Official GTEC scores can be submitted for admissions purposes to colleges and universities that have recognized GTEC.

Official GTEC scores can be used to fulfill English proficiency requirements at a number of colleges and universities. Refer to the specific entrance examination guidelines of the target schools for the latest information on their use of GTEC.

226 schools

See the list of colleges and universities that recognize GTEC in the United States and Canada. link

1. Overview of GTEC tests

GTEC has four types of test available: CBT/Advanced/Basic/Core.

Measurable range of each test type (CEFR levels)

  • Can measure English ability, which correlates to CEFR levels ranging from A1 to C1. However, measurable levels differ according to the GTEC test type (refer to the chart below).
  • All scores are on the same scale, no matter which type of test (CBT/Advanced/Basic/Core) is taken.

Test overview

  • If an Advanced, Basic or Core test is taken on an Official Test date, “Official Score” is printed on each examinee’s score report.
  • If an Advanced, Basic or Core test is taken on a day other than an Official Test date, the score is not certified as “Official Score.”
  • The CBT test cannot be taken on a day other than on an Official Test date.
Test name Core Basic Advanced CBT
Format Paper-based test (Reading, Listening, Writing) and a tablet (Speaking) Computer-based test
Test duration Reading: 32 min.
Listening: about 20 min.
Writing: 25 min.
Speaking: about 15 min.
Total: about 92 min.
(about 77 min. when sitting for R, L, W only)
Reading: 45 min.
Listening: about 25 min.
Writing: 25 min.
Speaking: about 15 min.
Total: about 110 min.
(about 95 min. when sitting for R, L, W only)
Reading: maximum 40 min.
Listening: maximum 35 min.
(The time will vary for R and L depending on the test taker's level of English proficiency)
Writing: about 65 min.
Speaking: about 20 min.
Total: about 150 min.
Maximum official score for 4 skills (R, L, W, S) Reading: 210
Listening: 210
Writing: 210
Speaking: 210
Total: 840
Reading: 270
Listening: 270
Writing: 270
Speaking: 270
Total: 1080
Reading: 320
Listening: 320
Writing: 320
Speaking: 320
Total: 1280
Reading: 350
Listening: 350
Writing: 350
Speaking: 350
Total: 1400
Vocabulary level Vocabulary level following the curriculum guidelines for junior high school students Vocabulary level following the curriculum guidelines for students from junior high school to high school year 1 Vocabulary level following the curriculum guidelines for high school students Vocabulary following CEFR A2 - C1 levels

GTEC score & CEFR level comparison table

CEFR level Can-do statements GTEC (4 skills) official score
C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

1350 -
1400
B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

1180 -
1349
B1

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

930 -
1179
A2

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

680 -
929
A1

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

260 -
679
Pre-A1 0 -
259

2. GTEC score report

You can confirm the GTEC score for each of the four skills and the comparable CEFR level.

Sample of GTEC’s official score certificate (4-skill version)

Sample of GTEC’s official score certificate for CBT.

Sample of GTEC’s official score certificate (4-skill version)

Sample of GTEC’s official score certificate for CBT.

* Both images are for illustration purposes and may differ from actual ones.

On the official score certificate of GTEC, you can confirm the comparable CEFR level of each skill in addition to GTEC scores.

Advanced, Basic, Core and CBT types have a common score range, enabling examinees of any of the four types to confirm their English ability using the same score-level comparison table.

3. Content of questions

Reading

Part: contents Core Basic Advanced CBT
Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes)
Total 28 32 36 45 43 45 about 32 about 40
A: Use vocabulary in context 10 5 12 6 14 7 - -
B: Skim and scan information 10 12 12 14 14 14
C: Understand key details 8 15 12 25 15 24
Number of questions Core Basic Advanced CBT
Total 28 36 43 about
32
A:Use vocabulary in context 10 12 14 -
B:Skim and scan information 10 12 14
C:Understand key details 8 12 15
Duration
(minutes)
Core Basic Advanced CBT
Total 32 45 45 about
40
A:Use vocabulary in context 5 6 7 -
B:Skim and scan information 12 14 14
C:Understand key details 15 25 24
Core Basic Advanced

Sample question

Reading1 Reading2
CBT

Sample question

Reading

Listening

Part: contents Core Basic Advanced CBT
Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes)
Total 32 20 40 25 40 25 about 35 about 25-35
A: Match a statement with a picture 8 - 10 - 10 - - -
B: Choose a quick response to a question 8 10 10
C: Solve a real-world task 8 10 10
D: Find specific information 8 10 10
Number of questions Core Basic Advanced CBT
Total 32 40 40 about
35
A: Match a statement with a picture 8 10 10 -
B: Choose a quick response to a question 8 10 10
C: Solve a real-world task 8 10 10
D: Find specific information 8 10 10
Duration
(minutes)
Core Basic Advanced CBT
Total 20 25 25 about
25-35
Core Basic Advanced

Sample questions

Listening1 Listening2
CBT

Sample question

Listening CBT

Writing

Core Basic Advanced
Part: contents Core Basic Advanced
Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes)
Total 2 25 2 25 2 25
A: Write an e-mail 1 5 1 5 1 5
B: Write an essay 1 20 1 20 1 20
Number of questions Core Basic Advanced
Total 2 2 2
A: Write an e-mail 1 1 1
B: Write an essay 1 1 1
Duration
(minutes)
Core Basic Advanced
Total 25 25 25
A: Write an e-mail 5 5 5
B: Write an essay 20 20 20

Sample question

Writing
CBT
Part # Part Question No. of questions Testing time
(minutes)
Grading standards
1 Complete a questionnaire Read a given English text and the setting, then write sentences that match the given conditions 4 4 Sentences matching the given conditions are written
2 Write an e-mail Read the setting, then write an e-mail that matches the given conditions 3 21 An e-mail matching the given conditions is written
3 Write an essay
  • Describe one's own opinion and reasons for thinking so on the basis of statistical data, etc.
  • Describe one's own opinion about a given topic while referencing others' thoughts, etc.
2 40
  • An opinion is written
  • Reasons supporting the opinion are written
  • Command of language
  • Coherence of reasoning
Part # 1 2 3
Part Complete a questionnaire Write an e-mail Write an essay
Question Read a given English text and the setting, then write sentences that match the given conditions Read the setting, then write an e-mail that matches the given conditions
  • Describe one's own opinion and reasons for thinking so on the basis of statistical data, etc.
  • Describe one's own opinion about a given topic while referencing others' thoughts, etc.
No. of questions 4 3 2
Testing time
(minutes)
4 21 40
Grading standards Sentences matching the given conditions are written An e-mail matching the given conditions is written
  • An opinion is written
  • Reasons supporting the opinion are written
  • Command of language
  • Coherence of reasoning

Sample questions Part 3 Write an essay

Writing

Speaking

Core Basic Advanced
Part: contents Core Basic Advanced
Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes) Number of questions Duration (minutes)
Total 8 15 8 15 8 15
A: Read aloud 2 2 2
B: Interact with others 4 4 4
C: Tell a story 1 1 1
D: Express an opinion 1 1 1
Number of questions Core Basic Advanced
Total 8 8 8
A: Read aloud 2 2 2
B: Interact with others 4 4 4
C: Tell a story 1 1 1
D: Express an opinion 1 1 1
Duration
(minutes)
Core Basic Advanced
Total 15 15 15

*"Duration" only refers to the time for the test itself. It does not include the time required for the distribution and preparation of materials.

Sample question: Part C - Telling a Story

Speaking
CBT
Part # Part Question No. of questions Testing time
(minutes)
Grading standards
1 Listening & responding Respond to a question promptly and appropriately 6 2 An adequate response is made that corresponds to the intent of the question
2 Giving & asking for information Sort out and explain information obtained from websites, etc. and ask questions 3 6 A description based on the provided content is communicated to listeners
3 Expressing an opinion
  • Give an opinion about a given topic on the basis of one's thoughts, experiences, etc.
  • Respond quickly to questions
3 12
  • An opinion is given
  • Reasons supporting the opinion are given
  • Fluency

1 2 3
Part Listening & responding Giving & asking for information Expressing an opinion
Question Respond to a question prompty and appropriately Sort out and explain information obtained from websites, etc.and ask questions
  • Give an opinion about a given topic on the basis of one's thoughts, experience, etc.
  • Respond quickly to questions
No. of questions 6 3 3
Testing time
(minutes)
2 6 12
Grading standards An adequate response is made that corresponds to the intent of the question A description based on the provided content is communicated to listeners
  • An opinion is given
  • Reasons supporting the opinion are given
  • Fluency

Sample question Part 3 Expressing an opinion

Speaking

4. Contact

For questions from post-high-school institutions seeking more information about GTEC and accepting GTEC for admissions purposes, or to formally accept GTEC scores, contact:
gtec-overseas@ml.benesse.co.jp
(Enquiries about other subjects will not be responded to.)