BEST Plus, developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), is an individually administered face-to-face adaptive oral interview designed to assess the English language proficiency of adult English language learners.

Like the Basic English Skills Test (BEST), BEST Plus is intended to assess interpersonal communication using everyday language. BEST Plus integrates current knowledge in the assessment of speaking and listening skills with the latest knowledge and practice in educational measurement to present a precise, updated, and flexible oral assessment as well as provides a short, practical test that meets the accountability needs of programs that report to the National Reporting System (NRS).

BEST Plus comes in two versions—a computer-adaptive version on CD-ROM and a semi-adaptive print-based version.

In the computer-adaptive version, the test items are delivered via computer. The test administrator asks the examinee a question presented on the computer screen, listens to the examinee’s response, uses the BEST Plus Scoring Rubric to determine the scores for that item, and enters the scores into the computer. The computer then selects the next test item, choosing items most appropriate for the examinee according to the scores entered for previous responses. The examinee will not see the same test twice.

In the print-based version, a brief locator test determines the level of test items (level 1, 2, or 3) that will be most appropriate for the ability level of the examinee. These items are arranged in fixed-form level tests. The test administrator asks the examinee each item on the selected level test and scores the items using the same scoring rubric that is used with the computer-adaptive version. The print-based version also comes in three forms (A, B, and C) for pre- and post-testing purposes. Informative score reports are generated for both the computer and print versions using the BEST Plus Score Management Software.

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For more information about BEST Plus or training workshops,
call 1-866-845-BEST or send an email to BEST Plus.

Shop for BEST Plus along with CAL's other language testing products online
24 hours a day at the CALstore calstore.cal.org

The development of BEST Plus was funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), U.S. Department of Education, Contract # ED-00-CO-0130.