What the Educational Testing Service Does: Your Guide to a Global Leader in Education

Have you ever wondered who designs and administers some of the most crucial standardized tests that shape academic and professional futures worldwide? From college admissions to teacher certification, a single, prominent organization often stands behind these assessments. We're talking about the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

But what the Educational Testing Service does goes far beyond simply creating tests. It's a non-profit powerhouse dedicated to advancing quality and equity in education globally through rigorous research and innovative assessments. If you've ever felt the pressure of a standardized exam or are curious about the forces behind educational measurement, this article will demystify ETS and shed light on its significant role.

What is the Educational Testing Service (ETS)?

Founded in 1947, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the world's largest private non-profit educational testing and assessment organization. Its mission is to advance quality and equity in education for all people worldwide. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, ETS operates globally, developing, administering, and scoring over 50 million tests annually in more than 180 countries and at over 9,000 locations.

ETS was established by three other non-profit educational institutions: the American Council on Education, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and The College Entrance Examination Board. Their aim was to create a dedicated entity for educational research and assessment, believing it could fundamentally contribute to the progress of education.

Key Assessments and Programs by ETS

When you think about what the Educational Testing Service does, its wide array of standardized tests often comes to mind first. ETS develops and administers many of the most recognized and influential exams used for higher education admissions, English language proficiency, and professional certification.

Standardized Tests for Higher Education

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): The GRE General Test is widely accepted for admission to graduate and professional programs, including business and law schools, across the globe. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. ETS also offers GRE Subject Tests, which measure knowledge in specific fields like Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): This is the premier test of English communication, specifically designed to measure language skills in an academic context. It's a critical requirement for non-native English speakers applying to universities and programs where English is the language of instruction.
Praxis Series Assessments: Designed specifically for educators, the Praxis tests measure the knowledge and skills necessary for aspiring teachers to prepare for the classroom and obtain certification or licensure.

Other Important ETS Initiatives

Beyond these well-known exams, ETS is involved in several other significant educational programs and assessments:

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): While TOEFL focuses on academic English, the TOEIC test measures English communication skills specifically for the workplace.
HiSET (High School Equivalency Test): ETS offers the HiSET exam, providing a pathway for individuals to earn a high school equivalency credential.
Research and Development: A core part of what the Educational Testing Service does is its extensive research. ETS employs a large team of psychometricians and researchers who focus on advancing measurement science, ensuring the validity and fairness of their assessments, and exploring new methods in educational measurement. Their research informs test development and contributes to broader educational policy.
K–12 State Assessments: ETS also develops K–12 statewide assessments used for accountability testing in many U.S. states.

How ETS Ensures Fairness and Validity

A critical aspect of what the Educational Testing Service does is its unwavering commitment to ensuring the fairness and validity of its tests. Why is this so important? Because these tests often have significant consequences for individuals' educational and career paths.

ETS employs a meticulous system of internal checks and balances throughout the test development, administration, and scoring processes. This includes:

Fairness Evaluations: Trained reviewers conduct fairness evaluations, and routine analyses of test questions are performed to ensure they do not unfairly contribute to group differences.
Rigorous Training: All personnel involved in test development and scoring undergo rigorous training to ensure test-takers have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
Accommodations: ETS provides appropriate accommodations, such as alternate test formats or extra time, for test-takers with disabilities or health-related needs.
Validity Research: Extensive research and analyses are conducted to establish that a test measures what it is intended to measure (construct validity, content validity, predictive validity, etc.). This ensures the scores are meaningful and can be interpreted accurately.

ETS's dedication to quality and fairness is outlined in its "Standards for Quality and Fairness" and other guidelines, which are publicly available.

The Impact of the Educational Testing Service on Education

The influence of what the Educational Testing Service does is profound and far-reaching. By providing reliable and fair assessments, ETS plays a crucial role in:

Higher Education Admissions: ETS tests like the GRE and TOEFL serve as vital tools for universities worldwide to evaluate applicants' readiness for demanding academic programs, especially for international students.
Professional Certification: The Praxis series ensures that educators meet essential standards before entering the classroom, contributing to the quality of teaching.
Educational Research and Policy: ETS's continuous research into educational measurement helps advance the field, providing insights that can inform educational policies and practices globally.
Promoting Lifelong Learning: By offering assessments that measure a wide range of skills, ETS supports individuals in understanding their knowledge and abilities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and workforce readiness.

Conclusion

The Educational Testing Service is more than just a test maker; it's a global non-profit organization deeply embedded in the fabric of education. What the Educational Testing Service does encompasses developing, administering, and scoring critical assessments that facilitate academic and professional advancement for millions. Through its commitment to research, fairness, and validity, ETS strives to ensure that educational opportunities are accessible and equitable for all.

Understanding ETS's role can empower you, whether you're a student preparing for an exam, an educator, or simply someone interested in the world of educational measurement.

What has been your experience with ETS tests? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore other articles on our blog for more insights into navigating your educational journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ETS a government organization?

No, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is a private, non-profit organization. It was founded in 1947 by a consortium of other non-profit educational institutions.

How can I prepare for an ETS test?

ETS provides official study materials, practice tests, and guides for its exams. These resources are designed to help you understand the test format, content, and question types, allowing you to practice under timed conditions and improve your time management skills.

Does ETS offer practice tests?

Yes, ETS offers various official practice tests and study materials for its exams, often available on its official website. Utilizing these resources is highly recommended for test preparation.

What is the difference between TOEFL and TOEIC?

Both TOEFL and TOEIC are English language proficiency tests developed by ETS. The key difference lies in their purpose: the TOEFL test measures English skills in an academic context for university admissions, while the TOEIC test assesses English communication skills for the workplace.