The latest English Proficiency Index (EPI) by Education First (EF), released last week, shows that Vietnam dropped five places to rank 63rd out of 116 countries and territories, placing it in the “low proficiency” group. Vietnam scored 498 out of 800, a slight decrease from its 2023 score and marking its lowest performance since ranking 52nd in 2019.
Mark Do, Country Manager of EF Education First in Vietnam, explained that the ranking is based on voluntary test results from participants aged 18 and above worldwide.
The free online test evaluates reading and listening skills, with scores classified into six proficiency levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). National scores are calculated as three-year averages to minimize annual sample fluctuations.
“This calculation method stabilizes the index and ensures consistency in evaluating professions, job functions, and ranks,” Do said.
He added that Vietnam’s decline can be attributed to the test’s broader reach, which now includes smaller provinces and cities beyond urban areas with better English education infrastructure.
“Vietnam’s proficiency score showed a slight decrease in 2024 after three consecutive years of growth. Compared to global trends, this decline is relatively minor,” he noted.
Vietnam’s previous scores hovered slightly above the “moderate” range, suggesting that the expansion of the test to less-developed regions likely contributed to the lower average, he said.
A consultant and Ph.D. in English teaching methodology, who requested anonymity, argued that EF’s rankings lack specialization and do not fully represent Vietnam. She noted that the scores reflect the performance of individuals voluntarily taking EF’s tests, unlike the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which uses a selected sample for standardized evaluations.
“These results are not professionally utilized,” she said, adding that EF’s test format lacks the rigor of widely recognized exams like TOEFL iBT or IELTS.
She also emphasized that EF has not obtained permission from Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training for assessment or sampling purposes. “EF primarily caters to students studying English abroad,” she said.
In response, EF highlighted its consistent data collection since 2011, three-year average methodology, and large-scale accessibility.
Do emphasized that EF’s data captures trends across diverse groups, including those unable to afford expensive proficiency tests like IELTS.
The latest EF SET test version, launched in mid-2024, now evaluates all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, offering a more comprehensive assessment.
While the decline raises concerns, EF claims its data remains a valuable tool for analyzing global English proficiency trends and regional comparisons.
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