English listening comprehension tests are now one step closer to being included in the College Entrance Exam. A trial run has been scheduled to start in September this year, and it could be made official in 2013 at the earliest.

English listening comprehension tests may become part of the college entrance examination as soon as 2013.

The College Entrance Examination Center is planning to administer the test, which will be comprised of multiple choice questions, twice per year starting on September 18th.

For the time being, only high school seniors will be able to register for the test, which will have a registration fee of around 400 NT.

Teachers' organizations have expressed support for the new test, and say that the exam provides a closer approximation of materials used in high school English classes than the tests currently in use.

However, parents' groups say that the Ministry of Education needs to strengthen basic English language education before it starts administering English tests.

In the initial stages, proctors will play CDs or use PA broadcast systems during tests. According to reports, some top universities intend to incorporate English listening comprehension test scores into their admission criteria.