VTest General English
Certify your English level with Burlington VTest
About the exam
Burlington VTest General English is an English certification exam that assesses language proficiency across four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
It is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), allowing candidates to achieve certification from A1 to C2.
VTest is an adaptive, multilevel exam, meaning that the difficulty of the questions automatically adjusts to each candidate’s ability, providing a more accurate assessment.
The exam is delivered digitally and provides objective, detailed results for each of the four language skills.
Why choose VTest?
Burlington VTest General English enables candidates to certify their English proficiency objectively, in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C2.
The certificate reflects the level achieved in each of the skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), providing a comprehensive assessment of language proficiency.
Before taking the test, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of the institution or organization where the certificate will be submitted.
Exam Modules
Burlington VTest General English is a modular exam designed to assess English proficiency in real-life communication contexts.
It can be taken as a complete exam or as individual modules, allowing it to adapt to the needs of each candidate or institution.
The exam assesses the four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Listening Module
Module Overview
8-12
audios
20-45
minutes*
12-26
questions
Module Overview
8-12
audios
20-45
minutes*
12-26
questions
- Adaptive format: the difficulty of the questions adjusts automatically to the candidate's performance
- Each audio recording is played only once
- The duration varies depending on the level (A1–C2)
- 8–12 audio recordings and 12–26 questions, depending on the level
How does it work?
Candidates progress through a series of audio recordings and questions that adapt to their level. Performance on the initial questions determines the type of content presented next, ensuring an accurate assessment.
- Each audio recording may be a monologue or a conversation between two speakers
- Before each recording, candidates have a few seconds to read the questions
- After listening, candidates have a limited time to respond
- The system advances automatically or allows candidates to continue manually
Reading Module
Module Overview
9
texts
15-35
minutes*
12-26
questions
Module Overview
9
texts
15-35
minutes*
12-26
questions
- Adaptive format: the texts and questions adjust to the candidate’s performance
- The number of questions varies depending on the level
- The duration also adapts to the candidate’s level, from beginner levels up to C2
How does it work?
Candidates progress through a series of texts and questions that adapt to their level. Performance on the first tasks determines the type of texts they will encounter later.
- A total of 9 texts are presented, with between 12 and 26 questions.
- Each text has a visible time limit to complete it.
- When the time runs out, the system automatically moves on to the next text.
- It is also possible to move on manually if you finish early.
Writing Module
Module Overview
3
parts
~45
minutes*
12
questions
Module Overview
3
parts
~45
minutes*
12
questions
- Adaptive format: based on an initial task
- The tasks vary according to the candidate’s level
Part 1
This is a preliminary assessment task. It does not count towards the final score; instead, it is used to determine the level of the subsequent tasks.
- Candidates must arrange scrambled phrases to form correct sentences.
- Approximate duration: 7 minutes.
- It assesses the ability to correctly organize grammatical structures.
Part 2
Candidates complete two tasks based on an image.
Task 1: Image description
Task 2: Personal opinion related to the image
Time:
- 30 seconds to prepare each response
- 5–15 minutes to write, depending on the task
Suggested length:
- A1–A2: 30–80 words
- B1–B2: 40–150 words
- C1–C2: up to 200 words
The ability to describe, argue, and express ideas clearly is assessed.
Part 3
Writing task (essay) based on a question or statement.
- The candidate must develop a structured response.
- The ability to argue, maintain coherence, and use language effectively is assessed.
Speaking Module
Module Overview
3
parts
~15
minutes*
14
questions
Module Overview
3
parts
~15
minutes*
14
questions
- Adaptive format: based on an initial task
- Each part assesses a different skill
Part 1
Initial assessment task. It does not count towards the final score, but determines the level of the following parts.
- 9 questions or statements are presented, with several answer options.
- The candidate selects the most appropriate option.
- Approximate duration: 7 minutes.
- It assesses comprehension and the ability to choose appropriate responses.
Part 2
The candidate must read a text aloud and answer two questions.
- The first assesses comprehension.
- The second asks for a personal opinion.
- Approximate duration: 4 minutes.
- It assesses fluency, comprehension, and ability to express ideas.
Part 3
Image-based task.
- The candidate looks at two images and answers three questions.
- Approximate duration: 4 minutes.
- It assesses the ability to describe, interpret, and express opinions.
Practice each skill
Authorised Exam Centres
Supporting Resources
Candidate’s Guide
Accessibility Tools
Use and Acceptance
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