FAQ

CEPA is an AI-powered assessment that evaluates how learners actually perform in English-medium academic environments — not how well they prepare for standardized tests. Value Points:
- 20–30 minute decision-grade assessment
- Scenario-based academic tasks
- AI-driven, multi-dimensional scoring
- Designed for placement, screening, and admissions decisions

The test typically takes approximately 25–30 minutes to complete, covering all three sections: Lecture Comprehension & Response, Academic Interaction , and Academic Reading & Written Response.

You need a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Chrome or Edge browser is recommended.

TOEFL/IELTS measure general English proficiency, but CEPA focuses specifically on academic English used in classrooms. It tests skills like understanding lectures, participating in discussions, and writing assignment responses—things students do daily in school or college, which traditional tests don’t cover deeply. Moreover, CEPA takes much less time. AI technology makes it far cheaper and much more efficient.

CEPA uses a 9-point scale (the highest score is 9), with separate sub-scores for Listening (lecture comprehension), Speaking (class discussion with professors), Reading (text, lecture slides), and Writing. Each sub-score shows exactly where a student excels or needs improvement.

Normally CEPA test is 30 minutes long and available online (via secure proctoring) worldwide. Students can take it from home, making it convenient for those in any countries. Students can also take offline tests at the offices of our partners. For details, please contact the CEPA office.

CEPA helps you avoid “score vs. reality” gaps. A high CEPA score means the student can immediately engage in classes, reducing the need for extra language support and increasing their chances of academic success. It’s a more targeted way to evaluate international applicants.

Yes! CEPA’s academic scenarios include graduate-level lecture simulations and research discussion tasks, making it suitable for master’s or PhD applicants too—especially for programs that require heavy classroom participation.

Yes, CEPA is suitable for native and near-native English speakers. Though they have strong general English proficiency, CEPA focuses on specialized academic English competency, testing abilities like understanding rigorous lectures, engaging in scholarly discussions and writing structured academic content. It pinpoints nuanced gaps in academic language application that general proficiency tests miss, making it a valuable tool to evaluate their readiness for advanced English-medium undergraduate and graduate study.

Institutions can leverage CEPA results in multiple targeted, practical ways to streamline academic management and support learner success:
Accurate placement: Assign students to appropriate English-medium academic courses or language support programs based on their detailed sub-scores （Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing）, ensuring targeted learning pathways.
Admissions screening: Evaluate applicants’ real-world academic English readiness to make more informed admissions decisions, reducing the "score vs. reality" gap and selecting candidates who can immediately engage in campus learning.
Academic progress tracking: Use CEPA assessments as a benchmarking tool to monitor students’ academic English development throughout their studies, identifying areas for intervention and measuring the effectiveness of language support initiatives.
Program evaluation: Analyze aggregate CEPA results to assess the academic English preparedness of incoming cohorts, informing curriculum design and adjustments for English-medium degree programs to better align with learner needs.

Currently, there is no fee for participating in the CEPA test. However, a very low evaluation fee will be charged in the near future.