PACUCOA, British Council level up programme accreditation standards in PH with Aptis English test

The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) has officially recognised the British Council’s Aptis test as an acceptable proof of English proficiency following its updates on the criteria for programme accreditation in higher education institutions (HEIs) starting 2025. 

“The updated standards of PACUCOA aim to address the deficiencies in English communication skills of graduates of our accredited institutions and to improve them; thus,  enhancing the employability of graduates,” said PACUCOA Executive Director, Dr. Adlai C. Castigador. 

Students must have a minimum English proficiency level of B1 (Intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while teachers must demonstrate proficiency at C1 (Advanced) level. CEFR is a globally recognised system that provides a clear structure for assessing an individual’s ability to use a language effectively.  

Guided by the CEFR, the British Council-developed Aptis test can assess all four skills  (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) along with a core component of grammar and vocabulary. It is used by governments, universities, and organisations in over 85 countries worldwide, and has variants that can suit different educational and institutional needs. 

In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests in English reading, the Philippines scored 347 in reading literacy versus the Organisation for Economic  Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 476, remaining among the lowest in 81  countries.  

PACUCOA also cited the Trends in International Math and Science Survey (TIMSS) and the  Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) where the Philippines ranked among the lowest in reading, writing and English communication skills. These results were validated by the Philippine Statistics Authority Functional Literacy Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) 2024, recording basic literacy at 93.1 percent and functional literacy (including higher level comprehension skills) at 70.8 percent. 

“Integrating English proficiency tests like Aptis empowers universities to align with international academic standards, enhance global credibility, and equip students with language skills essential for internationalisation and employability in a competitive global market. We are honoured by this recognition and look forward to deepening our collaboration with PACUCOA in the future,” said Lotus Postrado, Country Director of the British Council in the Philippines. 

The British Council has been a long-standing partner in advancing English language education in the Philippines, especially in higher education. Through capacity-building  programmes, research partnerships, and the provision of internationally recognised English 

assessment tools, the British Council supports institutions in enhancing teaching quality and student learning outcomes. 

“We are grateful for this acceptance and recognition of Aptis in the Philippines. We will continue to support PACUCOA and its member institutions in understanding the CEFR and building strategies to improve the English communication skills of their students and teachers,” said Mike Cabigon, Business Development Manager for English and Exams at the  British Council Philippines. 

For more information about Aptis and to book a demo for your institution, visit  https://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam/aptis.