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| What certificate holders can do… |
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| On-line registration for the Spring session open from 1 December 2009 |
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| - the new website for students who are preparing to take a cambridge ESOL exam. |
| - Access state of the art on-line English courses and resources. Find out about exciting events in your area. Search for latest English Language books available in British Centres all over Poland. |
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CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONS |
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We offer a wide range of Cambridge ESOL English examinations:
All these examinations, prepared by Cambridge ESOL language experts, assess the ability to communicate effectively in English in realistic situations. That is why they are so popular among these who use English in their studies and work.
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WHO accepts Cambridge ESOL exams? |
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We offer Cambridge language examinations, which are the most popular exams in the whole world. Cambridge exams have been offered by the University of Cambridge for almost 100 years.
If you want to…
- prove that you are ambitious
Cambridge certificates provide both an objective and prestigious indication of your language skills.
- study in Poland or abroad
Cambridge certificates are internationally recognised by many universities and educational institutions as English language entrance requirements. In Poland almost 200 universities recognise KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC and IELTS exams at various stages of education career . Click on the exam to check which universities recognise it.
- find a good job
Cambridge certificates are recognised by top international companies as an English language qualification In Poland over 50 companies recognise KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC and IELTS exams. Click on the exam to check which companies recognise it.
- become a civil servant
FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher and IELTS (over 6) are accepted by the Polish Civil Service Office as an English language qualification required from Polish civil servants.
- become an English language teacher
FCE passed with a grade A or B is acknowledged by the Ministry of Education as proven language skills required from people who wish to become English teachers in preschools and classes 1 to 3 in primary schools as well as teachers of subjects taught in English excluding English lessons in bilingual schools. CAE and CPE passed with a grade A, B or C is acknowledged by the Ministry of Education as proven language skills required from people who wish to become English teachers in preschools, primary schools, lower secondary schools, vocational schools, high schools, specialized high schools, technical high schools, supplementary high schools, supplementary technical high schools, schools of FE, teaching libraries and other educational institutions. Additionally, from 1st September 2009, IELTS (5,0 - 6,0 points) will be acknowledged by the Ministry of Education as proven language skills required from people who wish to become English teachers in preschools and classes 1 to 3 in primary schools as well as teachers of subjects taught in English excluding English lessons in bilingual schools. Also, from 1st September 2009, IELTS (6,5 points and more) will be acknowledged by the Ministry of Education as proven language skills required from people who wish to become English teachers in preschools, primary schools, lower secondary schools, vocational schools, high schools, specialized secondary schools, technical high schools, supplementary high schools, supplementary technical high schools, schools of FE, teaching libraries and other educational institutions. Apart from the above mentioned qualifications such a person must meet other criteria and conditions referred to in the directive.
- work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
CPE is recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a suitable English language qualification.
- become a tour guide
FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher and IELTS (band 6 or more) are recognised by the Polish Ministry of Education as a suitable English Language qualification .
- go to Australia, New Zealand or Canada
In Poland IELTS is required by the foreign embassies of Australia, New Zealand and Canada for emigration purposes.
- receive British citizenship
IELTS (band 6,5 or more) is recognised by the Home Office in Great Britain as an English language qualification for foreigners applying for British citizenship.
- receive a lifelong language certificate
Remember that KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE and BEC certificates are valid for life. IELTS is valid for two years.
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Please note that for individual candidates only electronic registration is available and valid (refer to a link above).
Language school candidates should check if their schools register them.
1. Read the Cambridge ESOL Examinations Regulations Winter 2009 carefully.
2. In the period from 1st September 2009 to 6th October 2009 enter your candidature into the candidates on-line database in the British Council EntryNet system on www.britishcouncil.pl.
3. By 7th October 2009 deposit the required fee according to the instructions given in the British Council EntryNet.
Candidates who by the above dates do not observe the procedures stated in points A.1, A.2 and A.3 will not be able to enter for the Winter 2009 session of the Cambridge ESOL examinations in the standard entry period and their personal data will be deleted from the candidates database in the British Council EntryNet on-line registration system.
1. Read the Cambridge ESOL Examinations Regulations Winter 2009 carefully.
2. In the period from 7th to 19th October 2009 enter your candidature into the candidates on-line database in the British Council EntryNet system on www.britishcouncil.pl.
3. By 20th October 2009 deposit the required fee according to the instructions given in the British Council EntryNet.
Candidates who do not observe the procedures stated in points B.1, B2 and B3 by the above dates will not be able to enter for the Winter 2009 session of the Cambridge ESOL examinations in the Late Entry period and their personal data will be deleted from the candidates database in the British Council EntryNet on-line registration system.
Important: Candidates will receive by e-mail the confirmation that their data was successfully added to the candidates on-line database together with information regarding payment details and the examination fee. The submission of proof of payment is not required. When the payment is accredited to the British Council account the candidate will receive an e-mail with the conformation of registration for a Cambridge ESOL examination in the Winter 2009 session.Candidates should keep both e-mail messages until they receive an e-mail with the Statement of Entry with the detailed plan of the session.
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KET and PET exams are offered two times a year in Summer and Winter sessions.
FCE, CAE and CPE exams are offered three times a year in Spring, Summer and Winter sessions.
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Where can I register and sit the exam? |
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What are the examination fees? |
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When do the exams take place? |
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1. DISABLED CANDIDATES
Candidates who require special arrangements (e.g. candidates with hearing or visual difficulties) are asked to provisionally report it while entering their data into the candidates’ on-line database in the British Council EntryNet system. Relevant supporting documentation – a medical certificate and a form completed and signed by the candidate (available also in the British Council EntryNet system and in all examination centres) - should be submitted to the examination centre by the end of the particular registration period (detail information in point ).
2. DYSLEXIA
Candidates applying for 25 % extra time for the written parts of the examination because of dyslexia, dysgraphy or dysorthography are asked to provisionally report it while entering their data into the candidates’ on-line database in the British Council EntryNet system and submit the following documents to the examination centre by the end of the particular registration period (detail information in point ):
1. A report provided by a fully qualified educational, clinical or chartered psychologist:
a) issued not earlier than December 2007
b) stating details of the degree of dyslexia, dysgraphy or dysorthography
c) naming tests conducted to diagnose dyslexia, dysgraphy or dysorthography
2. A form completed and signed by the candidate (available also in the British Council EntryNet system and in all examination centres).
Important: No documents will be accepted after the end of the particular registration period. Any request for special arrangements of candidates who provisionally reported their special arrangements needs while entering their data into the candidates’ on-line database in the British Council EntryNet system, but did not deliver the abovementioned documents by the end of the particular registration period will not be taken into consideration.
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WHAT CAN I DO IF I DID NOT PASS MY TEST OR HAVE LOST MY CERTIFICATE? |
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There are two options open to candidates who did not receive a pass grade on their test and wish to verify their results.
- 1st stage results enquiry (clerical re-check),
- 2nd stage results enquiry (full re-mark).
Candidates who have lost their certificates or need a duplicate copy can apply for:
- a duplicate copy of their certificate (in specified circumstances),
- a certifying statement.
Detailed information and fees for the above services can be found in the following document: Results & Certificates – fees and instructions.
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How can I apply for an invoice or reimbursement? |
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If you want to receive an invoice for your exam payment, fill in one of the forms below:
British Council is not a payer of VAT.
- If you paid for an exam, but did not register you are entitled to a full refund. Click here to download a Refund Form. Fill it in and submit to the examination centre.
If you were not able to take part in the written part of the exam because of health reasons you are entitled to a 60% refund of the basic examination fee. The basis for the refund is a Medical certificate signed by your doctor and submitted to the address below no later than the deadline stated in the regulations of the session: British Council Examinations Services Al. Jerozolimskie 59 00-697 Warsaw
In all other cases reimbursements are not possible (more information in the regulations of the session).
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Our aim is to continuously improve our services to our customers. If you should have any suggestions or comments that may help us in this process please contact us.
Any comments you may have concerning the conduct of the examination should be directed to the Supervisor immediately after the examination and in writing to the examination centre staff no later than by the date stated in session regulations. In the case of the Listening test all comments should be reported at the beginning of the test, after hearing the introductory recording.
Please read our complaints procedure.
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WHAT DOES MY LANGUAGE LEVEL MEAN? |
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The Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference is intended to describe the criteria of language knowledge and skills of language learners across Europe. Please find below a comparison of Cambridge ESOL General English Exams with the Council of Europe global scale levels.

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Detailed description |
A1
Break-through |
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
A2
Waystage |
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. |
B1
Threshold |
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
B2
Vantage |
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
C1
Effective Proficiency |
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. |
C2
Mastery |
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. |
For more information please visit the Council of Europe webpage.
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