UEH Strengthens Cooperation in Developing English Language Assessment Resources, Aiming to Establish a Standardized VSTEP Test Bank
09 Nov, 2026
Dr. Dinh Cong Khai representing UEH at the signing ceremony
UEH Connects Stakeholders and Promotes Collaboration to Strengthen English Language Assessment Capacity
The signing ceremony took place amid growing attention to the standardization of foreign language proficiency assessment and the enhancement of assessment capacity at higher education institutions. The event was attended by leaders of Hue University, representatives of the Department of Education and Training of Hue City, and representatives of partner universities. Representing UEH were Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH, and other university representatives.
Dr. Dinh Cong Khai delivering remarks
Under the cooperation framework, the University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Hue University, will collaborate with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Vinh University, and Quy Nhon University to strengthen resource and professional knowledge sharing and develop English language assessment systems. In particular, connecting higher education institutions across different regions is expected to expand the cooperation network, promote the sharing of expertise, and enhance the quality of assessment activities nationwide.
Strengthening Collaboration in Developing a Standardized VSTEP Test Item Bank
One of the key areas of the agreement is collaboration in sharing and developing standardized and validated English test materials. Accordingly, the University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Hue University, will share its standardized and validated VSTEP test materials and work with UEH and partner universities to develop and expand a standardized English test item bank.
In addition to developing test materials, the parties also aim to share procedures for test validation and standardization, and organize professional development programs to enhance the expertise of personnel working in assessment. These activities are important in helping higher education institutions strengthen their professional capabilities and gradually take greater ownership of the processes involved in assessing English language proficiency.
Delegates attending the signing ceremony
Through this collaboration, UEH will have further opportunities to access and exchange expertise and develop its assessment resources alongside a higher education institution with extensive experience in foreign language education and English proficiency assessment. At the same time, the sharing of learning materials, professional procedures, and practical experience will provide a foundation for the parties to progressively enhance standardization, reliability, and quality in assessment activities.
Towards Greater Institutional Autonomy in English Language Proficiency Assessment
As highlighted during the program, developing a validated and standardized test item bank is an important foundation for higher education institutions to progressively achieve greater autonomy in English language proficiency assessment.
Under Circular No. 09 issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, higher education institutions with validated and standardized test item banks will be positioned to implement independent and autonomous English proficiency assessment schemes from January 2027. This creates a need to strengthen test development capabilities, standardize assessment procedures, and develop professional teams within each institution.
Through this cooperation agreement, UEH and its partner universities aim to progressively strengthen assessment capabilities, develop teams of experts, and expand professional exchange activities. This also provides an opportunity for UEH to further consolidate its resources in foreign language education and meet the increasingly demanding requirements for English language teaching and proficiency assessment in higher education.
Delegates posing for a commemorative photo
Text and photos: Institute of Languages and International Studies
