algorithm used to determine the test taker’s scores for these sections looks at the number of questions that were answered correctly at each level.