Vietnam Rises to ‘Moderate English Proficiency’ Rank from the “low proficiency” category where it was last year
Vietnam has been promoted to the “moderate proficiency” category in the English Proficiency Index (EPI) by Education First (EF). This advancement is highlighted by a score of 500, elevating Vietnam from the “low proficiency” category where it was last year. Ranking 64th out of 123 countries, Vietnam surpasses the global average score of 488, signifying an improvement in English skills.
The EF EPI classifies moderate proficiency within a score range of 500 to 549, equivalent to a B1-B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This suggests individuals in Vietnam can comprehend main points in standard communications and articulate simple texts on familiar topics. Vietnam’s improvement is notable within Asia, where it ranks 7th among 25 countries, outpacing nations like China, India, and Japan.
In Asia, Malaysia leads with a score of 581, followed by the Philippines and Hong Kong. Due to its native English-speaking classification, Singapore is excluded from the ranking. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, leads domestically with a score of 532, closely followed by other cities such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong, reflecting broad geographic improvement.
Young professionals aged 26 to 30 in Vietnam exhibit the highest proficiency, with an average score of 544. Anh Hoang, Country Manager of EF Vietnam, remarks on this progress as a significant step for Vietnam’s participation in the global workforce, emphasizing the role of English in technology-driven industries. Hoang notes, “English remains the bridge that connects Vietnamese professionals to ideas, data, and global collaboration.”
The latest EPI, involving data from 2.2 million EF SET test-takers in 2024, introduces assessments in speaking and writing alongside traditional reading and listening evaluations. Supported by AI technology from Efekta Education Group, these developments aim to measure real-world communication skills. Meanwhile, the Netherlands retains the top global position with a score of 624, followed by Croatia and Austria, reported VN Express.
Key Takeaways
- Vietnam advances to moderate English proficiency, scoring 500.
- Improvement seen across major cities and among young professionals.
- New assessments include speaking and writing, supported by AI tools.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-11-20
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1379409-vietnam-rises-to-moderate-english-proficiency-rank/
