The current versions of the tests, BEST Plus 2.0 and BEST Literacy are sunsetting on June 30, 2025. After June 2024 CAL will no longer be able to provide support for these versions of the tests, and they will no longer be accepted for NRS reporting purposes. Therefore, please monitor your remaining tests and order only what you need during this time. For more information, visit Adult English Assessments.
BEST Plus 2.0 is an individually administered, face-to-face oral interview designed to assess the English language proficiency of adult English language learners in the United States. BEST Plus 2.0 is a combined test of listening and speaking skills. As an oral assessment, BEST Plus 2.0 provides a short, practical test that meets the accountability needs of programs that report to the National Reporting System (NRS).
BEST Plus 2.0 is intended to assess interpersonal communication using everyday language used in practical situations. Test items reflect language used in everyday life in the U.S. – at home, at work, and in the community.
BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administration
BEST Plus 2.0 is administered by a trained test administrator. To ensure reliability and validity of BEST Plus 2.0, test administrators are required to attend the BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training Workshop.
Learn more about BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training.
BEST Plus 2.0 Products
BEST Plus 2.0 is available in two formats: computer-adaptive and semi-adaptive print-based.
· BEST Plus 2.0 computer-adaptive version: computer software selects test items appropriate to the examinee's ability after the locator items have been administered. The BEST Plus 2.0 software is available on USB, which includes the test administration software, score management guide, test transfer program, and practice software. The BEST Plus 2.0 software installs directly onto testing computers and can be installed on multiple computers.
Learn more.
· BEST Plus 2.0 semi-adaptive print-based version: a quick locator determines the appropriate level of the test form for the examinee. The BEST Plus 2.0 print version includes examinee test booklets (forms D, E, and F) and corresponding picture cue books. Learn more.
Informative score reports are generated for both the computer-adaptive and print-based versions using the BEST Plus 2.0 Score Management Software (SMS). The software allows management of the data that reside in the secure, password-protected database used in the BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administration Program. The BEST Plus 2.0 Scores Database stores all data associated with test administrations.
Read the BEST Plus 2.0 usage policy.
Browse the BEST family of products designed to meet your assessment needs.
BEST Plus 2.0 is CAL's oral English proficiency assessment for adults. Read More.
BEST Literacy is CAL's English literacy proficiency assessment for adults. Read More.