STAMPe Test Taker Guide

Getting Ready for the Assessment​

Rules for taking an Avant test infographic
Download the Avant Rules Handout

Avant STAMP 4Se (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) is an online, computer-adaptive test that checks to see how well you are learning a second language.

This assessment lets you show how well you can read, write, listen, and speak the language you are learning.

  1. Take a Sample Test to experience the types of questions and the assessment flow. You will NOT receive a score or experience the computer-adaptive technology.
  2. Practice speaking and writing using the language that you are learning.
  3. Review all Rules for Taking an Avant Test.

Beginning the Assessment

  • Your teacher or proctor will help you to log in.
  • After that, you will complete a profile.

You will then see a screen with a picture of four animals – one for each section of the test. Your teacher will tell you which animal to click.

At the beginning of each section, you will see​:

  • Instructions. Please read them carefully. You also can listen to them in the testing language.
  • Practice question/prompt. Do not spend too much time on this question. Remember that this is only a PRACTICE question/prompt, it does not count in the final score.

After answering each question, click the NEXT button on the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down, if necessary. After clicking the NEXT button, you will not be able to go back.

After the last question in each section of the test, a message tells you that you are done with the section. Click the button to select another section, then click the animal the teacher tells you to.

Reading Section

Number of Questions: approximately 24 multiple-choice questions

Average Time: 25-35 minutes clock icon.

Please read the instructions carefully. Click on the blue play button to listen to them in the testing language. Click the NEXT button to move to the questions. 

  • Answer the question.
  • Click the NEXT button, in the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down, if necessary. After clicking the NEXT button, you will not be able to return to the question.
STAMP 4Se sample reading question.

Writing Section

Number of Prompts: 1 practice prompt and 2 test prompts

Character Limit: Up to 2500 characters (400-600 words) for each response

Average Time: 15 minutes clock icon.

  • Please read the instructions carefully. Click the blue play button to listen to the prompt in the testing language. You can listen to the recording two (2) times. After two attempts, the button will become inactive.
  • Click the NEXT button to move to the next screen. 
  • Read the entire prompt first. Click the blue play button to listen to the prompt in the testing language. 
  • Type your response in the text box. The test will auto-save it every 10 seconds.
  • Click NEXT to submit the response and move to the next prompt.  After clicking NEXT, you will not be able to go back.
STAMP 4Se writing section sample prompt.

Writing Section Tips:

  1. Read the entire prompt first.
  2. Write in the language you are testing.
  3. Use complete sentences.
  4. Write as much as you can. Include as many details as possible.
  5. Organize your thoughts.

Listening Section

Number of Questions: approximately 24 multiple-choice questions

Average Time: 25-35 minutes clock icon.

Please read the instructions carefully. Click on the blue play button to listen to them in the testing language. Click the NEXT button to move to the questions. 

  • Click the blue play button to listen to the recording and question, which will play twice. You can click the blue play button only two (2) times. 
  • Answer the question.
  • Click the NEXT button, in the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down, if necessary. After clicking the NEXT button, you will not be able to return to the question.
STAMP 4Se sample Listening question.

Speaking Section

Number of Prompts: 1 practice prompt and 2 test prompts

Recording Time Limit: You will have three (3) minutes of recording time for each Speaking response 

Average Time: 15 minutes clock icon.

Please read the instructions carefully. Click on the blue play button to listen to them in the testing language. Click the NEXT button to move to the next screen.

  • Please read the instructions carefully. Click the blue play button to listen to the prompt in the testing language. You can listen to the recording two (2) times. After two attempts, the button will become inactive.
  • Click “Begin Recording” to record your response. 
  • Click “Stop Recording” when you are finished. If you see the “Begin Recording” button again, your recording was not captured.
  • Click “Listen” to play your recording.
    listen to recording button.
  • Click the NEXT button to submit your response. After clicking NEXT, you will not be able to go back. 
STAMP 4Se sample speaking prompt.

Speaking Section Tips:

  1. Read the entire prompt first.
  2. Speak in the language you are testing.
  3. Use complete sentences.
  4. Say as much as you can. Include as many details as possible.
  5. Organize your thoughts.

Resuming the Assessment

If you get logged out, log back in with the same Test Code, Password, and Login Name. The test will take you to the section where you left off. Contact your proctor or teacher for help:

  • Click Continue Test after entering the Test Code and Password.
  • Re-enter your Login Name exactly as you did the first time.

Finish all sections of the test until the test is completed (unless otherwise directed).

Completing the Assessment

When you have completed the test, you will see the “Congratulations! You have completed the test!” message. You must finish the test within 90 days of starting it.

main screen after finishing all 4 sections.

Getting Assessment Results

Test results are delivered to the testing coordinator after test completion. Test takers should contact their testing coordinator to receive test results.

Check out the STAMP Benchmarks and Rubric Guide, and Test Taker Power Up Guide to know what is required to achieve a specific test level.

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