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The main exams in English language testing
Access Certificate in English Language Teaching (ACE)
For candidates who need a certificate in teaching English. Practical assessment and written examination.
Test dates: Contact exam board for fixed exam sessions.
Exam board: City and Guilds
BEC (Business English Certificates)
A suite of three exams testing English language ability in a business context.
Age: 16+
Level: Three levels: BEC Preliminary (CEFR B1 Threshold), BEC Vantage (CEFR B2 Vantage), BEC Higher (CEFR C1 Effective Operational Proficiency).
Test dates: March, May, June and November 2008 (pencil and paper test); computer-based tests available throughout the year.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Bulats (Business Language Testing Service)
A language assessment service for organisations which need a reliable and affordable way of assessing the language ability of groups of employees or trainees.
Age: 18+
Level: Up to C2 Mastery Level: Available in English, French, German and Spanish.
Test dates: Organisations conduct the exams themselves, selecting dates and times for their own convenience. The tests are available on demand.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
An advanced exam for those who communicate with confidence for work or study purposes. Recognised by the majority of British higher education institutions.
Level: CEFR C1 Effective Operational Proficiency.
Exam dates: March, June and December 2008.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge Young Learners’ English tests
Age: 7-12
Levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers. Flyers level is roughly equivalent to KET (Key English Test).
Test dates: Dates are set by centers, taking into account local needs and conditions. Contact your local center for details of next test dates.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life Certificates
A suite of modular tests designed for learners whose first language is not English and who are living or trying to settle in the UK. Only offered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Age: 16+
Level: Entry 1, 2, and 3 and Level 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework = CEFR A1 (Breakthrough) to C1 (Effective Operational Efficiency).
Test dates: Held on demand throughout the year – check with your local center.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge ESOL Certificates in ESOL for Work
A suite of tests designed to support migrant and settled workers who are in work or intending to work in the UK. Only offered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Age: 16+
Level: Entry 3 and 1 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) = CEFR B1 (Threshold) and B2 (Vantage)
Test dates: Held on demand throughout the year – check with your local center.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Certificate TESOL
Designed for those with little or no experience of teaching English to speakers of other languages. It is accepted by the British Council’s accredited teaching organisations.
Age: 18+
Levels: Accredited in the UK by the QCA at Level 4 on the National Qualifications.
Test dates: Moderations available all year round. Check with course provider for schedules.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Certificate TEYL
Designed for those with little or no experience of teaching English to young learners 6 to 12 years of age. Teachers may therefore be practising teachers holding a licence to teach in their own country or the country where they teach.
Age: 18+
Levels: Accredited in the UK by the QCA at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Test dates: Tesol moderations available all year round. Check with course provider for schedules.
Exam board: Trinity College London
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
A very advanced exam for students with a high level of language able to function effectively in almost any English-speaking context.
Level: CEFR C2 Mastery Level.
Test dates: June and December 2008.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Delta (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
For experienced teachers of English to speakers of other languages, who are ready to progress their careers.
Test dates: Held throughout the year – check with your local center.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
English for Business
Core examination is a reading and writing test of business related tasks. Optional speaking and listening tasks also available.
Level: Preliminary to level 4.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: LCCI International Qualifications
English for Business Communications
Recognises a learner’s ability to read and write the complete range of business communications. Examination is by a single written test.
Age: 16 +
Level: 3 levels, from pre-intermediate to advanced.
Test dates: On demand with a minimum of two weeks’ notice from centres in the UK and Ireland and a minimum of four weeks’ notice for all other centres.
Exam board: City and Guilds (formerly Pitman Qualifications)
English for Office Skills
Ideal for those proofreading or producing paperwork in English. Examination is by a single written test.
Age: 16 +
Levels: Two levels.
Test dates: On demand with a minimum of two weeks’ notice from centres in the UK and Ireland and a minimum of four weeks’ notice for all other centres.
Exam board: City and Guilds (formerly Pitman Qualifications)
English for Tourism Spoken and written examinations
Designed to assess proficiency of English for the tourism industry.
Age: 18 +
Levels: Levels 1 and 2.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: LCCI International Qualifications
English Language Skills Assessment (ELSA)
A series of tests that assess core English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Uses a single-scale scoring system. Online and paper- based versions available.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: LCCI International Qualifications
English Placement Test
Designed to place adult students in an intensive English language programme.
Age: 18+
Level: Beginner to upper-intermediate level.
Test dates: According to need of institution.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
Esol and Spoken Esol for Young Learners
Specifically aimed at younger students who are just starting to learn English. Esol examination is by a single written test. Spoken Esol examination is by a single spoken test.
Age: 8-14
Level: Two levels: basic and elementary.
Test dates: On demand with a minimum of two weeks’ notice from centres in the UK and Ireland and a minimum of four weeks’ notice for all other centres.
Exam board: City and Guilds (formerly Pitman Qualifications)
Esol for Work (UK only)
External assessments of reading, writing, speaking and listening intended for people living and working or planning to work in the UK.
Age: 16+
Test dates: Speaking and listening assessments available all year round and can be combined in a block booking with Esol Skills for Life. Reading and writing exams held monthly.
Level: Entry 3 and Level 1 on the National Qualifications Framework in the UK.
Examboard: Trinity College London
Esol Skills for Life (UK only)
External assessments of reading, writing, speaking and listening intended for UK residents whose first language is not English.
Age: 16+
Level: Step 1 and Step 2. QCA’s accredited at Entry 1 to Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework in the UK.
Test dates: Speaking and listening assessments available all year round and can be combined in a block booking with Esol for Work. Reading and writing exams held monthly.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Examination for the Certificate of Competence in English
To establish their competence in English for school or employment purposes.
Age: Unrestricted.
Level: Upper-intermediate.
Test dates: Twice a year at authorised centers.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English
Designed for advanced-level learners of English to demonstrate their proficiency in English to institutions of higher education and employers.
Age: Unrestricted.
Level: Advanced.
Test dates: Twice a year at authorised centers.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
FCE (First Certificate in English)
An upper intermediate exam for students who can deal confidently with a range of written and spoken communication
Test dates: March, June and December 2008.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Foundation English Language Skills Assessment
Covers three language skills – listening, reading and speaking. Online and paper based versions available.
Level: Basic
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: LCCI International Qualifications
Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
Initial stage (Grades 1–3)
The conduct of the examination is initiated by the examiner.
Age: 7+
Level: Grades 2 and 3 are at A1-A2, Basic User in the CEF.
Test dates: No fixed dates. Exam sessions available all year
round.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Graded Examinations in Spoken English
Elementary stage (Grades 4–6)
Candidate-initiated topic discussion. Examinerled conversation.
Age: 7+
Level: A2-B1, Basic to Independent User in the CEF.
Test dates: No fixed dates. Exam sessions available all year round.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Graded Examinations in Spoken English
Intermediate stage (Grades 7–9)
The candidate initiated topic discussion. Examiner-led conversation.
Age: 7+
Level: B2, Independent User in the CEF.
Test dates: No fixed dates. Exam sessions available all year
round.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Graded Examinations in Spoken English
Advanced stage (Grades 10–12)
Formal topic, listening task, conversation .
Age: 7+
Level: C2-C3, Independent to Proficient User in the CEF.
Test dates: No fixed dates. Exam sessions available all year round.
Exam board: Trinity College London
ICFE (International Certificate in Financial English)
An exam testing English used in the context of accountancy and finance.
Age: 18+
Level: CEFR B2-C1 Vantage/Effective Operational Proficiency.
Test dates: May, November 2008.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Ielts: (International English Language Testing System)
Available in academic and general training formats. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests. Reading and Writing tests vary.
Age: 16+
Level: An Ielts score of 6.5 is equivalent to C1 in the CFER framework.
Test dates: Available up to four times a month across 120 countries worldwide.
Exam board: Cambridge Esol with the British Council and IDP Australia.
ILEC (International Legal English Certificate)
An exam testing English used in a legal context.
Age: 18+
Level: CEFR B2-C1 Vantage/Effective Operational Proficiency.
Test dates: May, November 2008.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Tests all four language skills. The three components of assessment portfolio, written exam and interview.
Age: 7+ with recommended transition points at each level: 0 – Junior, I –Junior School, I - Middle School, II – Secondary School, III – College and University.
Level: Four levels (0-III) covering A2 to C1 in the Common European Framework.
Test dates: Speaking and listening assessments available all year round. Reading and writing exams held monthly.
Exam board: Trinity College London
International Esol
A communicative test of a learner’s reading, writing and listening skills in English. Examination is by a single written test.
Age: 16+
Level: Six levels linked to the Common European Framework: Preliminary (A1), Access (A2), Achiever (B1), Communicator (B2), Expert (C1) and Mastery (C2).
Test dates: On demand with a minimum of two weeks’ notice from centres in the UK and Ireland and a minimum of four weeks’ notice for all other centres.
Exam board: City and Guilds (formerly Pitman Qualifications)
International Spoken Esol
A communicative test of spoken English. Examination is by a single spoken test..
Age: 16 +
Level: Six levels linked to the Common European Framework: Preliminary (A1), Access (A2), Achiever (B1), Communicator (B2), Expert (C1) and Mastery (C2).
Test dates: On demand with a minimum of two weeks’ notice from centres in the UK and Ireland and a minimum of four weeks’ notice for all other centres.
Exam board: City and Guilds (formerly Pitman Qualifications).
Jetset Esol International
Compulsory reading and writing and listening tests. Optional speaking test.
Age: 6 +
Level: Foundation to level 6.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: Education Development International
KET (Key English Test)
An elementary level exam, testing student’s ability to deal with basic written and spoken communication.
Level: CEFR A2 Waystage.
Test dates: March, May, June, November and December 2008
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Licentiate Diploma Tesol
Designed for experienced teachers of Esol/EFL with two years experience. The diploma is widely available and is accepted by the British Council as a full Tefl qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organisations.
Age: Certificate Tesol or equivalent plus two years Esol teaching
experience.
Level: Accredited in the UK at Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Test dates: Tesol moderations available all year round. Check with course provider for schedules.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Listening Comprehension Test
Designed to assess the readiness of examinees for full-time post-secondary academic work.
Age: 18+
Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Test dates: According to need of institution.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
London Tests of English
This is a suite of tests designed for adult and teenage learners. Levels 4 and 5 are accepted for entrance to a number of UK universities and institutes of
higher education. They are scenario-based and assess reading, writing,
listening and speaking skills and are offered at six levels.
Age: 13+
Levels: Six levels from A1 (Foundation) to Level 5 (Proficient).
Test dates: May, June and December 2008.
Exam board: Pearson Language Assessments (Awarded by
Edexcel)
London Tests of English for Children
This is a suite of tests developed for assessing young learners. (age range 8 to 13 years). All four skills are assessed: reading, writing, listening and
speaking.
Level: Firstwords, Springboard, Quickmarch and Breakthrough.
Test dates: May, June and November 2008.
Exam board: Pearson Language Assessments (Awarded by Edexcel)
Michigan English Language Institute College English Test
Designed to assess the readiness of examinees for full-time post-secondary academic work.
Age: 18+
Level: Upper-intermediate to advanced.
Test dates: According to need of institution.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency
Designed to assess the readiness of examinees for full-time post-secondary academic work.
Age: 18+
Level: Advanced.
Test dates: According to need of institution.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
Melab (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
Used for academic and professional purposes.
Age: 18+
Level: Ielts/Toefl equivalent.
Test dates: Monthly administered by6 authorised examiners.
Exam board: University Of Michigan English Language Institute
PET (Preliminary English Test)
An intermediate level exam testing students’ ability to cope with everyday written and spoken communications
Level: CEFR B1 Threshold.
Test dates: March, May, June, November and December 2008.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Practical Business English
Tests ability in straightforward forms of business communicating.
Age: 18 +
Level: Elementary.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: LCCI International Qualifications
Spoken English for Industry and Commerce
Face-to-face spoken assessment approved external examiner. Tasks including general conversation, role plays, listening and reading comprehension. Only available in certain countries.
Age: 18 +
Level: Preliminary to level 4.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: LCCI International Qualifications
Spoken English Tests for Business (SETB)
For candidates who need to use spoken English in the workplace. Examination is by a single spoken test.
Age: 16 +
Level: Three levels broadly targeted as A1/A2, B1/B2 and C1/C2 of the CEF.
Test dates: On demand with a minimum of two weeks’ notice from centres in the UK and Ireland and a minimum of four weeks’ notice for all other centres.
Exam board: City and Guilds (formerly Pitman Qualifications)
Tesol Qualifications for the Lifelong Learning Sector
For those teaching or intending to teach in the lifelong learning sector in the UK. Endorsed by Standards Verification UK.
Age: 18+
Level: Accredited in the UK by the QCA at Level 4 on the NQF.
Test dates: Moderations available all year round. Check with course provider for schedules.
Exam board: Trinity College London
Test of Spoken English
Measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to communicate effectively. The test is used for employment, graduate assistantships, licensure and certification purposes.
Age: 16+
Level: Intermediate and above.
Test dates: Continuous.
Exam board: Educational Testing Services
TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
For teachers of all backgrounds: gives a strong foundation in the core areas of teaching knowledge needed in the English language teaching classroom.
Test dates: Held throughout the year – check with your local center.
Exam board: Cambridge ESOL
Toefl (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. The test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker’s location. The computer and paper-based (CBT, PBT) versions of the test will be given
at a particular location until the internet-based version is implemented (see Toefl iBT).
Age: 16+
Level: Intermediate plus (university entrance).
Test dates: Continuous.
Exam board: Educational Testing Services
Toefl iBT
The internet-based Toefl emphasises integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students’ ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework.
Age: 16+
Level: Intermediate plus (university entrance).
Test dates: Continuous.
Exam board: Educational Testing Services
Toeic (Test of English for International Communication)
Measures the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment.
Age: 16+
Level: Intermediate and above.
Test dates: Continuous.
Exam board: Educational Testing Services
Toles (Test of Legal English Skills)
Age: 18+
Level: Toles Foundation, Toles Higher and Toles Advanced.
Toles Foundation is for students with a lower level of general English and who have little or no experience of working with legal documents in English.
Toles Higher is for candidates who are familiar with, and actively able to use, the vocabulary introduced and tested at Toles Foundation level. The examination also tests new skills that are appropriate at this intermediate level of learning legal English. Toles Advanced is for candidates with a good level of general English who are familiar with working with legal documents written in English or have successfully taken the Toles Higher exam.
Test dates: Toles Foundation: 20 March, 19 June, 27 November. Toles Higher: 20 March, 19 June, 27 November. Toles Advanced is offered on demand.
Exam board: Global Legal English
Versant for English
Automated test of spoken English.
Age: Adult
Level: Elementary to advanced.
Test dates: On demand.
Exam board: Harcourt Assessment
For more information contact the exam boards directly.
www.acels.ie
www.anglia-examinations.co.uk
www.cityandguilds.com/IEQ
www.ets.org
www.esbuk.org
www.toles.co.uk
http://harcourtassessment.com
www.lccieb.com
www.nocn.org.uk
www.pearsonlanguageassessments.com/home/exams/
www.trinitycollege.co.uk/tesol
www.cambridgeesol.org
www.lsa.umich.edu/eli
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