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Cambridge ESOL examinations are among the world's best known examinations in English as a Foreign Language and their certificates are recognised internationally by many universities, employers and national educational authorities as evidence of the appropriate standards in English. Among the large variety of ESOL examinations, the most popular are:
- General English, or the 5-level main suite (KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE)
- Business English (BEC)
- Young Learners of English (YLE)
- International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)
- International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE).
All the levels of the main suite have similar characteristics and cover every aspect of the language. All of them lead to a Cambridge certificate. KET and PET consist of 3 papers (Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking) and FCE, CAE and CPE are made up of 5 papers (Reading, Writing, Use of Language, Listening and Speaking).
KET** (Key English Test) assesses the basic language ability of candidates to use English in simple real life situations both with native and non-native speakers. The KET level is achieved after 180-200 hours of study. KET is taken in over 60 countries by candidates for reasons of personal interest and employment.
PET** (Preliminary English Test) assesses the language ability of a candidate to use English in most everyday situations with both native and non-native speakers at a pre-intermediate level. The PET level can be achieved after 375 hours of study. It is taken in more than 60 countries of the world by candidates in order to improve both their English and their employment prospects.
FCE*** (First Certificate in English) is the most widely taken examination of the whole suite. It is the level of an Independent User who is able to handle a wide variety of situations and texts. It is taken in more than 100 countries by candidates in order to gain employment, to study further and for personal reasons. FCE is widely recognised by both the business sector and the civil service, and is often listed as a language requirement in a variety of job descriptions. Many universities and educational institutions recognise FCE as an English language entrance requirement.
CAE*** (Certificate in Advanced English) is the level of a Competent User of English who can use the structures of the language and communicate in diverse situations with ease and fluency. CAE is recognised by universities as an English-language entrance requirement both in Britain and other English-speaking countries. CAE is taken in about 67 countries mostly for work and study purposes, and the majority of candidates come from Europe and South America.
CPE* (Certificate of Proficiency in English). This level shows that a candidate is approaching the linguistic competence of an educated native speaker. It is widely recognized throughout the world by universities, professional bodies and industry as an indication of a very high level of competence in English.
*The revised CPE was introduced in December 2002
** The revised KET and PET were introduced in March 2004
*** The revised FCE and CAE will be introduced in December 2008
Business English Certificates are made up of 3 levels which cover all language skills with a business bias.
BEC Preliminary corresponds to the Cambridge level of PET. It is designed for students working in business or preparing to work in a number of business areas.
BEC Vantage is aimed at intermediate level students who are working or preparing to work in business ranging from general office to production and financial services.
BEC Higher is equal to the level of CAE. Many British universities recognise BEC as a suitable entry requirement for international students onto business-related courses of study (e.g. MBA).
*The revised BEC was introduced in March 2002
Young Learners English tests consist of three levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers and they are designed specifically for children aged between 7 and 12. These tests have no pass/fail score and all the candidates receive certificates which show what they can do in English.
YLE examinations assess all basic skills (Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking) in a form tailored to the age of candidates. Its highest level (Flyers) is roughly equal to that of KET.
There are no fixed dates for YLE and registration is made on demand.
ILEC is a new examination developed by Cambridge ESOL together with Translegal, Europe’s leading firm of lawyer-linguists. It is set at levels B2 and C1 and assesses 4 language skills in an international legal context.
ILEC is recognised by a number of European associations of law students and lawyers.
For further information on ILEC, please see: www.legalenglistest.org
ICFE is a new examination developed by Cambridge ESOL together with ACCA, a leading international accountancy body. It is set at levels B2 and C1 and assesses 4 language skills in an international finance and accounting context.
For further information on ICFE, please see: www.financialenglish.org
In order to register, you need to fill in an entry form and pay the fee before the deadline (please see Dates and rates). Examination dates are fixed by Cambrige ESOL and are not subject to change. Entries may be made either by individual candidates or by a school on behalf of the candidates. A candidate can enter for the same examination only once during the same session. Entries may not be transferred to a future session or to a different level. No refunds are given if a candidate withdraws his or her entry after the registration deadline or misses the examination (except for serious medical reasons certified by a statement from a recognised medical practitioner).
Results slips are issued by Cambrige ESOL about 6-8 weeks after the examination has taken place. Certificates are awarded to successful candidates approximately a month after the issue of results.
Examinations Services
British Council
4/12 Hryhoriya Skovorody St.
Kyiv 04070
T +380 44 490 5600
F +380 44 490 5605
exams@britishcouncil.org.ua
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