Cambridge and other EFL Examinations

EXAM INFORMATION

The Cambridge EFL exams are known all over the world and are accepted by universities, employers and national education authorities in many countries as evidence of the required standards in English. For example, universities in Britain, North America, Australia, New Zealand and throughout the world accept the Certificate in Advanced English, the Certificate of Proficiency in English and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as evidence of an adequate standard of English for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.

For MBA courses we are recommending that higher education institutions accept Business English Certificate 3 as an entry requirement. This examination is at the same level as the Certificate in Advanced English, but is particularly relevant to business students.

In the corporate sector, UCLES business examinations provide an independent objective assessment of an employee or potential employee?s ability. The Business English Certificates are a suite of examinations aimed at individuals who need a certificate to enhance their career. The Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) is a language assessment service for companies and organisations. It offers a fast, flexible service with a range of testing options to assess employees? language level.

Key English Test - KET

KET is a basic qualification in English at the Council of Europe's Waystage 1990 level and a first step towards more advanced exams.

Preliminary English Test - PET

PET, at the Council of Europe's Threshold 1990 level, assesses competence in English at a basic level of communication in both social and work situations.

First Certificate in English - FCE

FCE is the most widely taken of the Cambridge EFL examinations. It is an intermediate level examination recognised by business and educational organisations throughout the world.

Certificate in Advanced English - CAE

CAE is a high level qualification in English for those who wish to use English for professional or study purposes. It is recognised by most British universities and in other countries as proof that the holder has the language ability to follow a course of study in the medium of English.

Certificate of Proficiency in English - CPE

CPE is the highest level EFL exam offered by UCLES and is recognised by British universities as proof of the language ability needed to study in English at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

International English Language Testing System - IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly administered by UCLES, the British Council and IELTS Australia:IDP Education Australia. It is recognised by many universities in Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere as proof of the language ability needed to study in English at degree level. All candidates take the same listening and speaking modules, and there is a choice of 'Academic' and 'General Training' modules for reading and writing.

Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL

TOEFL measures the listening, reading and writing skills of non-native English speakers. It is administered as either a written exam or a computer-based exam, and a satisfactory TOEFL score is acceptable proof of proficiency for admission to most English-language universities, especially in the US and Australia.

Test of English for International Communication - TOEIC

TOEIC is used to evaluate the English proficiency of non-native speakers in a range of academic and business environments. A satisfactory TOEIC score is acceptable proof of proficiency for admission to most community colleges in the US.