English language tests and diplomas

May 17, 2009

English language tests and diplomas

Categories: Language diplomas

If English is not your first language, it is highly likely that you will have to take an English language test or obtain an English language diploma as proof of your English skills if you want to work or study in an English-speaking country. The following is an overview of the most well known English language tests and diplomas:

University of Cambridge ESOL examinations

The University of Cambridge, in the UK, offers a wide range of English language examinations for speakers of other languages, from beginner to advanced level, as well as academic English and professional English examinations and English teacher qualifications. The exams can be taken in many locations around the world and are widely recognized.

General English exams:

Key English Test (KET) – basic English, level A2.
This test consists of 3 parts: reading and writing, speaking and listening.
Preliminary English Test (PET) – intermediate English, level B1.
This test consists of 3 parts: reading and writing, speaking and listening.
First Certificate in English (FCE) – upper-intermediate English, level B2.
This test consists of 5 parts: reading, writing, use of English, speaking and listening.
There are two set texts with one specific question on each. From December 2008 until December 2009 the set texts are:
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
- The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – advanced English, level C1.
This test consists of 5 parts: reading, writing, use of English, speaking and listening.
Two set texts are included in the writing paper with one text specific question on each. From December 2008 until December 2009 the set texts are:
- Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
- The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – highest level, C2.
This test consists of 5 parts: reading, writing, use of English, speaking and listening.
For 2009, one or both of the following texts may be read as background preparation for the two optional set text tasks:
- Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
- The Way I Found Her by Rose Tremain

Professional English exams:

Business English Certificates (BEC), available in 3 levels:
- BEC Preliminary (level B1)
- BEC Vantage (level B2)
- BEC Higher (level C1)
International Legal English Certificate (ILEC) – levels B2 and C1
The exam consists of four separate papers testing reading, writing, listening and speaking. Cambridge ILEC is based on realistic tasks and topics that legal practitioners might expect to encounter in their daily working lives.
See also www.legalenglishtest.org for more information.
International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE) – level B2 and C1
Cambridge ICFE is comprised of four separate tests, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, and the exam lasts around 3.5 hours. The tasks are based on tasks and topics that finance professionals would expect to encounter in their daily lives.

You can find more detailed information on all Cambridge ESOL examinations on the University of Cambridge’s website.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is managed by the British Council, IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and recognised by more than 6000 institutions across 120 countries. Tests are held in over 500 centres around the world. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The test is marked on a scale from 0 to 9. There is no pass or fail mark. Over 1.2 million candidates take the test each year.

More information on the official IELTS website.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL® test is one of the most widely accepted English-language tests in the world. Over 6000 institutions in over 130 countries accept it.
The test can be taken in two different formats: Internet-based test (iBT) (scale of 0 to 120 points) or paper-based test (PBT) (scale of 310 to 677 points), depending on which format is offered at the test center.
The Internet-based test consists of reading, listening, speaking and writing sections, whereas the paper-based test consists of listening, structure and written expression, reading comprehension and writing. The Internet-based test is progressively replacing the paper-based test.
TOEFL scores lose their validity after two years.

More information on the official TOEFL website.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

TOEIC is a test that measures English skills in the global workplace. It consists of a speaking and writing test and a listening and reading test.

More information on the official TOEIC website.

TSE (Test of Spoken English)

The Test of Spoken English (TSE), the most widely used assessment of spoken English worldwide, measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to communicate effectively. The test is used for employment, graduate assistantships, licensure, and certification purposes.

More information on the TSE’s official website.

University of Michigan English Language Institute

The English Language Institute was established in 1941 as the first English language research and teaching program of its kind in the United States.

The Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) is a high-intermediate level general EFL exam. The ECCE emphasizes communicative use of English rather than a formalistic knowledge of English, and it is aimed at students who are able to function and perform communicative transactions in all four skill areas of the language (speaking, listening, reading, writing).

The Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English is a test of advanced English language proficiency, reflecting skills and content typically used in university or professional contexts. The ECPE assesses linguistic, discoursal, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic elements of the English language. Receptive and productive skills (reading, listening, speaking, writing) are evaluated through a combination of integrated and discrete tasks. The ECPE is aimed at the C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The Certificate of Proficiency in English is recognized in several countries as official documentary evidence of advanced proficiency in the English language and can be used for academic and professional purposes.

More information on the University of Michigan’s website.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications have been awarded since 1887 and are recognized by employers, governments and universities worldwide. They are offered through a network of over 4000 centers. The following English language qualifications are offered:

English for Business (preliminary level, level 1, level 2, level 3 and level 4)
Spoken English for Industry and Commerce (preliminary level, level 1, level 2, level 3 and level 4)
English for Tourism (level 1 and level 2)
Spoken English for Tourism
Written English for Tourism
JETSET ESOL International Qualification from EDI
The EDI JETSET (Junior English Tests, Senior English Tests) ESOL International Qualifications are skills based English language qualifications that have been designed to develop and assess a candidate’s ability to communicate in English. Seven levels are available.
English Language Skills Assessment (ELSA)
ELSA (English Language Skills Assessment) is a diagnostic tool covering the 4 language skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing. ELSA cover all levels of English language ability from very low to very high (Council of Europe A1 to C2) on a single scale for each skill.
Foundation English Language Skills Assessment (FELSA)
Foundation English Language Skills Assessment (FELSA) is a diagnostic tool to test and evaluate English language ability in Listening, Reading and Speaking for candidates with a basic level of English language proficiency (below CEF A1-A2).
First Certificate for Teachers of Business English (FTBE)
Certificate for Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (CertTEFL)

More information on the LCCI’s website.

Pearson Language Tests

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a new international computer-based academic English language test, delivering real-life measures of test takers’ language ability to universities, higher education institutions, government departments and other organizations requiring academic-level English. The new test will accurately measure the Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking ability of test takers who are non-native speakers of English and who want to study at institutions where English is the principal language of instruction.

London Tests of English (to be known as PTE General) are designed to reward positive achievement in English language learning. The LTE consist of two parts: a written paper and an oral test. There are six levels which are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

London Tests of English for Children (to be known as PTE Young Learners) are designed to be interesting and fun for young learners and they aim to make a child’s first experience of learning English, memorable and motivating.

More information on Pearson’s website.

Trinity College London ESOL

Trinity College London has been setting standards and testing English language for more than 50 years. Its certificates are accepted by universities and employers worldwide. The following examinations are offered: