The Versant English Placement Test (VEPT) is an English proficiency test developed by the UK-based Pearson Education Group. It evaluates the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing for non-native English speakers.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Education and Training, VEPT scores are equivalent to specific levels as follows:

An English VEPT certificate with a score of 67 or higher can be used in place of a certificate equivalent to Level 3.

Currently, the foreign language graduation standard is determined by the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework, issued in 2016. This framework requires university graduates to have foreign language proficiency at level 3/6, equivalent to B1 level under the European framework.

Previously, the Ministry had recognized three other English certificates for conversion to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam: PEIC, Aptis ESOL, and PTE Academic. Additionally, within the regulations for master's and doctoral admissions and training, the Ministry recognizes several other certificates, including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, Cambridge Assessment English, and TOEIC (four skills).

The equivalent scores for Level 3 of these certificates are as follows:

Universities typically require students to hold one of the aforementioned certificates, in addition to the VSTEP certificate, to fulfill English graduation requirements. Specific score thresholds vary by university and major, but must be at Level 3/6 or higher.

For instance, Hanoi University of Science and Technology requires a TOEIC score of 500, while the Banking Academy sets a threshold of 450 for standard programs and 600 for high-quality and international joint programs. English language training programs at universities generally demand higher proficiency, often Level 5/6, equivalent to C1 level under the European framework.

Students in TP HCM taking the 2025 high school graduation exam. Photo: Quynh Tran

Regarding VEPT, the Ministry stated that by 8/2025, nearly 6,600 certificates had been issued, primarily at B1 (approximately 50%) and B2 (18%) levels.

Last year, many universities recognized this certificate for master's and doctoral admissions and training. Some even equated VEPT scores of 46-60 to Level 4. However, the Ministry of Education and Training clarified that this was incorrect, as the Ministry had not yet recognized VEPT levels as equivalent to the levels in the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. With the new decision, the certificate is only recognized as equivalent to levels one to three.

This discrepancy resulted in approximately 70 graduate students at Hanoi National University of Education not meeting graduation defense requirements, preventing them from graduating. They had previously studied for and taken the VEPT based on the university's announcement, only for it to be subsequently unrecognized.

Duong Tam