EA region to benefit from English language testing centre

By John Njiraini, posted January 2, 2012

Kenyans wishing to work abroad will now easily seat for a world recognised English language proficiency test after the introduction of Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) test in the country.

This follows the opening of a testing centre by the US based Education Testing Service (ETS) in Nairobi to serve the East Africa region.

According to Kuda Nhiwatiwa, ETS local representative, the opening of a testing centre will enable Kenyans seeking for job opportunities abroad and in sectors like the hospitality industry, tourism, business process outsourcing, export promotion, importation among others to seat for the TOEIC test that is increasingly becoming a requirement in the international job market.

International communication

"Although Kenyans speak English quite well, not many can qualify when subjected to English for international communication. That is why ETS has opened a testing centre to give Kenyans an opportunity to seat for the test," he said.

He added that while many people have been seating for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a proof for English proficiency, most employers are now demanding for TOEIC certificates.

"Kenyans want to participate in the knowledge economy and that is why we are testing communication, not just plain English," he explained.

For more than 30 years, the TOEIC test has set the standard for assessing English language skills used in the workplace. Today TOEIC test scores are used by over 10,000 companies, government agencies and English language learning programmes in 120 countries.

Last year more than six million people sat for the TOEIC test but there was none from Kenya.

Nhiwatiwa said that TOEIC test questions simulate real-life situations that are relevant to the global workplace.

"The test captures and assesses an individual’s listening, reading, speaking and writing capabilities," he said adding that the score provide accurate, meaningful feedback about the individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

Source: Standard

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