We know what we are here for: we want to pass a language exam to get a certification at once. We may need it to get a university degree, we may want to study or work abroad, we may like the challenge, or we may want to have it for any other reason.
Depending on what we want one thing or another, the logical thing would be to opt for one type of exam or another. In this post I leave you the different types of exams, what each one is for, and the differences between them. I have collected the information about all these different types of certifications here to have it all organized in one place, and not have to search on seven different pages, as I have had to do.
It can also be useful if any of you have come here looking for information about what exam they are going to ask you for next year when you go on an exchange to Australia, for example.
Since this is a rehashed, shameless copy-paste of several articles, I put in parentheses where I got each extract from. You have the list of references at the end. Kisses.
Notice for sailors: The exams that I am going to take as a reference on this page to “prepare” you are going to be those of cambridge. Why is this? Well, because I imagine that if you are here it is, above all, because of what I mentioned in my previous video: to obtain the B1 and/or the B2, mainly, and Cambridge offers just that: to obtain the specific level qualification. Apart from the fact that they are the ones with which I have the most experience... Of course, the parts of Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking They are common to almost all exams, so you can also take advantage of them, even if you have in mind to take exams other than the Cambridge ones. ????
P.S.. Here I leave you the dates and prices of the Cambridge exams this year in Spain, which is good to know too. ????
(The country)
[It is clear that] “Taking one of these exams to try your luck makes no sense, it is a waste of time and money. It is important to know how the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and make the right decision.” “Exams are done for specific reasons, they should not be done without a specific objective.”
The two most internationally recognized certificates are the TOEFL and the IELTS, the first American and the second British and Australian. Both serve in the workplace and in academia. To cite an example, one of the requirements of the Fulbright program, which offers scholarships to international students to pursue postgraduate degrees in different specialties at American universities, is to have obtained a minimum score of seven on the IELTS or a 100 on the TOEFL, as long as the test has been passed within a maximum period of two years prior to the date of the call. In the United Kingdom, most universities require a minimum of six in the IELTS to be able to enroll in any degree or postgraduate degree.
In Spain the best known certificates are the First, Advanced and Proficiency the ePub version of Cambridge English. Below, we present a guide with the keys to each of these certificates.
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
They launched it in 1989 University of Cambridge, British Council and IDP Australia and it is, together with the TOEFL, the most used in the world for linguistic accreditation. In 2013, 2.5 million people were examined; of them 1.5 in Asia. The main difference with the TOEFL is that the exam is in person (not online) and the oral part is done face to face with a teacher. British Council is the only entity accredited in Spain to carry out these tests, which are held a few 60 times a year in 30 cities across the country. There are two modalities: Academic, which is the most widespread, and General Training, more linked to the workplace. Both consist of the four fundamental parts Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. This is a test that measures language skills with a score that ranges from 1 to 9 (credits from A1 to C2). It is not passed or failed, but rather indicates the student's level of English. The results are obtained 13 days after the test is performed and the price is 205 euros. In Spain it is used to accredit the level of English in different contexts: competitive examinations, university (it appears in the list of certificates approved by the English Linguistics Table of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) or for those teachers who want to teach in bilingual schools.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
It is the oldest certificate. He launched it on Educational Testing Service (ETS), an American nonprofit educational organization, in 1964. More than 5,000 colleges, universities, certification agencies, and exchange programs 130 countries in the world accept TOEFL results to assess language proficiency, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Unlike the IELTS, the exam is taken online in accredited centers. For the oral test, students speak into a microphone and their responses are digitally recorded and sent to the virtual scoring network. Like IELTS, it assesses the four essential language skills and accredits from level A1 to C2. The TOEFL iBT® test is offered more than 50 times a year at authorized test centers around the world. It is useful for both academic and work environments, especially in the United States. The registration fee is 198 euros ($245).
3. Cambridge English Language Assessment: KET, PET, First, Advanced, Proficiency
These certificates are recognized by more than 15,000 universities, employers and governments globally, says Cambridge English. on your website. In Spain they are the best known. The fundamental difference with the previous ones is that each of them consists of a specific grammar and the exam is passed or failed. Its validity is permanent, it does not have to be re-examined after two years. The oral test is carried out with another student and two teachers. They accredit levels from A2 to C2, in this order:
- Cambridge English Key (KET)
- Cambridge English Preliminary (PET)
- Cambridge English First (FCE)
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)
In the case of the KET and PET, the student needs to obtain a grade higher than seven out of 10 to pass. In the rest, a six out of 10. These certificates have also been approved by the CRUE English Linguistics Board.
Other types of certifications are (info TEC Languages and of Viva-Mundo):
Pearson Test (PTE)
The Pearson Test Of English- PTE is a communicative exam that evaluates the four language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, oral expression and written expression.
The English Certificate is awarded by the largest body in the United Kingdom, Edexcel and accredited by Ofqual, which is the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in England. Therefore, it is an official exam recognized internationally by many universities, companies, public institutions, etc. Additionally, PTE titles do not expire.
The format of the English level test is made up of two parts; the written test and the oral test. In addition, the PTE exam can only be carried out in official centers accredited by Pearson. The different levels you will find are:
Level A1 -> A1
Level 1 -> A2
Level 2 -> B1
Level 3 -> B2
Level 4 -> C1
Level 5 -> C2
One objective of the different levels of English in the PTE General is to motivate students to progress and pass the different exams. The first levels are appropriate for young people from 12 years old and adults. The following levels (4 and 5) are focused on the student's need to be admitted to the different Universities in the United Kingdom and international companies, as this is usually an admission criterion.
The exam consists of two main parts, the written and the oral. Within the written part we find the evaluation of listening, reading and writing; The oral part consists mainly of a conversation with the examiner, in which there will be four different sections to detect the exact level of the examinee.
The maximum score for the exam is 100 points, so each section (listening, reading, writing and speaking) has a maximum of 25 points. To pass the exam you must obtain at least 50 points, without it being necessary to achieve a minimum in each section.
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE Academic)
This is a very recent English test known for its fast and reliable results, with results after five business days and security measures such as palm scanning and forensic data.
While this test is available in over 50 countries and may be accepted for Australian and New Zealand student visas, it is not as widely accepted as the TOEFL or IELTS. However, it is still an appropriate qualification for many undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA students.
The exam lasts three hours and is made up of 20 different types of tasks, based on speaking, writing, reading and listening, specifically involving a series of real-life situations. Like the TOEFL iBT test, it is taken on a computer.
Those who take the exam will receive an overall score between 1 and 90, as well as individual scores for each skill area.
The Pearson General English Test that we saw above is not as recognized by universities or border controls as the Academic Exam.
Educaweb also mentions the Oxford:
He Oxford Test of English It is a certificate issued by the University of Oxford.
It is aimed at the certification of English to accredit the academic access requirements in a large number of educational institutions, universities and organizations around the world. In Spain it is recognized by ACLES and by most Spanish universities. Likewise, it is recognized by companies and is useful to demonstrate your level of English in job selection processes and professional environments.
It is a multilevel and adaptive test, which configures the questions to adjust to the user's level; and of a modular type, with which you can choose to carry out tests in the different areas of language use independently. The test is carried out in online modalitat in authorized centers.
The Oxford Test of English evaluates skills in oral expression, oral comprehension, written expression and reading comprehension. The results are presented separately for each of the four competencies and together.
The score for this exam ranges from 51 to 140 points, it is independent for each test and an average overall score is obtained, if all parts are taken. There is a correspondence between these scores and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which ranges from level A2 to B2.
But the thing doesn't stop there...
Trinity Exam (GESE, ISE, SEW)
Trinity College London is a very prestigious examination center in the United Kingdom and operates internationally. It has three different types of tests: GESE, ISE and SEW; and the types of English certifications obtained with these exams are recognized by the educational sector (including the University) and by companies (especially in the United Kingdom).
The exams GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) They are only oral and consist of 12 different grades grouped into 4 stages: Initial, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced. Additionally, these types of English qualifications are also accredited by Ofqual. The 12 levels that we find with their different equivalences are:
Grades 1-2 -> A1
Grades 3-4 -> A2
Grade 5 -> B1.1
Grade 6 -> B1.2
Grade 7 -> B2.1
Grades 8 -> B2.2
Grade 9 -> B2.3
Grade 10 -> C1.1
Grade 11 -> C1.2
Grade 12 -> C2
At each stage we will encounter a new exam, that is, as we advance through the different levels of the GESE, the demands of the examinee are greater, with different tests, which encourages student progression.
The exams ISE (Integrated Skills in English) They are focused or directed at students, which is why they have a very similar structure to the Cambridge exams. The English level test has two modules and each of them has two parts.
A first module that is made up of Reading and Writing, and a second module made up of Speaking and Reading. The levels of English that we find at ISE are:
ISE Foundation -> A2
ISE I -> B1
ISE II -> B2
ISE III -> C1
ISE IV -> C2
English certifications evaluate the student's ability to interact in English in writing and orally and are focused on application in the student's real life. The exam modules can be taken together or separately, and at different times. Of course, to obtain the certificate you must complete both modules.
The exams SEW (Spoken English for Work) They are aimed at professionals, and, therefore, at the work environment. This English level test prepares examinees for situations they will face in their workplace, such as project presentations. In the SEW we find 4 levels: B1, B2, B2+ and C1.
And, as he tells us Viva-Mundo, There's others…
Other Certifications
Although the ones we have already seen are the most accepted English language certifications, there are many other certifications for speakers of English as a second language that may be offered and accepted by various universities and student visa applications. These include:
Ascentis
Ascentis is a company that offers a wide range of qualifications, from employability skills to British values courses. As such, they also offer English proficiency tests for all ages and levels.
However, the certifications that Ascentis offers cover fewer topics than those offered by TOEFL or IELTS and are more focused on those who wish to study and work in the United Kingdom. That being said, they offer a wide range of certifications, so you can go from non-English speaking to high school level English to functional English with Ascentis.
City and Guilds (C&G)
There are eight certifications available internationally that City and Guilds offers for English: one for Business Communications and the rest in General English.
The best known is perhaps the International Certificate in English Language, which is intended for non-native English speakers around the world; people who need English for their daily life or work; students who require externally recognized certification of their English levels and those who require a series of tiered exams to provide steps on the language proficiency ladder.
Like other English qualifications, there are five sections: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Vocabulary.
Additionally, they offer certifications for young learners, English teachers, and spoken English.
English Speaking Board International (ESB)
The ESB has testing centers around the world, offering certifications focused on communication skills in school, college, and throughout life.
ESB degrees focus on effective communication skills, with a practical emphasis, with a history of providing high-quality, flexible assessments. They offer English language certifications in a wide variety, from debates to group conversational, and from interview skills to professional learning
For international students, they offer the ESOL International suite of qualifications. ESB ESOL international certifications are designed for students who are not native English speakers who wish to obtain a high-quality, internationally recognized certification. It is related to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is designed for students who can communicate independently in English. The 2 hour 30 minute exam is externally assessed and consists of listening, reading, use of English and writing. The conversation test is carried out separately and candidates are tested in pairs.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is owned by Pearson, one of Britain's largest education companies, which awards many of the country's standard academic qualifications.
English certifications for international students are under the brand of LCCI, whose certifications are used by employers and universities around the world as evidence of language proficiency.
Aligned to the Common European Framework (MER), their English language range primarily covers English for business students, including commerce, tourism, industry and accounting.
For non-native English speakers, the LCCI offers a series of tests JETSET ESOL, which cover listening, reading, writing and speaking, and offer a high-quality English certification available and recognized around the world.
Password
Password is an English language testing company that, instead of providing English tests to people, partners with hundreds of universities, colleges, schools and employers who want to conduct high-quality online tests.
They offer a range of tests, including employability and mathematics tests, as well as tests for younger pupils. There are two tests that English learners can take: the Password Skills Test and the Password Knowledge and Writing Test.
The skills test consists of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes a little over three hours in total.
The knowledge and writing test is made up of two modules, with Password Knowledge taking one hour and being a sophisticated test of grammar, vocabulary and reading. The Password Writing test evaluates the ability to write an essay. You can choose between two essay titles and write at least 200 words in 30 minutes.
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)
The Teaching Knowledge Test is also administered by Cambridge, although it is specifically designed to demonstrate your ability to teach English with a globally recognized certificate, accepted in more than 60 countries.
In it Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT), you will learn English for a variety of different teaching methodologies, know how to use English teaching resources effectively, understand key aspects of lesson planning and be able to use different classroom management methods for different needs. The certification is for teaching English to both young and adult students.
There are five modules and you can take as many as you want, at any speed you want. You receive a certificate for each module you complete. Once you have passed the TKT, you can also take other Cambridge teaching certification, such as ICELT and Delta.
Test of Legal English Skills (TOLES)
As the name suggests, Test of Legal English Skills It is to improve English in the world of law. The exam is made up of three levels: basic, superior and advanced. The exam levels are progressive steps to achieve the level of legal English required by employers, such as international trade law firms, in-house legal teams in private companies and top-level translators.
TOLES materials and exams have been developed following the advice of experienced business lawyers. The main requirements from employers are excellent writing skills, first-class negotiation skills and a strong sense of commercial awareness.
TOLES has training and exam centers around the world, in South America, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For a full list of registered test centres, click here.
IF you have made it this far, you are my heroes. ✊????
Let me know if you have questions or anything else you want.
Good afternoon! ????
Sources:
● (THE COUNTRY)TOEFL or IELTS? How to choose the best English certificate
● (VIVA-MUNDO) Which English language certification is right for me?
● (TEC Languages) Types of English certifications: what level do they correspond to?
● (CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL) Cambridge: List of Official Exams in Spain in 2022
● (EDUCAWEB) Academic Guidance — English certificates and qualifications
● (MEDIUM.COM) IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, or FCE: How to Choose an English Language Test
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