HECTOPE and How to Prepare
HECTOPE (HEC Test of Proficiency in English) is an evaluation of your knowledge and performance skills in English. The test distinguishes between five levels of proficiency from beginners to advanced and is a test of second language skills. The written part of the test consists of five sections, four of which begin with easier questions and progress to more challenging ones. In practical terms, this means that only a minority of very strong candidates is expected to complete the majority of questions with correct answers. Other candidates are evaluated on questions and on sections of the test that match their skill levels.
HECTOPE consists of 105 multiple-choice questions, an assigned composition worth 20 points and a ten-minute interview worth 20 points for a total of 145 points. Depending on your background, you may obtain stronger scores in some parts of the test than in others. Your final result is a global score for the whole test.
The Written Component of HECTOPE takes 2½ hours with each section being strictly timed. Once a section is completed, you may not go back. Multiple-choice sections of the test use a standard score sheet where you enter your responses. Each correct answer is worth one point.
- Grammatical Structure (30 questions)
Verb structures are the primary focus of this section. Examples correspond to a level of language usual in spoken English. For this reason, it is recommended that candidates
rely on their instincts when responding to questions and refrain from trying to analyze grammar and change answers. There are
no trick questions.
- Reading Comprehension (20 questions)
Three short texts on business topics represent three levels of difficulty. The first two texts deal with concrete, factual subjects. The third text is more abstract and nuanced. Initial questions may ask you to identify the main idea of a text. Other questions follow the order of the passage. It is recommended that main-idea questions be answered after completing other questions on the reading.
- Business Vocabulary (25 questions)
Current business terms are presented in sentences to provide some context. Items range from ordinary vocabulary such as “customer” or “market” to more technical terms such as “auditor” or “invoice”. It is recommended that you prepare for this section by reading business magazine articles and consulting business terminology lists from your Business Communications courses.
- Listening Comprehension (30 questions)
Video and audio clips at three levels of difficulty are presented. The clips are shown only once so it is important to approach this section with a structured plan. It is recommended that you use the two minutes provided before each clip is shown to read over the questions. It is strongly recommended that you do not read over the possible answers as this is confusing. Second, note that the order of the questions parallels the clip, and that knowing the questions in advance will contribute to listening for the information you need. Note also that the questions often use words taken from the clip. Third, use the time provided after the clip to go back and check your answers.
- Written Expression (250 words on an assigned topic)
Topics are selected to allow candidates to draw on their own experience and opinions to write on general themes concerning business today. It is recommended that you pay attention to use of paragraphs in which you elaborate your ideas, to use of complex sentences and transition markers and to writing basics like punctuation and the use of capital letters. Note that communication of ideas and use of rich and varied vocabulary is more highly evaluated than accurate language that conveys no information.
The Oral Evaluation Component of HECTOPE is a ten-minute interview. Candidates are paired based on their scores on the written part of the test. The interview consists of two parts guided by a facilitator. During the warm-up phase, the two candidates are asked general questions about their backgrounds and career plans and encouraged to interact with each other as well as the interviewer. During the formal evaluation phase, candidates are asked to discuss general business questions or to react to business ethics questions based on scenarios provided by the facilitator. Topics chosen depend on the language level of the candidates. The evaluator’s role is to judge candidates’ fluency, language use and confidence while interacting in English. It is recommended that you enter the interview with a smile and a relaxed attitude, expand on your own answers and respond to your partner’s comments.
HECTOPE WORKSHOPS
1½ hours workshops are offered prior to administration of the test. To see the schedule and to register, go to Direction de la Qualité de la communication Web site and click on Maîtrise de l’anglais des affaires– HECTOPE.
