Regarding the use of external English tests in university entrance examinations, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology summarized the progress of each organization's efforts in response to the request from the Study Group on University Entrance Examinations to create an examination environment that takes into account geographical and economic circumstances. Announced.
According to the report, the British Council (name of the qualification/proficiency test: IELTS) will keep the test fee unchanged for 13 years, set up venues in highly convenient locations such as near major stations, and is considering introducing online testing. ETS Japan (qualification/certification exam name: TOEFL iBT, etc.) is considering reducing the test fee for the TOEFL iBT test, and is also allowing test takers to take the test at home in addition to taking the test at a test center.
The International Business Communication Association (TOEIC Program) has established a test fee discount system for schools that have become supporting members, and is working to expand the number of test locations in rural areas. Cambridge University Press & Assessment (qualification/proficiency test name: Cambridge English Proficiency Test) continues to offer a discount system on test fees and is hastening the expansion of regional and high school venues.
Benesse Corporation (qualification/certification exam name: GTEC) does not offer discounts on exam fees, but is focusing on expanding the number of regional venues. The Japan English Language Proficiency Association (name of qualification/proficiency test: EIKEN, TEAP) has set low fees for taking tests at quasi-venues held by schools and cram schools, and is also developing an online test-taking system. IDP Education (qualification/proficiency test name: IELTS) has begun considering reductions or exemptions for examination fees, and has also set up an online examination system.
