Password has been designed by the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA) at the University of Bedfordshire.
Academic language use
Password has been designed according to detailed test specifications which were developed to reflect the core language knowledge that students need to acquire before they are able to cope with understanding and producing academic texts. This includes knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary required for academic study, based on
- research into the nature of academic language use
- communicative functions and associated grammar in popular English text books that are widely used on pathway programmes
- the Breakthrough, Threshold and Vantage specifications for English describing the relevant levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- common patterns of error in grammatical structures and vocabulary choice made by learners in their written work
- the essential vocabulary needed to support academic study, based on research evidence (taking into account of different levels of word frequency in tailoring items to different levels of ability. Knowledge of synonymy, collocation and colligation is also tested.)
Empirical validation
Password has been benchmarked to external criteria including the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages on the basis of test design procedures, standards setting exercises and empirical test data.
Please click below for the document "Relating Password to the Common European Framework".
Document: Relating Password to the Common European Framework (72 kb)
The test development process
Password is set apart from most published tests used for similar purposes by its commitment to continuous validation. There will be regular reports on the performance of the test material and systems will be established for the routine monitoring of differential item functioning and related issues of test bias.
The test developers have unparalleled test development experience in language programme placement testing and testing for academic purposes. The item writers have extensive experience of teaching English for Academic Purposes at the pre-university level. All test material is reviewed by the test developers and piloted with learners from the intended target population of test-takers. Once accepted for inclusion in the test, the material is kept under review and periodically replaced or rested.
Please click below for "The Password Test - Design Development and Reliability" a paper by Dr Tony Green (PhD, MA, PGCE), Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA) at the University of Bedfordshire.
Document: The Password Test - Design Development and Reliability (941 kb)