Reliability and Validity of the Electronic English Placement Test (EPT) conducted by the Language Centre, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the validity and reliability of the electronic English language test administered by the Language Centre, the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. 5 EFL teachers were interviewed by the researcher using a semi-structured interview. 10 EFL freshmen students were asked to perform the EPT for the second time and then participated in a semi-structured interview as well. The researcher used the mixed method design in his study, the quantitative and qualitative methods, which added strength to the data analysis. The finding showed that EPT had deficient levels of validity and reliability. The reasons behind this result varied from ignoring writing, listening, and speaking when designing the EPT to poor instruction procedures and proctoring. The lack of new and advanced computers did affect the validity and reliability in a significant way. This study ends with recommendations to improve EPT's validity and reliability levels.