English Language Skills Assessment (ELSA)

The English Language Skills Assessment (ELSA) is a secure web-based test of English language proficiency that provides instant feedback to teaching staff.

ELSA is designed to assess the readiness of non-native English speakers to participate in tertiary or vocational programs. 

The test focuses on real-life, integrated English language that students will encounter at English-speaking tertiary and vocational institutions.

ELSA was designed by ACER for young adults and current workforce participants seeking to undertake further training.

Instant test feedback allows teachers to gauge the level of English language ability prior to course commencement. 

Individualised student reporting also allows teachers to provide targeted assistance to students to ensure successful participation in vocational study.

Key Benefits

• Nationwide consistency is assured through alignment of skill descriptors to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
• Automated, instant diagnostic student reports provide detailed information about student ability in each skill tested.
• The test assesses low and intermediate level English language skills.
• Waiting time for marking of written English is eliminated.  All writing tasks are assessed automatically online. 
• Test questions cover a wide range of subject areas with varying levels of difficulty.

Test Delivery

ELSA can be delivered through either a standard Internet portal (www) or via remote desktop connection (RDP). No new software needs to be installed on the client or users computer.

ELSA clients are given access to a dedicated web-based administration system that delivers:

• student usernames and passwords
• instant access to student results and reports

Each student is provided with a unique username and password.  This allows them to access the test online from any computer.

ACER provides ongoing IT assistance to clients to ensure there are no problems with test access. The test administrator is also provided with training and support. 

ELSA takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Once students complete the test, the session is closed and the results are sent to the secure administration system.  Students cannot retake the test with the same username and password.

The test administrator has the flexibility to print or email test results and reports to students.