Overview
VSTEP is Vietnam's standardised English test, built on the 6-level Foreign Language Competency Framework issued by the Ministry of Education and Training in Circular 01/2014/TT-BGDDT (24 January 2014). The framework maps to CEFR: Levels 1-2 are A1-A2, Levels 3-4 are B1-B2 and Levels 5-6 are C1-C2. The test is mostly used for study, graduation and teaching requirements inside Vietnam. The format, scores and dates below come from the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, one of the centres that runs the test.
Levels
The test, called VSTEP.3-5, certifies three levels.
| VSTEP level | CEFR |
|---|---|
| Level 3 | B1 |
| Level 4 | B2 |
| Level 5 | C1 |
The VSTEP site gives example uses: B1 for master's, high school and university students; B2 for doctoral candidates and secondary English teachers; C1 for secondary English teachers.
Exam pattern
| Skill | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 minutes | 4 passages (1,900 to 2,500 words in total), 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Listening | About 40 minutes | 3 parts, 35 multiple-choice questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Task 1: letter or email, at least 120 words (one third of the score). Task 2: essay, at least 250 words (two thirds) |
| Speaking | 12 minutes | 3 parts: social interaction, solution discussion, topic development |
Marking and results
The final score is out of 10 and is converted to a level:
| Final score | Level |
|---|---|
| 0 to 3.5 | No level |
| 4.0 to 5.5 | Level 3 |
| 6.0 to 8.0 | Level 4 |
| 8.5 to 10 | Level 5 |
For the 10 October 2026 session, ULIS said results would be announced 3 to 5 days after the exam and certificates issued 14 working days after it.
Important dates and fees
ULIS announces a plan for each session. For the Saturday 10 October 2026 session, the test was computer-based at ULIS in Hanoi, registration ran from 10 September to 1 October 2026, and the fee was 1,800,000 VND. A re-mark request cost 800,000 VND. ULIS does not hold a session with fewer than 100 registered candidates.
How to apply
At ULIS, register online through the centre's registration page with a recent 4x6 cm photo and images of the front and back of the ID card or passport you will use, then pay the fee by transfer. Registration counts only once the fee is paid.
Changes from 2027
The VSTEP site reports that from 1 January 2027 the framework gains a Pre-Level 1 (pre-A1) entry level. Levels 3, 4 and 5 (B1, B2, C1) keep their positions.
Preparation tips
Confirm which level your university or employer requires before you choose the level to aim for.
The test has no pass or fail: a score below 4.0 simply gives no level.