Rather than measuring language fluency, the Social English Exam will test students’ abilities to understand and respond using English in different social situations with native English speakers.

“If you misread English in a social setting, then you could make a costly mistake,” iTEP said. “You could be called rude and lose a client, create tension with your co-workers, or miss opportunities to have meaningful, international friendships.

“The best way to avoid these outcomes is to understand your abilities as a social English user.”

The SEE will allow test-takers to gain a basic understanding of their social English skills for free, and identify whether they need to practice their skills further.

The short 20-question test is available for non-native English speakers of all ages, fluency levels, and professions.

Earlier this year, the US-based English proficiency exam provider was one of many testing providers to pause in-country operations in Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine.

“The recent actions against Ukraine are antithetical to [promoting global learning and cultural exchange] and against what international educators stand for,” president Jim Brosam II. told The PIE in late March.