The TSE® Test

What is the TSE test?

The primary purpose of the TSE test was to measure the ability of nonnative speakers to communicate orally in English.

Test takers demonstrated their communicative language ability in English by responding orally under timed conditions to a variety of printed and aural stimuli designed to elicit both controlled and spontaneous responses. Because it was a test of general oral language ability, the TSE test was appropriate for test takers regardless of native language, type of educational training or field of employment.

Who accepts TSE test scores?

Academic institutions, corporations, government agencies, health care systems and other organizations use TSE scores to guide their decisions regarding graduate assistantships in teaching and research, employment, licensing and certification.

TSE scores have been used at many institutions of higher education in the selection of international teaching assistants (ITAs), and for selection and certification purposes in health professions such as:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary medicine

The scores have also been used in business settings or by governmental agencies to assist in the selection of employment applicants.

How do I send my TSE scores?

Score reports will be sent directly from ETS to the institutions and agencies you select as score recipients. Complete the Score Report Request Form and submit it with the appropriate fee of US$17 for each report ordered.

Refer to the TOEFL® PBT "Additional Score Reports" page for payment options and processing tips. Your order can be submitted by mail or fax.

What are acceptable TSE scores?

There is no passing or failing score set by ETS for the TSE test. Each institution determines for itself what scores are acceptable. To learn how scores are interpreted, contact your score recipients directly.

How are scores kept confidential?

Information retained in TSE files is the same as the information printed on the score report. Score reports will be sent only at the request of the test taker. Scores are not to be released by the institutional recipient without the explicit permission of the test taker.

ETS recognizes the right of the test taker to privacy with regard to information that is stored in data or research files held by ETS. It is the responsibility of ETS to protect information in its files from unauthorized disclosure.

Who can I contact with questions about TSE scores? 

Contact ETS TSE Services:

Email:

toefl@ets.org

Mail:

TSE Services — ETS
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA

Phone:

1-609-771-7100
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern Time

Fax:

1-610-290-8972

Courier/Delivery
Service:

MS 25Q-310
Distribution and Receiving Center
TSE Services
225 Phillips Blvd.
Ewing, NJ 08628-7435 USA

When you communicate with TSE Services, include:

• Test-taker name
• Mailing address (including name of country)
• Test-taker date of birth
• Test date