International language certificate. How much does it cost to take IELTS or TOEFL?
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English teacher tells
I have been teaching English for 15 years, and for 9 of them I have been preparing students for international exams. 130 of my students received certificates.
Ksenia Mayorova
passed 5 international exams in English
In this article I will tell you how these exams differ from each other, how much it costs to take them and how you can save money.
What kind of international exams?
The international exam tests how well you speak English if it is not your first language. There are more than 50 exams, but only a dozen are popular. This is a line of Cambridge exams - FCE, CAE, CPE - as well as IELTS General, IELTS Academic, IELTS Life skills, TOEFL and PTE.
International examinations are general, academic and professional. Each country, company and university has its own requirements, but the overall picture is this: general exams are needed to live in the country, academic exams are needed for study, and professional exams are needed for work.
Determining which exam you need is very simple: it is always listed on the website of the university you are applying to, or the consulate of the country where you want to live.
Oxford University requirements for applicants: basic grades are suitable for those entering the mathematics and computer faculties, advanced grades for other specialties 
What exam do you need to take?
There are three types of exams: general, academic, professional.
General exams include the Cambridge line - YLE, KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, as well as IELTS, IELTS Life skills, PTE. They are needed to obtain a visa to a country where English is the official language, or to confirm knowledge of English to work in an international company.
Academic exams - TOEFL, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, GRE, GMAT. They are needed to apply for study at a foreign university, college, or to obtain a study visa or scholarship to study abroad.
Most often, people need to take the British IELTS or the American TOEFL. I'll tell you about them.
What is TOEFL and IELTS
The most popular exams are TOEFL and IELTS. 150 countries and 10 thousand educational institutions require their certificates.
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, a test of knowledge of English as a foreign language. This is a study exam. It is needed to assess how foreign students at American universities will cope with their studies in English. Therefore, TOEFL has only one option - academic, although its results are also counted when obtaining a residence permit and getting a job.
IELTS- International English Language Testing System, an international system for assessing knowledge of the English language. IELTS has three options: Academic, General and Simplified. The latter is taken by those who want to get a visitor visa, it is called IELTS Life Skills.
The TOEFL and IELTS exams are similar in many ways:
- They are very popular: TOEFL is accepted in 130 countries, IELTS in 140.
- To obtain a study or work visa, you can apply for any one.
- Consist of four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
- Valid for two years.
- The result comes quickly: the certificate is issued within 10 days after passing the TOEFL and 13 days after the IELTS. For comparison, you will receive a certificate for any Cambridge exam in two months.
- They cost approximately the same; below I will calculate in detail the cost of exams and preparation for different regions.
What is the difference between TOEFL and IELTS
Exams were developed in different countries: TOEFL - in the USA, IELTS - in the UK and Australia. They present different varieties of English: American and British. This must be taken into account when choosing an exam. The grade is not reduced for lexical discrepancies, but under stress it can be difficult to adapt to unusual pronunciation.
The exams take a long time: TOEFL - 4 hours, IELTS - 2 hours 45 minutes. TOEFL has a ten-minute break, but IELTS is non-stop.
TOEFL reading and listening are simpler: these are questions with four answer options. In IELTS there are much more tasks and they are more varied: you need to select words with the same root, title paragraphs, fill in the gaps with words that are suitable in meaning.
How the exams work
Both IELTS and TOEFL can be taken in paper and electronic form.
The paper format is similar to the Unified State Exam. The examiner distributes tasks and marks the time for each part. Listening tasks are played from a computer to the entire audience.
During the electronic exam, all tasks are done on a computer: the correct options are marked and the text is typed. Even rough notes during the exam are taken in a separate file. The listening test is played individually for everyone, using headphones.
Look, How does the speaking part of IELTS work? The examiner asks questions and gives instructions for the exam exercises. If you don't understand, you can clarify. Of course, only in English
The oral parts of the exam differ the most. In IELTS you will have a one-on-one conversation with the examiner. The examiner is a living person, you can ask him again if you don’t understand the question, you can simply make a human joke and defuse the situation if suddenly, out of excitement, it seems that you have forgotten all the English words. On TOEFL, the questions of a soulless machine are heard in headphones, you answer into a microphone, you cannot ask again or listen a second time, and all answers are recorded immediately.
How much does it cost to take the exam?
The cost of the exam includes registration, testing itself, work review and a certificate. Exam preparation is not included in the price.
Even if there is an exam center in your city, it may be more profitable to go where the exam is cheaper if the travel costs are less than the difference in cost. Two of my students went to take the exam in Moscow. One by car, the other by train. A cheap ticket costs 500 rubles, another 100 for the metro, and they took food with them. It turned out to be almost 5 thousand rubles more profitable.
TOEFL for everyone who takes it in Russia costs 260 $ (16,640 RUR), in Belarus - 205 $ (13,120 RUR), and in Ukraine - 180 $ (11,520 RUR). There is a premium package: by paying $148 (9472 RUR) above the registration amount, you will receive a set of preparation materials, five additional results forms and a $33 discount on the next exam.
You will only find out the exact cost of the exam at the time of payment: it is tied to the dollar or euro exchange rate. You can pay for exams by card directly on the website or by bank transfer using the details.
How to get to the exam
TOEFL and IELTS can only be taken at a special international examination center. There are more than three thousand of them in the world. In Russia they are in almost all major cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar, Rostov, Samara, Omsk, Vladivostok.
Examinations are conducted on predetermined dates upon pre-registration. To register, you need to fill out a form on the official website: full name, date of birth, place of residence, selected center, contact details and payment method. Almost everywhere you need to pay for the exam upon registration. There are centers that give a few days of deferment, but even there you will be added to the list only after you have paid for the exam in full.
Each exam has an official website. Lists of all examination centers in the world are available on the TOEFL website and on the IELTS website - you can choose the one that best suits the location and date of the exam. In all centers, registration for TOEFL ends 7 days before the exam, for IELTS - 35 days.
260 $
it costs to take TOEFL in Russia - on average 16,600 RUR
If you missed it, TOEFL has late registration. It costs $40 (2560 RUR) and gives you three more days. You cannot register for TOEFL less than four days before the exam.
You can also register for IELTS later than 35 days in advance, but only if there are free places. In this case, the center itself extends registration and notes it in the exam schedule. It's free.
How to reschedule or cancel an exam
TOEFL can be canceled in your personal account on the official website or by calling the center where you registered. You will be refunded half the cost - $130 (8320 RUR). Other payments - for a premium package or late registration - will not be refunded. You must cancel your appointment no later than four days before the exam. If you want to reschedule the exam, you will have to pay another $60 (3840 RUR) to choose another day.
IELTS can also be rescheduled or cancelled. If you change your mind about taking it and the exam is more than five weeks away, you will be charged 25% of the fee. The same 25% of the registration fee will have to be paid for rescheduling the date. If you cancel your registration later, your money will not be refunded.
60 $
It's worth transferring TOEFL. To transfer IELTS, you will have to pay an additional 25% of the registration fee
If you didn't show up for the exam for a good reason - you got sick, a family member died, you were drafted into the army, or you became a victim of a crime, you will receive compensation. The center will return 75% of the payment if you bring documents within five days after the exam: a medical certificate, a death certificate of a relative, a police report. An application for a refund can be written in free form.
What level of English is needed to pass the exam?
IELTS and TOEFL are difficult to fail. A certificate will be issued even to a beginner. If you accidentally selected several correct answers in the test or said a few words to the examiner, you will already be given the minimum score. Another question is that such a certificate will not be useful to you anywhere: you cannot go to college or get a visa with it.
Requirements vary, but in general the guideline is something like this: 5.5-6.5 IELTS is the minimum score for most student and general work visas. 78-82 TOEFL - the average score for admission to a US university is not in the top hundred.
It is worth finding out your language level before registering for the exam. The most reliable way is to have an oral conversation with a teacher and complete several lexical and grammatical exam tasks. Many language centers provide oral testing free of charge. To get an accurate estimate, go to several.
Finally, do some tests. You can buy them or download a shortened version for free. For example, take a free trial test from the TOEFL developers. If you solved at least 60% of the tasks correctly, then you can start preparing.
How to prepare for IELTS and TOEFL
Preparing for the exam means becoming familiar with the format of the tasks. It does not train language skills, but only exam-taking skills.
For example, in the academic version of IELTS one of the writing tasks is to describe a diagram. You need to quickly, in 20 minutes, analyze the information, create a summary, maintain the structure and at the same time use thematic vocabulary. Anyone who does not know how to say “hesitate”, “level off”, “variables” in English will not cope with this task, even if he knows the language well.
Preparing for IELTS and TOEFL does not improve your English, and the score rarely reflects your actual level of language proficiency. In my opinion, the assessment shows something else:
- How much do you understand the specifics of this exam?
- How do you cope with stress and a large amount of work under tight deadlines?
- How developed are your analytical skills? In IELTS, for example, there are only 21 types of tasks, they are repeated in every test. The sooner you start recognizing them, the higher your score will be.
Therefore, the main task of preparation is to understand the logic of the exam.
How to prepare for IELTS and TOEFL yourself
I took five international exams: for a certificate of teaching English and for working in an international company. I prepared for all the exams myself, this is the cheapest way. To prepare, I solved real exam problems, read textbooks and communicated on thematic websites.
Exam assignments. There are many tests online from international exams from previous years. Here are my top 3 free resources with real IELTS tasks:
TOEFL tasks are also free:
Collections of tests. Tests from previous years can be purchased in paper form. The newer the edition, the more expensive it is. The average price of an exam textbook is 1,500 rubles. Some can be downloaded from free resources, I recommend twirpx.com. When registering, the system awards points for purchasing materials on the site. When the points run out, you can get them for your educational materials: books, tests, manuals that you upload to the site.
1500 R
costs on average a collection of exam tests
Collections of lexical exercises. I recommend the series Test your vocabulary for TOEFL, Test your vocabulary for IELTS, Check your vocabulary for TOEFL, Check your vocabulary for IELTS. They contain all the topics that you will encounter in the exam, all words are given in context, many synonyms, idioms, real living language.
Textbooks from major publishers. Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Macmillan, Pearson Longman produce special textbooks for exam preparation. I don't recommend them. They are designed for classic lessons: they have a lot of warm-up tasks, paired and group exercises - all of this is useless for individual work. Keys to assignments are often given in a separate teacher's book, which also needs to be purchased. As a rule, there are no explanations, only answers. They are of little use: you will not understand why your answer is incorrect.
Video lectures. To expand vocabulary, learn new terms, and develop listening skills, I encourage students to watch speakers on ted.com. This portal has lectures on any topic and easy search for them.
Feedback. You will learn much faster if you find someone to check your work. I recommend looking for them on exam portals. On the website of the Californian company Magoosh, which prepares for exams on the Internet, you can ask any question about TOEFL, consult with experienced people, and get feedback on the completed task. For example, you write an essay and upload it, and the site owner or visitors check and comment.
Such sites are completely free: where participants exchange experiences and experiences, share materials and useful links. I love former IELTS examiner Simon's website - they constantly update and add material. It is also convenient to use from social networks: there is an official group on Facebook and YouTube.
There are paid and shareware sites. There is usually more material and lessons for self-study. If you want very detailed recommendations with examples and analysis of specific written works, you need to pay. I recommend the website of Liz Ferguson, a certified examiner with ten years of IELTS preparation experience. She has fresh tests, many examples of written work and video lessons. Each costs $18 (1150 R), you can watch as many times as you like.
18 $
Worth a video tutorial from Liz Ferguson
How to prepare with a teacher and how much it costs
In Group It's the cheapest thing to do with 6-8 people. The cost of an academic hour in a popular school in Moscow is about 700 rubles, in Nizhny Novgorod - 300, in Kaliningrad - 200.
It is more fun to study in a group: the teacher gives not only exam tasks, but also speaking exercises, you can compare your speech with how your classmates speak, and discuss answer options.
The group format has two disadvantages. The first is that the teacher does not take into account your individual characteristics, for example, weak grammar, but simply teaches you the types of exam tasks. The second is that you are bound by a general schedule, for example, you cannot study every day or in the morning.
At the tutor's The cost of an hour of classes is from 1000 rubles. The difficulty is that the language school teacher is checked by the employer, but you will have to evaluate the tutor yourself.
- The tutor himself has passed the exam you need and received at least 100 for TOEFL or 7.5 for IELTS, or he has another international certificate in English confirming a level of at least C1.
- The tutor has undergone special training to prepare for the exam you need and can prove this with a certificate.
The training course lasts from 40 to 90 academic hours. An academic hour is 40 or 45 minutes, depending on the language school. The standard schedule is two classes a week for 2-3 hours. This means that the course lasts from 2.5 to 4 months. This is provided that your level from the very beginning corresponded to the grade you want to get.
Schools often offer intensive training courses for 5-7 days: each day classes last from three hours. Typically, an intensive course is taken to solve a narrow problem, for example, learning to write an essay. I recommend them only if your level of English is at least B2, because the format of such classes involves a very quick introduction to the exam and intensive study of all parts.
Cost example. As an example, I calculated how much you will have to pay if you take IELTS in Nizhny Novgorod.
RUR 44,500
It’s worth taking IELTS in Nizhny Novgorod after group classes
Group classes:
- four-month course - 25,000 RUR;
- IELTS exam - 19,500 RUR;
- total - 44,500 RUR.
Tutor:
- 70 hours of classes - 70,000 RUR;
- materials for preparation: textbook and workbook - 3000 RUR;
- IELTS exam - 19,500 RUR;
- total - 92,500 RUR.
Self-preparation: If you rate your level as B2 and above and decide to prepare yourself, you can save on books. You don't need a classic textbook, and the tests are available online. Of the obligatory expenses - only the exam itself, 19,500 RUR.
How to choose your preparation method
In my experience, to pass TOEFL and IELTS with at least 70 and 6, respectively, you need to speak English at the Upper-Intermediate, or B2 level. This way you can prepare for the exam without panic and cramming.
In my opinion, a comfortable pace is two classes a week for 2-3 hours and three hours of homework. To get results, you need to study for at least four months. Each exam has 8-10 topics that need to be covered. If you study less, you simply won’t have time to complete them.
I recommend studying each topic for at least three lessons. In addition to the tasks from the exam itself, do vocabulary exercises. Finally, do 2-3 real tests per week and be sure to time yourself. The more you practice in exam-like conditions, the better you will understand the logic of the tasks and the faster you will cope with them.
The developers of the Cambridge exams claim that in order to move to the next language level, you need to study for at least 200 hours. In IELTS, one level corresponds to four adjacent grades: if you have a B1 level, you can count on 4.5-6 points. It turns out that for every new half point you will have to pay 50 hours of training.
Remember
- Preparing for the international IELTS and TOEFL exams does not improve language skills. You are simply taught how to pass this exam.
- Register early for the exam: Registration for IELTS closes 35 days before the exam.
- Sometimes it is more profitable to take the exam in another city.
- The best way to prepare is to solve real exam questions.
- When solving test tasks, be sure to time yourself.
If you are faced with the need to pass an international test that will determine your level of English proficiency, then you are planning to move abroad in the near future to continue your studies or find employment. Prestigious universities and employer companies have fairly high requirements for candidates, which also include minimum scores obtained for a particular language test.
Additionally, if you simply want to move to another country, you will also need to pass one of the international exams that will determine your level of English proficiency. Some tests are impossible to fail, you will get at least some score in any case, some are rated “Fail” in the exam evaluation system - not passed.
Of course, it is better to score the maximum number of points. But you need to remember that your result will depend not only on your level of English, but also on your preparation for the exam format. Each of the language tests has its own characteristics; in addition, a certain amount of time is allocated to complete the task, which may not be enough for you if you do not calculate in advance how many minutes you will allocate to which task.
There are a huge number of tests to determine your level of English proficiency. You just need to choose the one that is right for you.
Types of international English exams
All English level tests are designed for those who are learning a foreign language and are not native speakers. Typically, the choice of test will depend on the choice of country in which you want to study or work.
The most popular international exams: , and Cambridge tests.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
An exam to determine your level of business English proficiency. The TOEIC certificate is valid for two years, so it is better to take the test on the eve of your official employment or admission to a foreign university.
TOEFL or IELTS: which one to choose?
We have already talked about the exam and its American counterpart. We would like to once again draw your attention to the fact that the choice of exam will depend on the country: in the USA and Canada TOEFL results are recognized, in the UK and Australia they give preference to IELTS or Cambridge exams.
The IELTS certificate, like the TOEFL certificate, is valid for 2 years from the date of receipt of the test results. This is where Cambridge University exams differ from IELTS and TOEFL as they do not have a validity period.
Without conscious preparation, it will be difficult to pass the exams. We have selected a list of schools in Moscow that will help you prepare for and.
Looking for courses in another city? The service will help you select training courses in your city for free.
Cambridge Language Tests
| Exam name | What level is it intended for? |
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Every year, more than 2 million people take the Cambridge language exams.
There are also special Cambridge exams for children and teenagers: Cambridge Young Learners Exams. They are designed for different ages and language levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers. The main purpose of these tests is to prepare young candidates for future Cambridge adult examinations.
Each exam has its own characteristics, and yet there are some common features among all English language tests:
- Firstly, all of these exams are designed for those learning English as a foreign language
- Secondly, test results are recognized by educational institutions in English-speaking countries and employer companies
- Third After passing the test, you will receive an international certificate
- Fourth x, you can pass each of these exams only at the official test center for taking international tests
- Fifthly, exams test all your language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening
Which exam should I choose?
There is also a classification that helps simplify the process of choosing the type of international exam. A number of tests test your knowledge of general English, some tests can assess your level of proficiency in academic English, and there are exams to test your level of proficiency exclusively in business English.
General English Exams
We include and among the exams that test proficiency in general English. The Key English Test tests the development of basic language skills. The exam is graded based on the percentage points scored. If you score less than 65%, you will receive a “Fail” grade.
Preliminary English Test is a preparatory exam that is usually taken by those who want to participate in the Work and Travel or Work and Study programs. The test is scored in the same way as the KET. Only if you score 65-69% do you receive a certificate “passed at level A2”.
Professional and Academic English Exams
We include a number of Cambridge tests among these exams: FCE, CAE, CPE, as well as IELTS and TOEFL. These exams test English at an academic level and the results can be used to apply to higher education institutions.Business English Exams
In addition to the exam, which we have already mentioned, there is another exam to test proficiency in business English - BULATS, whose name stands for Business Language Testing Service. This exam is multilingual, that is, it can assess the level of proficiency not only in English, but also in German, Spanish or French. The minimum level of English proficiency to successfully pass this exam must be at least Intermediate. Business exams also include specialized ILEC and ICFE tests.We wish you success in preparing for and passing international language exams!
International English language exams (such as TOEFL and others) help to enroll in foreign schools and universities, get a job abroad, move to live in English-speaking countries, and improve the qualifications of English teachers.
There are more than 20 international exams in total, and it is difficult for the uninitiated to choose the best option. We offer a brief overview of the most popular English language tests, which will help you navigate this diversity and determine your goal.
IELTS
Goals: study at a foreign university, work in a foreign company, live abroad
Spreading: in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and many other countries
Requirements for candidates: age from 16 years
Kinds
- General module – General Training IELTS
- Academic module – Academic IELTS
The two versions of the exam - general and academic - differ only in tasks. In the general module, exercises cover general topics and assess the ability to perform everyday activities in English: for example, writing a letter or proving an opinion. The academic module includes scientific tasks: describe a diagram, read a diagram, draw a graph, formulate conclusions from a table. The level of difficulty in both modules is the same.
IELTS consists of four parts
- Listening– listening. You need to listen to excerpts of speech in English read by native speakers with different voices and tones. Recordings are played back only once. You need to understand what the passage says and answer the questions. There are 40 questions in total in the block.
- Reading– reading. The block consists of three parts. You need to read several texts and answer 40 questions. Texts can be of different lengths, but the total number of words in this block is at least 20 thousand - this is approximately several pages of text.
- Writing- letter. The written part of the exam is divided into two blocks. In the first, you need to write a short text of 150 words on a given topic, in the second, a larger essay of 250 words. In the texts, it is important to give a complete answer to the question asked, adhering to the logic of the narrative, grammatical and lexical rules of the English language.
- Speaking- oral speech. The last block is devoted to speaking. The examiner conducts an oral conversation, which is recorded on a voice recorder. You will meet and talk with the examiner, who will then ask you to do an individual task - answer a question or express your opinion on a certain topic. Your speech should not only be literate and correct in terms of pronunciation, but also smooth, logical and consistent.
Ratings
The IELTS exam result is graded from 1 to 9 points in half-point increments. A zero result is given only if the candidate does not appear for the examination. A score of 9 points indicates that the person is fluent in the language. A score of 7-8 points is considered very good, 5-6 is considered average, and 3-4 is considered limited. A score of 2 indicates that the person can only use the language in standard situations. A score of 1 point indicates that the candidate does not speak English.
Typically, a level of 5-6 is sufficient for immigration, but for studying at a university or working abroad a higher score is required - up to 7.5 points.
Peculiarities
- IELTS focuses on British English, but also takes into account other varieties of the language.
- The exam lasts 2 hours 45 minutes.
- IELTS has a limited validity period of two years.
- The exam is conducted on paper.
TOEFL
Goals: study at a foreign university, work in a foreign company
Spreading: in the USA and Canada, in some European and Asian countries
Requirements for candidates: age from 12 years
Kinds
- TOEFL PBT – Paper Based, on paper
- TOEFL CBT – Computer Based, in computer
- TOEFL iBT – Internet Based, in the Internet
The Internet version of the test is the most common today. Unlike the classic one, it includes a test of oral speech.
Like IELTS, the online version of TOEFL consists of four parts:
- Listening Comprehension – listening. Listening consists of several rather long recordings - lectures, monologues, discussions. There are no short dialogues in TOEFL. After listening you need to answer questions in the format multiple choice, that is, choose several answer options.
- Reading Comprehension– reading. The reading section consists of 3-4 texts, usually on a popular science topic. The test offers several questions and tasks, for example, “insert the missing sentence” or create a summary of the text.
- Test of Written English - essay. In the writing block you need to write two essays - a simple one and a complex one. The first task is that you need to express your thoughts on a given topic. The second task is complex: you need to read the text and listen to the recording, and then write an essay of 300 words.
- Speaking- oral speech. New section Speaking consists of 6 questions. Answers must be given into the microphone; you do not have to talk to the person. Some tasks require you to read a text or listen to a recording.
Ratings
The maximum TOEFL test score is 120 points, 30 for each block. A score of 110-120 corresponds to level 7-8 in IELTS. The passing score varies from university to university, but leading schools and universities usually require at least 100 points.
Peculiarities
- TOEFL requires knowledge of American English.
- TOEFL is not accepted by Canada for immigration purposes.
- The certificate is valid for 2 years.
- The duration of the exam is 4.5 hours.
- The test is conducted on a computer and requires the ability to type quickly.
KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE
Goals: for work abroad, for admission to many colleges and some universities in the UK
Spreading: cambridgeenglish.org.
Requirements for candidates: no requirements
Kinds
- KET– English level A2 ( Pre-Intermediate)
- PET– level B1 ( Intermediate)
- FCE– level B2 ( Upper-Intermediate)
- CAE– level C1 ( Advanced)
- CPE– level C2 ( Proficiency)
KET and PET exams have variations “for school” - KET for school And PET for school.
KET and PET consist of three parts:
- A single section for reading and writing: 5 tasks for reading and understanding the text and 3 tasks for writing, including a short essay.
- Listening: 4 tasks based on audio recordings.
- Speaking: 4 questions that require detailed oral answers.
FCE, CAE and CPE are divided into four blocks:
- Reading and practical English: tasks for understanding texts from fiction, newspapers and magazines.
- Writing: 2 tasks - an essay or a choice of review, report, article, formal or informal letter.
- Listening: several short and long monologues and dialogues, to which questions are asked.
- Speaking: interview, individual task on a card, joint task with other candidates, discussion of the exercise.
Ratings:
For each part a certain number of points are awarded, which are summed up and divided by the number of parts. You can score up to 190 points for the entire exam. Depending on the number of points, a grade is assigned: A, B, C.
If you do not achieve the threshold score, this means that your English level is lower than the exam level. In this case, you will not receive a certificate.
A grade is at a higher level than the exam level. For example, if you passed FCE (level B2) and received A, a higher level will be written on the certificate - C1.
Peculiarities:
- Speaking tasks are carried out in pairs: two examiners and two candidates.
- The Cambridge Examination Certificate is unlimited and valid for life.
- All exams in this category assess general English.
YLE
Goals : motivating children to learn English and prepare for more serious exams
Requirements for candidates : age from 7 to 12 years
Kinds
- YLE Starters- level Beginner
- YLE Movers- level Elementary
- YLE Flyers- level Pre-Intermediate
YLE exams are comprehensive and test all basic language skills: listening, reading, speaking, writing. They are perfectly adapted to children's age. The tasks are accompanied by bright pictures. Examiners create a friendly environment, motivating further language learning.
Ratings
The exam is scored from 1 to 5 points, it is impossible not to pass it - every child who passes the exam receives a diploma.
B.E.C.
Goals:
Spreading: in the UK and in many countries around the world, or more precisely, see the official website of the Cambridge exams cambridgeenglish.org.
Requirements for candidates : age from 16 years
Kinds
- BEC Preliminary- level Intermediate
- BEC Vantage- level Upper Intermediate
- BEC Higher- level Advanced
You can also choose the exam format: written or computer-based.
BEC Preliminary consists of three parts:
- Reading and writing– tasks by type multiple choice, matching, right/wrong and others, seven parts in total.
- Listening– consists of four parts, each of which presents different tasks based on audio recordings: short and long dialogues and monologues, telephone conversations, discussions, interviews. Recordings can be listened to twice.
- Speaking– consists of three parts: an introduction to the examiner, a short presentation on the proposed topic, and an assignment in pairs with other candidates.
The remaining two levels BEC Vantage and BEC Higher consist of four parts, Reading And Writing- These are independent separate blocks.
Ratings
BEC Preliminary has four assessment categories:
- Pass with merit– 80-100% correct answers
- Pass – 65-79%
- Level A2(previous level) – 40-64%
- Fail – 0-39%
The last result means that you did not pass the exam.
BEC Vantage and Higher are rated slightly differently:A - 80-100% correct answers
- B – 75-79%
- C – 60-74%
- D – 55-59%
- E – 0-54%
The last two marks mean you failed the exam.
Peculiarities
- All tasks are based on business situations and assess the ability to use language in a business context.
- The BEC certificate does not expire.
BULATS
Goals: to work abroad or in a branch of a foreign company
Spreading: in the UK and in many countries around the world, or more precisely, see the official website of the Cambridge exams cambridgeenglish.org.
Requirements for candidates : age from 16 years
Kinds
BULATS is not divided into types. This is a diagnostic exam that is not divided into levels, but tests the level of knowledge. Available for rent online only.
BULATS consists of three parts:
- Speaking. You need to perform several tasks out loud: answer questions, read sentences, make a presentation, describe a graph. The candidate's speech is recorded on a microphone; personal conversations with examiners are not conducted.
- Letter. The block consists of two tasks: write a short email and choose a longer letter or report.
- Reading and listening. You are offered seven tasks based on audio recordings or texts of approximately 250 words. In some cases, the test ends early if the candidate has answered enough questions to determine their level.
Ratings
BULATS cannot be failed - in any case you receive a certificate with your level of English. The result is given in points, which can be translated into traditional level names:
- 90-100 points – Upper Advanced
- 75-89 points – Advanced
- 60-74 points – Upper Intermediate
- 40-59 points – Intermediate
- 20-39 points – Elementary
- 10-19 points – Beginner
Peculiarities
- The exam is usually conducted not individually, but by organizations for employees.
- You receive your score for the Reading and Listening block immediately upon completion of the test; other results come later.
- The exam tests business English.
- The exam is adaptive; the complexity of subsequent tasks depends on how the candidate answered previous questions.
TKT
Goals: to work as an English teacher, to improve the qualifications of English teachers
Spreading: in the UK and in many countries around the world, or more precisely, see the official website of the Cambridge exams cambridgeenglish.org.
Requirements for candidates : knowledge of the language at least Intermediate, English teaching experience is not required
Kinds
TKT is not divided into types, but consists of several separate modules that you can choose independently. There are three main and three additional modules: you can take them all or choose only those you need.
TKT is divided into six modules:
- Module 1: structure of language, basic methods of teaching English.
- Module 2: lesson planning, additional aids for learning English.
- Module 3: lesson management.
- Content and Language Integrated Learning : ability to teach other school subjects in English.
- Young Learners: special techniques, features of teaching children from 6 to 12 years old.
- Knowledge About Language– knowledge in the field of linguistics.
Each module consists of 80 theoretical questions.
Ratings
Each module is scored separately from 1 to 4:
1 – limited knowledge;
2 – basic knowledge;
3 – good knowledge;
4 – extensive and deep knowledge.
You cannot fail the exam; in any case, a certificate with a grade is issued for each module.
Peculiarities
- The exam does not test the candidate's practical teaching skills.
- To pass the module Knowledge About Language you need to have at least a level Upper Intermediate.
CELTA and DELTA
Goals: to work as an English teacher, to improve the qualifications of English teachers, to be able to teach English to adults
Spreading: worldwide
Requirements for candidates: to pass CELTA – age from 18 years, to pass DELTA – availability of international certification and experience as a teacher for at least 2 years after receiving it
CELTA and DELTA are not classical exams, but advanced training courses. The CELTA is suitable for new teachers and consists of theory lessons and practical lessons, and also includes attending lessons from other teachers, consultations with a tutor and the submission of written work.
DELTA is designed for experienced teachers. It consists of three modules:
- English teaching methodology and written examination
- Improving teaching techniques, coursework and open lessons
- Extended practice, diploma work
Ratings
There are no exams on the CELTA course; student work is assessed as a whole throughout the course. There are three ratings: Pass(passed), Pass B(Fine), Pass A(Great).
DELTA course modules are assessed individually. For each you need to earn 20 credits to receive a certificate.
Peculiarities
- CELTA and DELTA focus more on practice rather than theory.
- DELTA modules can be taken individually, but you must pass all three to qualify.
- The CELTA course lasts three weeks, the DELTA course lasts eight weeks.
GMAT
Goals: for admission to business schools and colleges abroad, for admission to the MBA program, for admission to master's and doctoral programs at foreign universities
Spreading: Worldwide
Requirements for candidates: the same as for admission
Kinds
The GMAT is not divided into types and is conducted only online.
The exam consists of four parts:
- Analytical Writing Assessment - analytical writing. You need to write a short essay - a critical analysis of the proposed statement, without expressing your opinion.
- Integrated Reasoning– integrated reasoning. The block consists of 12 tasks: you need to analyze text, graphic and other information and answer questions.
- Quantitative– math section: analyze data using basic math knowledge.
- Verbal– verbal section. You need to read several texts and answer questions.
Ratings
The maximum number of points in the GMAT exam is 800. The essay is scored separately - up to 6 points in half-point increments. If you score up to 200 points, the exam is considered failed.
Peculiarities
- Test results are valid for 5 years.
- If you do not pass the exam, you can make four more attempts during the year.
- Most European universities require at least 650 points for admission.
To choose the international exam you need, first decide on your goal. Then figure out which options suit you geographically. If there are several tests left to choose from, compare other conditions: validity period, exam content, format, and others.
If you are about to enter a higher education institution abroad, emigrate, or have an interview and employment in an international company, then in all of them you will need “proof” that you speak English at the proper level. This “proof” will be one of a number of international exams for English language proficiency. Of course, you first need to decide which specific international exam is suitable in your case in order to achieve your goal, and seriously prepare for it. So let's see what we have here.
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Life does not stand still and presents us with surprises and a lot of new things, requiring us not to stop there. Every person strives to achieve certain results and leave their mark in this world. In modern society, the English language rises above all linguistic charters. In order to test your knowledge and document it, international English language exams were invented.
Some take them to study or work abroad, others use the exams as an incentive to learn the language, while others need the certificate for a successful career in their country. Be that as it may, such exams are gradually gaining popularity among English language learners all over the world. This article will talk about the most famous international English language exams, compare them and, of course, answer the question “Is this necessary at all?” Let's start with it.
Why is an international exam needed?
Really! After all, this requires money (the exam is not free), energy and a lot of time! But nevertheless, everything has its reasons. For example:
- First of all, the exam is passed to obtain a special certificate, which will officially confirm your knowledge. Having received it, you will be able to enroll in prestigious universities that are located abroad (for example, in the USA or Canada,
as well as other countries where the main language of communication is English). More than 7,500 educational institutions in English-speaking countries will require your document. - Finding a decent job abroad it is also unlikely without a certificate, because no one needs illiterate employees. In order to settle comfortably abroad, you need to pass this exam and receive a certificate with a high score. The higher it is, the more likely it is that you will get a job with a high level of pay. Everyone wants to occupy senior positions, but this requires hard training, a lot of desire and patience. Yes, different companies require different levels of language knowledge, but often this indicator should be above 80 points. So... you better be ready.
- In addition, you can pass such an exam for self-affirmation purposes. It will be nice to test your capabilities and receive a document that will confirm your literacy and skills, and, perhaps, help you win an argument (the certificate will become ironclad proof).
Passing the exam is a guarantee that you speak this language and can communicate and write fluently in it.
Types of international exams
The diversity of this knowledge sector is due to specific preferences in certain regions of the world. That is, one exam is taken at one site, and another at another. Now we will introduce you to the main varieties of this section of knowledge.
Recently, more and more people are taking international English exams: TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, FCE and others. Let's start with TOEFL.
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
The most common and most popular type of international exam for the United States. The TOEFL exam is prepared by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton University, New Jersey, USA. main feature The TOEFL exam is that it is based on American English, so to successfully pass the TOEFL you need to understand the lexical and grammatical subtleties that distinguish American English from British English.
This knowledge test is designed to determine the level of your knowledge at the academic level. More likely, if you decide to study at universities in the USA or Canada, then you will have to take this one. It is worth noting that this test for knowledge of American English has received approval and a lot of positive feedback from various government and even international organizations. We can certainly say that this is the leading English language exam among its other counterparts.
The main purpose of the international exam TOEFL— assess the level of training of those for whom English is not their native language. Submitting TOEFL scores is a requirement for admission to more than 2,400 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. A TOEFL certificate is a document required when enrolling in foreign universities to study in an MBA program, when obtaining the right to an internship in English, or when applying for a job that requires knowledge of the English language. Some academic and professional certification programs also require applicants to take the TOEFL. The certificate is valid for two years.
There are currently 2 versions of the test: Paper-based Test (PBT), that is, a written test on paper, and Internet-based Test (iBT) - testing via the Internet. The second option has recently been considered preferable in many universities, as it includes tasks not only for reading, listening and writing, but also for speaking and combined tasks.
Like most exams of this type, it takes place in 4 stages:
- Reading(read and translate 3 texts, answer a number of questions);
- Letter(write 2 essays on given topics; emphasis on grammar, accuracy and stylistic correctness);
- Listening(listen to 2 texts in American English and answer a series of questions, or take a series of tests for each);
- Talk(communication with the examiner in American English + answer 6 questions, clearly articulating your thoughts).
All tasks must be completed with maximum precision. The approximate cost of this exam will be 260/180 US dollars for residents of Russia and Ukraine, respectively.
The maximum number of points in the computer version of the TOEFL, which has almost completely replaced the old paper version, is 120 . To study at a prestigious American university, on average, you need at least 80 points.
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
This type of exam tests your knowledge of British English. IELTS appeared later than TOEFL, but it is becoming increasingly popular. This exam is considered more extensive, because unlike the previous one, it is divided and taken in 2 modules.
You can take English at the academic level ( Academic Module, for those applying to universities abroad), or you can - in general ( General Module(for those who travel for permanent residence to Canada, Australia or New Zealand, etc.). Both options also consist of 4 parts: “Reading” (60 minutes), “Writing” (60 minutes), “Listening” (40 minutes), “Speaking” (11-14 minutes). The first 2 parts differ in different modules, the other 2 - listening and interview - are the same. English texts for the exam are selected in such a way as to cover the maximum level of your knowledge and evaluate them objectively.
The test result is valid for 2 years from the date of receipt.
KET - Key English Test
The test is intended for adults and children over 15 years old. For young children, namely from 11 to 14 years old, the Exam, being an exam of the University of Cambridge, was developed directly by the examination department of the university of the same name, Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
In principle, anyone who has recently started learning English and has already achieved some success can take the exam. After all KET tests basic knowledge, including the ability to use simple phrases and expressions, easy grammatical structures in oral and written speech. If you can introduce yourself, answer easy questions and also ask them, can speak briefly on any issue, are able to understand basic texts and grasp the meaning of simple conversations in audio and video format, the international KET exam will help you evaluate your knowledge on professional level, will show you your weak and strong points in learning English, and, therefore, you will be able to purposefully prepare for passing exams a step higher.
KET is the first of a block of General English exams that measures knowledge of General Universal English. The exam confirms knowledge of the English language at a basic level (level A2 Council of Europe scales) and contains 3 parts:
- « Reading and Writing"(1 hour 10 minutes, read information from newspapers or magazines in English, and complete several types of tasks based on it),
- « Listening"(30 minutes, listen to announcements and monologues in the form of audio recordings at a slow pace, and answer a certain number of questions),
- « Speaking"(8-10 minutes, conversation in pairs (with a partner) with two examiners, one of whom communicates with you, and the other evaluates your abilities).
Completed tasks checked by specialists Cambridge ESOL, which evaluate your knowledge based on the sum of points for all tests (1st stage - 50%, 2nd and 3rd - 25% each). In a couple of months you will be able to find out whether you passed this exam (70%-84%), whether you were successful in it (85%-100%), or whether you coped with the task, but not quite well, so you receive a level certificate A1, which means you can take part in a simple dialogue in English on a predictable topic, are able to write a simple questionnaire or note indicating the time, date and place, but this is not enough for the international KET exam. Well, if your percentage of points received is 0%-44% of correct information, then you have failed the exam.
This exam requires Availability basic knowledge. Using the language in study, work or just traveling, you will inevitably face the need to deepen the material that you know, and, therefore, you will be able to take international exams in English at a higher level.
There are 5 international exams in this series: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE. The upper limit is the CPE exam, which is taken by those who speak English almost like a native speaker. Accordingly, the international KET exam is the first step in improving your knowledge.
Certificate The international KET exam, like the other exams in this block, is valid for life, which means you will not have to take the exam again to prove your knowledge. The only question is: will you be satisfied with your victory at this stage of language proficiency or will you strive for new heights, reinforcing your knowledge with increasingly difficult and serious exams?
Basic knowledge English language required for the international KET exam will not remain unclaimed you. After all, from now on you will be able to communicate with native speakers, for example, when traveling abroad. You will learn to understand easy information presented in English rather than your native language, which will give you an advantage over those who do not study this language. Needless to say, employers of some organizations recognize the KET international exam certificate as a basic qualification in the field of learning English.
Every year the international KET exam strive to pass about 40,000 people from 60 countries. To get into their number, you just need to register at the British Council training center, which accepts this exam, pay the cost of the exam (6,700 rubles in Russia and 2,350 UAH in Ukraine), and take all types of tests at the appointed time.
PET - Preliminary English Test
This is the second exam in the Cambridge General English series, confirming the average level of English proficiency; designed for those who want to discover opportunities to study, work and travel. The exam confirms knowledge of the English language at an intermediate level (level B1 Council of Europe scales). The PET certificate is recognized by many companies in the tourism, hospitality, administrative fields, as well as most educational institutions as confirmation of an average level of English proficiency.
Upon delivery PET you can evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and understand what you should subsequently pay more attention to when improving your English. A PET certificate will give you confidence in your abilities and make preparing for higher level exams much easier. In addition, it confirms your confidence in English in everyday life.
Cambridge certificates do not expire and do not require retaking over time.
Like KET, the exam contains 3 parts - “ Reading and Writing"(90 minutes, be able to form sentences, be able to read and understand the main idea of magazine articles), " Listening"(35 minutes, understand spoken language from various sources and people's attitude to what they say, their emotions and mood), " Speaking"(10-12 minutes, talk with the examiner and in pairs with another student, be able to ask and answer questions). Due to the fact that this part of the “Speaking” test is taken in pairs with another candidate, the exam becomes closer to real life situations.
It is assumed that at this level the candidate is capable understand factual information and express opinions, attitudes and moods in English, both orally and in writing. The certificate confirms the ability to communicate on everyday topics with a native speaker.
In 2009, a special PET for schools exam was introduced. This exam is absolutely identical to the regular PET with the only difference being that the topics covered in the exam material are related to school and school life, making it more convenient for candidates under 15 years of age to take the exam.
For successful passing exam candidate must be able to:
- Express yourself simply and coherently;
- Feel free in most situations while traveling;
- Understand the essence of the conversation, as well as be able to express personal interests and communicate on familiar topics, such as work, school, home, etc.;
- Talk about your experiences and events, and describe your dreams, hopes and goals.
Result The PET exam is the arithmetic average of the sum of the scores for all three parts. The grade for reading and writing is 50% of the total score, listening and speaking - 25% each.
Grades and corresponding points:
Pass with Distinction: 160 - 170;
Pass with Merit: 153 - 159;
Pass: 140 - 152;
Level A2: 120 - 139.
“Pass with Distinction”, “Pass with Merit” and “Pass” mean that the exam has been passed and the desired level has been confirmed. It is important to note that the “Pass with Distinction” grade is a confirmation of the next level B2 (FCE exam), and the “Level A2” grade is a confirmation of the previous level (KET exam). If the candidate does not score enough points to level A2, the exam is considered failed and a certificate is not issued.
FCE - First Certificate in English
This is not just one of the list of Cambridge exams, but the first Cambridge certificate. The exam is developed and administered by the ESOL division of the University of Cambridge Examinations Council (UCLES). Just like the KET and PET exams, the FCE certificate is valid for life. But this is not the last advantage of the exam.
Can take the FCE exam those who speak English sufficiently to use it in everyday life, including at work and in school.
To successfully pass the exam, you need to have a large vocabulary, be able to conduct a conversation and use the necessary communication strategies in a variety of life situations. If you communicate fluently in everyday situations, read correspondence in English, conduct telephone conversations, use language skills in various fields of activity, then you should try to pass this exam.
FCE Test is equivalent to the level Upper-Intermediate(or B2 according to the international scale CEFR). With an FCE certificate you have the opportunity to study or work abroad. If you are a high school student, passing the FCE Test will ensure that you achieve the maximum final grades in English in Years 10 and 11 - this will be confirmed by a letter from the Department of Education.
Exam lasts 5 hours And divided for 2 days. During the exam, the level of all your language skills is tested, so the test is divided into whole 5 parts(they are called “Papers”): reading (1 hour, 30 questions on 3 texts), writing (1 hour 20 minutes, write an essay, then an article or letter, email, review or report), use of language(45 minutes, grammar and vocabulary, insert words into the text), listening (40 minutes), speaking (15 minutes). Reading, writing and listening are tested in the same way as other Cambridge exams. Oral proficiency will be assessed based on how well you can carry on a discussion.
All examiners are accredited by Cambridge ESOL.
Those who successfully pass this exam receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. This certificate is highly valued by universities and companies in many countries. Everyone who passes the test receives a document about the exam results, which indicates what level of language knowledge was demonstrated at each stage of the exam.
Every year, more than 270 thousand people take the FCE in more than 100 countries. FCE is an important indicator of qualifications for any person who wants to work or study abroad, or achieve professionalism in a field where knowledge of the language is necessary - this could be business, medicine, engineering and many other fields of activity. In addition, FCE can be an important step towards preparing for higher level exams such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
Why take the FCE? Many universities and other educational institutions consider the FCE to be an indicator of intermediate level English language proficiency. In such educational institutions, passing the FCE is one of the conditions for admission to them. Since many life situations are played out during testing, the FCE certificate is important for any person who wants to work or study abroad or communicate with foreign partners. Companies all over the world recognize FCE. It means the ability to work with English-language documentation, to use English in the field of management, as well as in any field, such as tourism, where it is necessary to maintain contacts with English-speaking colleagues.
Knowledge of the language at the FCE level allows you to conduct business correspondence and telephone conversations, participate in trainings, and read simple books and articles. The areas of application of the FCE certificate are many and varied.
CAE - Certificate in advanced English
The exam is necessary for those who will work or study in an environment with high demands on English language skills. Similar to FCE, the test CAE consists of 5 parts. It can be completed in either written or electronic form.
Receiving this certificate characterizes you as a fairly confident “user”, and, based on the name, confirms your knowledge of the Advanced level ( C1). If you can easily read any literature, write competently and in different styles, communicate freely on any topic and understand fluent native speakers, then you should try it. Successfully passing the SAE is considered for admission to many universities, even such prestigious ones as Oxford, Cambridge and the Californian University of Technology.
Each of the 5 parts is longer than FCE: Reading (1 hour 15 minutes), Writing (1 hour 30 minutes), Using English (1 hour), Listening (40 minutes) and Speaking English (15 minutes).
This exam is scored in the form of letters, each of which has a different range. The overall score consists of the sum of the results from each part of the exam.
A: 80-100
B: 75-79
C: 60-74
CEFR Level B2: 45-49
Fail: 0-44
The validity period of the certificate is unlimited.
CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
Also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English, the exam is a qualification that confirms that you have achieved an exceptionally high level of proficiency in the English language. This is the last in the block of Cambridge exams, confirming proficiency in English at the highest level - on par with a native speaker (Proficiency, or C2). Is oldest from Cambridge language exams. It was first introduced in 1913.
The English Language Certificate gives you the opportunity work in any field, receive your first higher education, study in postgraduate or master's programs in any English-speaking country, because it is accepted by more than 20,000 commercial and government institutions and organizations around the world.
Like other Cambridge certificates, the CPE does not expire. It is accepted at most European universities and other educational institutions abroad. In many English-speaking countries, if you have this certificate, you will not need to take qualification tests for employment or higher education.
Also CPE is considered one of key tests for teachers, it significantly increases the competitiveness of the teacher, both in the domestic market and abroad.
Consists of 5 parts - Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening, Speaking.
The specifics of the assessment are such that even if one of the blocks was passed poorly, you have every chance of receiving a CAE certificate.
BEC - Business English Certificate
Cambridge University exam designed to certify proficiency business English.
The BEC tests a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a business environment, but does not require any specialized knowledge.
BEC is intended for students who need specialized knowledge
English to pursue a business career internationally
level. The exam tests four aspects of language skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. This test uses exercises based on everyday business life to test the candidate's ability to use various linguistic functions and structures in a business context.
There are 3 options for the BEC exam:
- BEC Preliminary(designed for candidates who speak business vocabulary
English level Intermediate); - BEC Vantage(designed for students who know business English at a level Upper-Intermediate);
- BEC Higher(intended for candidates who have completed a Business English course at the Advanced).
BEC Preliminary. Upon successful completion of the exam, three levels of certificates are issued: Pass, Pass with Merit and Pass with Distinction, depending on the overall test score. All candidates will also receive an examination report, which includes the Cambridge Framework score for each part of the examination, the overall Cambridge Framework score, the overall score for the entire examination and the Council of Europe Scale score.
BEC Vantage. Upon successful passing of the exam, English language certificates of three levels are issued: A, B and C - depending on the overall grade based on the test results. Candidates who score from 140 to 159 points are issued a level certificate B1
BEC Higher. Upon successful passing of the exam, English language certificates of three levels are issued: A, B and C - depending on the overall grade based on the test results. Candidates who score from 160 to 179 points are issued a level certificate B2. All candidates receive an examination report, which includes the Cambridge Framework score for each part of the examination, the overall Cambridge Language Assessment score, the overall score for the entire examination and the Council of Europe Scale score.
YLE – Young Learners English Tests
This is the only English proficiency test in the world that is designed for children aged 7 to 12 years. The exam consists of 3 levels: “Starters”, “Movers” and “Flyers”, the latter of which is approximately equivalent in difficulty to the KET exam.
- YLE Starters- for children whose knowledge of English corresponds to the Beginner level;
- YLE Movers- for those who have already reached the Elementary level;
- YLE Flyers- for those who can already engage in dialogues in English and have a vocabulary at the Pre-Intermediate level.
Examiners test proficiency in basic types of language activities in a playful and relaxed manner, which motivates the child to study further and helps to understand that exams are not scary.
Despite the innate human fear of various exams, tests and tests, this series was created in order to demonstrate to children how easy it is to pass exams. If you think your child has enough stressful situations at school, don't worry about this exam: absolutely all children receive an English language certificate. No matter how many points your child scores, he will still become the proud owner of the first Cambridge certificate in his life.
How the exam works? YLE is taken in 2 stages and consists of a written procedure (reading, listening, writing) and an interview with an examiner. The exam is adapted to the characteristics of child psychology; passing the exam only creates a positive perception of the test as a tool for testing knowledge. Thanks to this exam, the child becomes familiar with the format of international tests at an early age. A comfortable environment during the exam is provided by the YLE format itself.
What does the certificate provide? If you are wondering whether it is possible to enter one of the foreign schools with an exam certificate, the answer is clear - no. The exam is intended for other purposes. Among them:
- the child receives the first document of international level;
- early acquaintance with international requirements when passing exams;
- positive assessment of one's own knowledge;
- increasing a child’s motivation in learning English; testing knowledge by experts from a world-famous university.
How to prepare for an international exam
In fact, there are many preparation methods and you can independently choose the one that will be most convenient for you. We recommend taking a free test online to find out which exam is best for you.
EnglishDom is an excellent option, because with us you can not only improve your weak points without leaving home, but also do it as efficiently as possible. With the help of our teachers, you will be able to ask questions about issues that concern you in English and consolidate material that you have left unstudied previously.
Don't lose sight of webinars and online courses. They are designed this way
so that you can easily learn on your own.
You can also hire yourself a tutor. You will come to his office or home and study individually with him on the topics in which you are weakest. This is convenient for the simple reason that there are different types of English language exams and it is worth choosing a preparation method based on this. If this is children's training, then you can freely prepare yourself.
Conclusion
Pick what you will! If you type in the search any of the names of international exams, you can download a lot of materials for self-study: specialized textbooks, trial tasks and simply useful tips. However, Skype classes at our EnglishDom school with a qualified teacher will significantly increase the effectiveness of your preparation. Have no doubts!
Big and friendly EnglishDom family
Can you, let alone your future employers, be satisfied with such a definition of language level as “I read and translate with a dictionary”, “I am fluent”, etc. The fact is that these concepts are very imprecise; moreover, each person puts his own understanding into them. I say - everyone, because there is no generally accepted level of language “I read and translate with a dictionary” or “I studied English at school” - this is self-deception.
There is an international gradation of language levels: Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, Advanced. This system was proposed by the ALTE Association (The Association of Language Testers in Europe) and the Cambridge exams are actually based on it.
You've probably heard about international certificates. Each of them not only confirms your language level, but also gives you license. The most important thing, of course, is the right to work in foreign organizations, in certain positions (in accordance with the certificate). But, as they say, the main thing is to start.
When referring to the Cambridge ESOL exam group, they mean five tests: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE. When they are on the same line, separated by commas, it is not easy to immediately assess the importance of each of them. Let's try to figure it out in more detail.
KET(Key English Test) is a test that confirms your basic knowledge of the English language. This is the Pre-Intermediate level. Of course, it is doubtful that you will spend the time and effort to rent it out for travel or to read and write in the language. However, this certificate will confirm your abilities in both. But most importantly, many foreign companies offer jobs to foreigners if they have this certificate. As a rule, this is a hotel or restaurant business. For more details, see the website: Cambridge ESOL. And about the most important thing: the KET exam consists of three parts. You must demonstrate your skills in reading and writing (time to complete the stage 1 hour 10 minutes), pass the listening test (30 minutes) and demonstrate your proficiency in speaking (8-10 minutes). The exam result is not just “pass”/“fail”. There is also a division here: Pass with merit (85-100%), Pass (70-84%), Level A2 (45-69%). If you scored less than 45%... However, you still have a chance! If during the exam you showed that you speak English at level A1, you will be given a certificate indicating this level.
It is quite logical to ask the question, if KET essentially does not give much, why take it? The fact is that along with the coveted certificate, you will gain invaluable experience in passing international exams. This is your first step. And, if you prepare properly, your first victory. You are following a difficult path to mastering English. Today, knowledge of this language will not surprise anyone; there are many competitors. And therefore it is especially important to recognize your knowledge and abilities. International recognition...
PET(Preliminary English Test) is your next step. This is a difficult exam, but it is possible to pass it. You will have to prove that you know English at least at the Intermediate level. What does this actually mean? You are required to demonstrate that you can use a foreign language in your daily life. Your vocabulary should be enough to be up to par in typical language situations that arise every day at work or in an educational institution, on vacation or in a store. You must be understood, regardless of whether you are communicating with a person face to face or talking on the phone. This level requires you to have good communication skills and a fairly large vocabulary. It is necessary to organically use language constructs that are not easy to learn, but must be able to apply. Therefore, when preparing for more complex Cambridge tests, a communicative technique is so necessary.
The stages of passing the test are the same (but the difficulty is different): reading and writing (1 hour 30 minutes), listening (30 minutes), speaking (10-12 minutes). The gradation of results seems to be the same: Pass with merit (85-100%), Pass (70-84%), Level A2 (45-69%), but this time, if you showed a language level below A2, you did not pass test.
The Cambridge ESOL website lists institutions and organizations where the PET certificate is considered a good indicator of your English. You might be hoping for a job at, say, Samsung or Buckingham Foods Ltd. Everything depends on you.
FCE(First Certificate in English). They say there are little lies, there are big lies, and then there are statistics. Technical data often doesn't tell the whole story, but in some cases numbers can speak louder than words.
So, according to statistics, this is the most popular international exam. It is taken in a hundred countries around the world, by people of different nationalities, but the vast majority are Europeans and citizens of South American countries. 88% of certificate candidates completed preparatory courses. And most people who are willing to take this test do it for a job. The exam system is more complex compared to the two previously presented exams. The candidate must complete five stages: first - reading (1 hour), second - writing (1 hour 20 minutes), third - using English (45 minutes), fourth - listening (approximately 40 minutes), and fifth - speaking ( 14 minutes). Candidates who successfully pass the test are given grades: A (80-100%), B (75-79%), C (60-74%). The test is considered failed if your score is less than 60%.
The FCE is a difficult test, but when you pass it, you will gain a significant advantage over those who don't. The opportunity to work in such representative offices as: Yukos Services (UK) Ltd and BMW confirms this. When it comes to CAE(Certificate in Advanced English), people understand that this is a test for those who have a high level of language proficiency. At this level, a person must not only write and communicate competently, but must understand the interaction of language and culture, be imbued with the development of traditions and trends, and understand national characteristics. Here it is appropriate to talk about the style of communication that a candidate for the exam should be able to choose depending on the proposed situation. He is also obliged to remember the difference between British and American English and under no circumstances, even if he is provoked to do so, switch to the latter. But the most important thing is that the use of language should be harmonious and flexible, and speech should be an act of creativity.
But, having received a certificate, you can count on the fact that many universities in England will not refuse to enroll you among their employees...
The testing steps remain the same, but... You get the idea. First: reading (1 hour 15 minutes). Second: written speech (1 hour 30 minutes). Third: Use of English (1 hour). Fourth: listening (40 minutes). Fifth: conversation (about 15 minutes). Your grade is divided into: A (80-100%), B (75-79%), C (60-74%). Less... And you won’t need the assessment anyway.
Are you ready to continue learning and not stop there? CPE(Certificate of Proficiency in English) is a test that will confirm that you have stepped to a high level. This exam assumes that you speak English at a native level. It is often said that you begin to know a language when you begin to think in it. There is a joke about this that you can study a language for years and be inferior in knowledge to an English janitor. In every joke, as you know, there is only a part of the joke. After all, language is not only grammatical structures and rules, it is the cultural heritage of the people. Sometimes it only seems to us that we think in English. In fact, we think in Russian, we simply put our thoughts into English words. So, this is far from enough to pass this test. This certificate confirms that you speak English as well as educated native English speakers. But after passing this exam, all doors are open to you. This test is recognized by all UK universities and employers in all industries without exception. The whole world.
Testing, according to good tradition, takes place in five stages. If you have successfully completed all the previous steps, you are already used to it. This time you will be given 1 hour 30 minutes for reading, 2 hours for writing, 1 hour 30 minutes for English, 40 minutes for listening, and you will demonstrate your knowledge of speaking in approximately 19 minutes.
And... there is one more step left... We must cross the threshold of 60%...
