Equating the Royal Thai Navy English Proficiency Test (NEPT) With the American Language Course Placement Test (ALCPT)

Abstract

The Royal Thai Navy Language Proficiency Test (NEPT), established by the Naval Education Department (NED) in 2021, plays a crucial role in the Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) Personnel Management. In fiscal year 2023, the RTN assigned the NED the task of equating the NEPT with other standardized tests to enhance its efficacy. However, it's worth noting that most standardized English tests are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scales, allowing scores to be compared within this reference framework. This study aims to equate the NEPT with the widely recognized American Language Course Placement Test (ALCPT), an English language examination commonly used within international armed forces. The ALCPT was originally designed for placing and assessing students in an American Language Course (ALC) program, and screening candidates before assigning them to positions on overseas US military installations in accordance with US military regulations. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the NEPT scores and the ALCPT scores, and to develop a mathematical model estimating scores on both tests. A random stratified sample of 245 trainees from seven courses, together with voluntary officers, provided different layers based on ranks, units, and military lines within the RTN. The finding of the study revealed a highly linear positive correlation between NEPT and ALCPT scores, reaching 87.60% . The result of linear regression analysis indicates that NEPT scores can be used to predict or estimate the ALCPT scores with a predictive variation level of 76.70% . The linear regression equation for ALCPT scores is represented by , where  represents the ALCPT score, and  represents the NEPT score. In addition, the research results can be used to compare the ALCPT scores with the NEPT scores to determine the baseline requirement for setting the initial salary rate for managing RTN Human Resources, as well as for considering the management of RTN personnel in various areas.