Eighty-eight per cent of students taking the International English Language Testing System have scored high enough to be declared 'competent' or 'good'.

Announcing the results of the Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme assessment for 2005-06 today, the University Grants Committee said the 9,574 candidates were final-year students of degree programmes funded by the committee. Their average overall score was 6.67 on a nine-point scale. However, 88% scored in the 6-7.5 range, making them 'competent' or 'good'.

Of the testing system's four modules, students were generally better English readers than they were speakers.

The committee held 34 test sessions from July 2005 to May 2006. The next assessment scheme will open for registration from mid-September. All final year undergraduate students of the committee's funded degree programmes can apply.

Students can now register online at the scheme's website from April 18 to October 21.