IELTS Research Reports

Glenys MerrifieldTesting Service (ETS) and has been available internationally for many years, particularly in Asia andthe Americas. Recently a new international testing system has been launched, the Pearson Test ofEnglish (PTE), which has introduced high level technology to address some of the very complex anddifficult issues inherent in international language testing, like identity verification of candidates. Theimpact of this testing system has not yet been felt.This report examines the major competitors to IELTS in the Canadian and European contexts, andattempts to identify attitudes to IELTS and its competitors as effective benchmarking tools.2 OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND APPROACH2.1 ObjectivesKey issues to be considered in this study were:■■Value of IELTS as key indicator■■Value of IELTS in comparison with its main competitors■■Appropriateness of the test for the purpose of association membership or registration■■Perceptions of IELTS by key stakeholders■■Variations in awareness and understanding of IELTS between users■■Initiatives to enhance recognition, understanding and reach of IELTS.In accordance with the key issues, the objectives of this study were to:■■■■■■■■■■■■■■explore the history and rationale for selection of IELTS as a criterion for membership orentry to a professionidentify minimum IELTS band scores being used as criteria for membership ofprofessional associations or for registrationidentify the main competitors to IELTS and make a broad assessment of the risk theyconstitute to IELTS’ market shareassess the overall degree of understanding of the test by professional association staff andidentify similarities and differences between countries studiedidentify perceptions of users on how well IELTS fits the purposedevelop an understanding on whether or not IELTS should actively seek to extend thereach of the test in non-academic sectorsmake recommendations if appropriate on the development of educational and marketingprograms to enhance understanding of the test, its outcomes and its appropriate uses.2.2 ApproachThis was a qualitative study; that is, an inquiry process to seek and report the views of individualsin their natural setting, examining personal experience with a variety of approaches which may behistorical, textual or interactional (Creswell 1994; Denzin & Lincoln 1994). It should be noted thatoutcomes are reported in the form of case studies which may exemplify attitudes and approaches butwhich could not be used as valid bases for generalisation.26 www.ielts.org