The National English Proficiency Test (PETS) is a national English proficiency evaluation system designed by the Education Examination Institute of the Ministry of Education. It is divided into five levels (PETS-1 to PETS-5), each of which corresponds to different English proficiency and practical application scenarios. The following are the specific level division methods and core details:
1. Classification and description of abilities
1.PETS-1 (Initial level)
Ability positioning: slightly higher than the level of junior high school graduation in nine-year compulsory education in China, suitable for English beginners.
Vocabulary requirements: master about 1000 basic words and related phrases.
content of examination:
Written test: listening (multiple choice), language knowledge (grammar, vocabulary), reading (short notice, story), writing (rewriting sentences, note).
Oral test: Daily communication (such as greetings, shopping), need to be able to express simple information.
applicable scene ：
To meet the external communication needs of taxi drivers, hotel bellmen and other basic positions.
It can be used as an English entrance test to lay a foundation for further study.
2.PETS-2 (intermediate and lower level)
Ability positioning: equivalent to the level of excellent graduates from ordinary high schools, suitable for those with basic English ability.
Vocabulary requirements: master about 2000 words and related phrases.
content of examination:
Written test: listening (long conversation), language knowledge (fill in the blanks), reading (advertising, books and periodicals), writing (diary, letter).
Oral test: daily topic discussion (such as hobbies), you need to be able to express your opinions coherently.
applicable scene ：
Meet the English needs of hotel reception, bank staff and other positions.
It can be used as a language certificate for entering higher vocational colleges or some undergraduate colleges.
3.PETS-3 (Intermediate level)
Ability positioning: equivalent to the two-year public English level of colleges and universities, suitable for workplace or academic basic needs.
Vocabulary requirements: master about 4000 words and related phrases.
content of examination:
Written test: listening (lectures, discussions), language knowledge (grammar application), reading (newspaper articles), writing (work memos, chart compositions).
Oral test: Workplace dialogue (e.g. interview) to analyze problems and make suggestions.
applicable scene:
It meets the English needs of administrative secretaries in enterprises and institutions, employees in foreign companies and other positions.
It can replace the English (II) of self-study examination, or serve as the basis for exemption from the degree English of some colleges and universities.
4.PETS-4 (Intermediate and higher level)
Ability positioning: equivalent to the level of public English in three to four years of college undergraduate, suitable for academic or advanced career needs.
Vocabulary requirements: master about 5500 words and related phrases.
content of examination ：
Written test: listening (academic lecture), language knowledge (complex grammar), reading (business letter, technical literature), writing (academic abstract, composition).
Oral test: Academic debate (e.g. environmental issues) requires a clear logical expression of opinions.
applicable scene ：
To meet the English requirements for postgraduate students (non-English major) or professional technical work.
Suitable for modern enterprise managers, researchers and other professions that require higher English proficiency.
5.PETS-5 (top level)
Ability positioning: equivalent to the level of second year of college English major, suitable for academic research or high-end management scenarios.
Vocabulary requirements: master about 7000 words and related phrases.
content of examination:
Written test: listening (academic seminar), language knowledge (advanced grammar), reading (professional paper), writing (scientific research report, thematic essay).
Oral test: Cross-cultural communication (e.g. discussion at international conferences), able to use academic terminology and refute points.
applicable scene:
Meet the English requirements for studying abroad, pursuing a master's degree or doing academic research abroad.
It can be used as a language certificate for domestic doctoral degree application or professional management position.
2. Examination structure and scoring criteria
1. Separate written test and oral test:
Each level includes written and oral tests, which can be taken separately.
The written test is worth 100 points and the oral test is worth 5 points. You need to reach the passing line (written test of at least 60 points and listening test of at least 18 points, oral test of at least 3 points) to get the certificate.
2. Validity of results:
The validity period of the first to fourth level scores is determined by the admissions office or employer, and the fifth level (PETS-5) scores are valid for two years when studying abroad.
3. Special Notes:
Since 1999, PETS-5 has replaced the original English test for overseas study (WSK·EPT), and now belongs to the national Foreign Language Proficiency Test (WSK) system. The test is held in May and November every year.
Some provinces have piloted computer-based tests (such as PETS-3 and above), so pay attention to local test notices.
3. Applicable people and selection suggestions
Beginner: Start with PETS-1 or PETS-1B (subordinate level, slightly less difficult) and gradually improve your basic skills.
Student groups: PETS-2 can be used for further study, PETS-3 can be exempted from the English subject of self-study examination, and PETS-4 can be used to assist in the postgraduate entrance examination.
Professional: Choose the corresponding level according to the job requirements, such as PETS-3 for foreign enterprise administration and PETS-5 for scientific research personnel.
Study or academic requirements: PETS-5 is an important basis for public study abroad, and some foreign universities also recognize its results.
