APTIS SCORING SYSTEM
KAREN DUNN
PAGE 9
CUT SCORE
GREY AREA
(1 S.E.M.)
Figure 1: The Aptis Core component feeds into CEFR level allocation for all four skill areas
The process of determining CEFR level cut scores in Aptis is the same, regardless of the test variant
taken (General, Teachers, Teens, Advanced). All candidates are required to sit the Core component,
alongside the combination of skills tests they are entered for. The scale scores will be recorded and
reported, however, if any of these scale scores fall just below a cut-score threshold, i.e. within the
margin of error, then the system refers to the candidate’s Core component score to determine which
side of the threshold is most likely to accurately reflect the candidate’s ability. If the candidate has a
strong performance in the Core component, they will be given the benefit of the doubt, and awarded
the higher CEFR level. This process is illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Illustration of the “grey area” in which candidate CEFR level allocation is contingent
on Core component performance
This process means that in the operational reality, it is fully possible for two candidates to achieve the
same numerical score, e.g. 40/50 for the speaking test, yet for one of the candidates to be awarded a
B1 and the other a B2. This is because 40/50 is an Aptis ‘grey zone’ score for Aptis General Speaking
test. The candidate who was awarded a B2 will have performed better in the Core component than the
candidate awarded a B1.
Core
Grammar &
Vocabulary
Reading
Speaking
Listening
Writing
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