Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test

The Vietnamese Language Proficiency Test (Vietnamese: Kỳ thi năng lực tiếng Việt, abbreviated NLTV or NLTV VNS) is a standardized examination designed to assess the Vietnamese language proficiency of non-native speakers, particularly international students, professionals, and expatriates.^[1] Administered by the Center for Vietnamese Language for Foreigners at the VNU-HCM University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the test evaluates four core language skills and aligns with the six-level Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework (KNLTV), which corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).^[2][3]

Certificates issued upon passing are valid for two years and are widely recognized for university admissions, employment in Vietnamese corporations, and immigration purposes requiring proof of language competency.^[4][5] The test is offered five times annually—in March, May, July, September, and November—and has gained international traction, with sessions conducted abroad, including in Japan.^[6][7]

History

The NLTV was developed to standardize the evaluation of Vietnamese as a foreign language, addressing the growing demand from global learners amid Vietnam's economic integration.^[8] Launched by USSH VNU-HCMC in the early 2010s, it draws from the national KNLTV framework established by the Ministry of Education and Training.^[9] Early iterations focused on domestic administration, but by 2019, the test expanded internationally, attracting over 700 participants in a single session in Tokyo, including learners up to age 83.^[10] Sample questions from these sessions, noted for their linguistic complexity, have highlighted the test's rigorous design for advanced non-native users.^[11]

Distinct from parallel assessments like VINATEST (Hanoi University) and VIETEST (USSH VNU-Hanoi), the NLTV VNS emphasizes comprehensive skill integration tailored to southern Vietnamese dialects and cultural contexts.^[9][12]

Format

The test comprises four sections, each scored out of 10 points, with a total duration of approximately 3–4 hours.^[9][13] Candidates must achieve a passing score in all sections to qualify for certification.

1. Listening: 55 multiple-choice questions on audio comprehension; 60 minutes.
2. Reading: 40 multiple-choice questions assessing text interpretation; 60 minutes.
3. Speaking: 15-minute oral interview involving topic-based discussion and role-playing.
4. Writing: 60 minutes for tasks including cloze exercises, formal correspondence (e.g., email), and argumentative essays.

Results are typically available within five working days via the official portal.^[14]

Scoring and recognition

Individual skill scores are averaged to determine an overall proficiency level on a 1.0–10.0 scale. Levels map to the KNLTV and CEFR as follows:

Level	Score Range	Equivalent Hours of Study	CEFR Alignment
1 (Elementary)	1.0–1.5	160	A1
2 (Elementary)	2.0–3.5	320	A2
3 (Intermediate)	4.0–5.5	480	B1
4 (Intermediate)	6.0–7.0	640	B2
5 (Advanced)	7.5–8.5	720	C1
6 (Advanced)	9.0–10.0	800	C2

^[9][15]

Certificates are issued by USSH VNU-HCMC and endorsed under the national framework, facilitating access to Vietnamese higher education and professional opportunities.^[16]

Preparation

Preparation courses, offered by the administering center and affiliated institutions, span 20 sessions and align with the six-level framework.^[17] Sample tests and audio materials are available online, emphasizing idiomatic usage and cultural nuances.^[18] International candidates often utilize resources from partner organizations in Japan and Taiwan.^[19]

See also

• List of language proficiency tests