Establishing Internal Consistency of English Language Proficiency Components of the English Placement Test (EPT)

This study aims to analyse the internal consistency of English Placement Tests (EPTs) emphasising its reliability and validity in measuring Malaysian students’ English proficiency level. The employment of EPT which has been aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is crucial in identifying language courses that may aid students’ academic success. As this study utilises quantitative research design through the application of secondary research approach, correlational methods were used as an effective means to evaluate the internal consistency of listening, reading and grammar aspects in the database of EPT test papers of 5,423 diploma students. Results show a strong internal consistency in which significant positive correlations are found between the first and second half scores within all aspects of the EPT test. Hence, implying the effectiveness of EPTs in assessing students’ proficiency level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Aside from that, this study sheds light on the significance of internal consistency as to ensure the quality control in language assessment. Therefore, it is recommended that future research addresses other possible contributing factors to the quality of the test paper development by continuously refining the quality control approaches in assessing students’ English proficiency. Overall, this study underscores that EPT is deemed to be reliable in measuring language proficiency among students alongside cultivating continuous improvement in accordance with international standards to optimise students’ academic results.