MET Scoring

All test takers are required to record their answers to the paper-and-pencil test on specially designed answer sheets, which are then automatically scanned. Each correct answer carries equal weight within each section and there are no points deducted for wrong answers. Test takers receive a scaled score with a maximum of 80 for sections I and II, and a final score for these two sections; the final score is the total of the two sections. Scores for the speaking test are reported separately, also on a scale of 0–80.

Scaled Score

The MET does not have a pass score. Your scaled score is calculated using an advanced mathematical model based on Item Response Theory. The scaled scores are not percentages. They do not show how many items you answered correctly, but rather where you stand on the language ability scale. This ensures that test scores are comparable across different administrations and fair to all test takers, regardless of when they took the test.

Results

Each person who takes the MET receives a CaMLA score report. This report includes test taker details and the scaled score for each section of the test, ranging from 0 to 80. The score report includes a final score, which is the total of the listening and reading sections of the test. The speaking score is not included in the final score; rather, it is reported separately on the score report.

Score reports are valid for two years from the test administration date. You should receive your score report from your test center within four weeks of the date we receive exams for scoring

Interpreting Your Results

The MET is a multilevel exam, covering a range of proficiency levels from upper beginner to lower advanced. The levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) aimed at by the MET are A2 to C1, with emphasis on the middle of the range (B1 and B2). The exact cut scores between adjacent CEFR levels, based on research conducted by CaMLA, are available in Interpreting Scaled Scores in Relation to the Common European Framework Levels (PDF), where selected CEFR performance descriptors illustrate what examinees should be able to do at each level.

Score ranges for the CEFR levels are provided for each section but not for the final score, because it is possible for a test taker to be at a higher language proficiency level in one language skill than in another. Therefore, section scores should be taken into account when interpreting the test results for use in decision making. 

When interpreting MET results, remember:

• the MET estimates a test taker's true proficiency by approximating the kinds of tasks that may be encountered in real life
• temporary factors unrelated to a test taker's proficiency, such as fatigue, anxiety, or illness, may affect exam results

Using Test Scores for Decision Making

Remember to check the date the test was taken. While the MET report is valid for two years, language ability changes over time. This ability can improve with active use and further study of the language, or it may diminish if the report holder does not continue to study or to use English on a regular basis. It is also important to remember that test performance is only one aspect to be considered. Communicative language ability consists of both knowledge of language and knowledge of the world. Therefore, one would need to consider how factors other than language affect how well someone can communicate. For example, in the general context of using English in business, the ability to function effectively involves not only knowledge of English, but also other knowledge and skills such as intellectual knowledge and business skills.