Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme
Background
The CEPAS was launched by the University Grants Committee (UGC) in 2002/03, under which final year students of UGC-funded undergraduate programmes are encouraged to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).The HKSAR Government now recognizes IELTS for civil service recruitment purpose. Taking part in the Scheme will therefore facilitate application for Government jobs.
Purpose of the CEPAS
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To enhance students' awareness of the importance of English proficiency.
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To provide a common framework for assessing and documenting graduating students' English proficiency.
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To provide an internationally recognized assessment for students wishing to pursue further studies or entering the workforce.
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To enable the UGC to have a better understanding of students' English abilities.
The Assessment
The UGC has selected IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as the common English proficiency assessment. IELTS assesses the ability to use English language in all four communication skills, namely, listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Participation
Students' participation in the CEPAS is voluntary and students can only participate in the scheme once.
Application Period
There are 2 application periods for 2012-13 final year students.
Note: Testing sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from July 2012 to May 2013.
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Period I
Application Period : 9:30 am on 2 April 2012 to 5:00 pm on 4 May 2012 (for tests held during July 2012 to 3 November 2012)
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Period II
Application Period : 9:30 am on 3 September 2012 to 5:00 pm on 22 October 2012
(for tests held during 24 November 2012 to May 2013)
Test Fee
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The test fee for sessions held on the eight UGC-funded institutions' premises is HK$1,035 per person while the test fee for sessions held on other premises is HK$1,265 per person.
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Students who register online and pay directly through PPS (online version at CEPAS website) should pay the corresponding test fee based on their venue choices.
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Students who use paper application or pay through PPS phone service, internet banking or pay at Circle K/VanGO counter must pay HK$1,265 upfront. Those candidates who eventually take the test at institutions' premises will receive a refund of HK$230.
Application Procedures
Students can either register through the online registration system or paper application.
As the choice of test date and venue is on a first-come-first-served basis, students are strongly advised to submit their applications via the on-line application system and pay the test fee via web-based PPS System.
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Pay through PPS direct online payment at CEPAS website
Students should complete the application on www.ugccepa.com, select test session and make payment through the PPS direct online system at CEPAS website. The fee level will depend on the venue chosen.
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Pay through PPS phone service or Internet Banking
Students should complete application on www.ugccepa.com, print out an invoice from the website and pay through either PPS Phone service or internet banking. Students are required to pay HK$1,265 upfront regardless of choice of venue. A Test Session Selection email will be sent to students 2 working days after payment is made. Students can then logon to the on-line application system to select their choice of test session accordingly.
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Pay at Circle K/VanGO counter
Students should complete application on www.ugccepa.com, print out an invoice from the website and pay at Circle K/VanGO counter. Students are required to pay HK$1,265 upfront regardless of choice of venue. A Test Session Selection email will be sent to students 2 working days after payment is made. Students can then logon to the on-line application system to select their choice of test session accordingly.
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Paper Application
For paper application, students should complete the application form downloaded from http://www.ugccepa.com, attach the necessary documents and make payment to the following bank account of the IELTS Administrators** : -
Bank: Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
Account no.: 44706946009
Account name: IDP E PTY LTD T/A I C M L
**All students are required to pay HK$1,265 at the time of submitting paper application.
Students have to mail the completed application form and the original bank payment receipt (payment made by cheque or online banking will NOT be accepted) to the IELTS CEPAS Management Unit atUnit 2801 Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Eligibility for Reimbursement of Test Fee
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Reimbursement of test fee is only applicable to UGC-funded undergraduate degree students who take IELTS in their final year of study.
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Reimbursement is conditional upon the students' agreement to have the following statement printed on their transcripts:"In possession of the result of IELTS taken on (date) under the University Grants Committee's Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme."
Reimbursement Procedures
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Students can seek reimbursement of test fee upon receipt of their Test Report Forms.
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Request for reimbursement:
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Students who take the test during July 2011 to May 2012 should submit application from 1 September 2011 to 18 June 2012.
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Students who take the test during July 2012 to May 2013 should submit application from 1 September 2012 to 17 June 2013.
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Students should submit their request through the University Information System.
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Application for reimbursement made after 18 June 2012 (for 2011-12 final year students) and 17 June 2013 (for 2012-13 final year students) will not be entertained.
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Students can only be reimbursed once during their undergraduate studies in the University.
Award for Outstanding Performance
To encourage students to do well in the IELTS test, the Language Centre will introduce awards for outstanding performance in the test for 2012-13 final year students. Details for the award is available at
http://lc.hkbu.edu.hk/english/ielts/award.php.
Enquiry