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Jun 4, 2025
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Jun 23, 2025
Published
Jun 29, 2025
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Cilacap State Polytechnic students' readiness for the EPT-P and determine the obstacles they encounter as well as the strategies they employ to pass the test. This research used a mixed-methods case study design. To collect data, it used test and questionnaires which refer to the theory of Self-Regulated Learning, Test Taking Strategy, TAM and study of interlanguage. Analysis was based on Likert scale responses. It involved 60 final-year students of Cilacap State Polytechnic in the academic year of 2021/2022 from different study programmes. The study found that students at the State Polytechnic of Cilacap had a general lack of English competence, with just 25 out of 60 (41%) scoring over the 400 EPT-P pass score. Key issues were linguistic difficulties 37 students (62%) struggled with long reading texts, 41 (68%) struggled with essay writing, and 40 (67%) had difficulty listening, with 17 (28%) strongly agreeing.  Psychological challenges were particularly significant: 28 students (47%) reported anxiety, while 44 (73%) reported losing focus. Technological and resource challenges were prominent, with 40 students (67%) lacking preparation materials and 55 (92%) never having had official instruction. Furthermore, 33 students (55%) considered the listening equipment unclear, and 54 (90%) thought the test was overpriced. Only 16 students (27%) prepared mentally and physically, while only 9 (15%) took classes. These findings, which were backed by many language learning and educational theories, emphasise the importance of economical training, easily accessible materials, and personalised coaching in improving student performance.

Keywords

English proficiency test Readiness Challenge Strategy

Article Details

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Widianingsih, B., Vikasari, C., Hazrina, F., & Prabowo, A. S. (2025). Assessing Cilacap State Polytechnic Students’ Ability to Conduct English Proficiency Test: Challenges and Strategies. JADEs Journal of Academia in English Education, 6(1), 68-85. https://doi.org/10.32505/jades.v6i1.11456

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