"BEST Plus 3.0 is an individually administered, face-to-face, scripted oral interview that measures adult English language learners’ ability to listen and speak in English in authentic situations in the United States.” (Adapted from https://www.cal.org/aea/bpv30/) This training is for practitioners looking to become a new BEST Plus 3.0 test administrator and scorer.
The BEST Plus 3.0 administration and scoring training is conducted across two days (6.5 hours total) as an online facilitated training. There are six requirements that must be completed to become certified to administer the BEST Plus 3.0 test.
- ACLS-funded practitioners who need to be trained as BEST Plus 3.0 test administrators
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
This training is for practitioners looking to become a new BEST Plus 3.0 test administrator.
The BEST Plus 3.0 administration and scoring training is conducted across two days (6.5 hours total) as an online facilitated training.
*Given the timing of this training, you must register by Wednesday, July 23, 2025 to receive paper copies of the materials via USPS. Registration will close on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 to allow time for mailings.
Prior to the training, participants will receive an email from the UMass CEA to confirm a mailing address via a link to an online form. You will be asked for a mailing address, home or work, where the UMass CEA can ship training materials to you in the days leading up to the training.
The certification requirements are as follows:
- Attend the two 3.25-hour online facilitated training sessions via Zoom.
- Complete homework activities as necessary.
- Participate in a 90-minute, small group meeting after the training sessions to review scoring using the rubric and practice using the software.
- Practice administering the test with a minimum of six participants.
- Participants must include at least three non-native speakers of English.
- Participants must include at least one individual who scores high enough on the practice assessment to allow for administration of the new, higher-level items.
- These practice tests may not be administered as pre- or post-assessments. To access these tests, trainees must use the BEST Plus 3.0 software.
- Obtain a passing score on two scoring quizzes. CAL, the test developer, will give access to the Moodle quizzes after you submit your practice tests to the UMass CEA.
- Submit proof of certification to the UMass CEA.
The UMass CEA anticipates the entire process taking no more than 15 hours.
*Participants must have access to a PC running Windows XP or higher and be able to install the BEST Plus 3.0 software ("CAL Test Platform APP" -- link to software download). The BEST Plus 3.0 software is not yet compatible with Apple devices. If you have questions, please contact the UMass CEA at aclstesthelp@umass.edu.
Please Note:
Participants are asked to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early in case of technology issues, but at a minimum must arrive on time for both sessions and must attend both sessions in their entirety to complete the first requirement of the certification. In addition, participants are expected to complete one hour of self-study between Day 1 and Day 2 of the training.
*There are several prerequisites to participate in this training. One prerequisite requires completion of an online webinar. See below for more information.
You are encouraged to speak with your program director or ESOL coordinator prior to registering.
**UMass is managing registrations for this training to ensure that as many programs as possible have access to this training. Initial registrations will be limited to two participants per program and all subsequent registrants from those programs will be moved to the waitlist.
This training is capped at 24 participants.
- Recognize the importance of assessing students' language abilities
- Administer and score the BEST Plus 3.0 computer-adaptive oral interview
- Run the BEST Plus 3.0 Test Administration Program
- Interpret BEST Plus 3.0 scores
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
- An excellent command of the English language
- Experience and comfort interacting with non-native English speakers
- Basic comfort level with computers
- Completion of the Assessment Basics webinar (approximately 30 to 40 minutes)
- Practitioners must complete the webinar prior to the first day of the BEST Plus 3.0 training.
- Access to a PC running Windows XP or later with BEST Plus 3.0 software installed.
- The BEST Plus 3.0 software is not compatible with Apple devices.
- Practitioners who do not have access to a PC should consult with their program director before signing up for this training.
MA
United States
