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The list of English certificates to prove you knowledge or English language.
The university of Cambridge ESOL examinations are the world's leading certificates for learners of English. University College Dublin is an open centre for Cambridge ESOL, offering mainsuite and Business English Examinations.
Main Suite:
There are three BEC exams - BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher - which test English language ability used in the context of business. They are ideal if you are preparing for a career in business.
The BEC exams are linked to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages , and to the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority's National Standards for Literacy, within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Why take BEC?
More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and commerce. If you can show you have relevant language skills you'll have a great advantage in the jobs market and much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad.
An internationally recognised business qualification can help you show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language evaluates general English proficiency and is required for admission to over 2400 American and Canadian colleges and universities. It s now also widely accepted by institutions in other countries where English is the language of instruction, including most UK universities and colleges.
TOEFL, like TOEIC, is different from exams like the First Certificate or the LCCI exams in that you do not pass or fail it. Instead you get a score which reflects your overall ability in English. The higher your score, the beter your level. An employer or university for example may insist on a minimum score before confirming your apointment to a job or your place on a course of study.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally owned and globally recognised direct English language assessment of the highest quality and integrity readily available throughout the world.
IELTS is a highly dependable, practical and valid English language assessment primarily used by those seeking international education, professional recognition, bench-marking to international standards and global mobility.
IELTS (the International Language Testing Scheme) is different from most of the other exams. It is not an exam that you pass or fail; it is a test of your current level of English, and your result will be expressed as a score of between 1 and 9. (If you get a 1 then your English is obviously a lot less advanced than you think it is!) It is also an exam that you can take at any time - most centres offer the test regularly throughout the year.
IELTS tests your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. The listening and speaking modules are the same for all candidates. However you can choose which reading and writing modules to take - the Academic modules are suitable if you are thinking of taking a university course. The General modules are suitable if you are going for secondary education in an English-speaking country, or for example for work experience or immigration purposes.
IELTS is very widely recognised by universities in Britain and many other English-speaking countries. It is definitely the first test to think about if you want to study at a British university.
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), though its Examinations Board (LCCIEB) offers business qualifications that are recognised by employers worldwide. It is probably true to say that LCCI is not so well known (or well-promoted!) as English exam specialists such as UCLES and TOEFL. On the other hand the LCCI has direct links with the international Chamber of Commerce movement, giving it unique access and insights into the needs of modern businesses.
The LCCI's English for Business exam (EFB) is a communicative written examination offered (4 times per year) at 4 levels. It is designed to test communication in business with tasks based on real business activity. There are 3 main parts to the exam:
A 3rd level pass is accepted as the EFL requirement for entry into many universities in the UK and worldwide.
The exam can also be taken in conjunction with the oral test - Spoken English for Industry and Commerce (SEFIC). The Advanced level of this test (confusingly known as the 4th level!) consists of a 40-minute one-to-one interview with an assessor during which you must display a high degree of fluency in discussing a wide range of business topics.
The LCCI English for Business exams are offered three times a year.
| Level | Exam | Exam title | US or GB |
| Multi-level | TOEFL® | Test Of English as Foreign Language. | US |
| Multi-level | TOEIC | Test of English for International Communication. | US |
| Multi-level | IELTS | International English Language Testing System | GB/AUS |
| 5 advanced + | CPE | Certificate of Proficiency in English | GB |
| 4 advanced | CAE | Certificate of Advanced English | GB |
| 3 intermediate + | FCE | First Certificate in English | GB |
| 2 intermediate - | PET | Preliminary English Test | GB |
| 1 elementary | KET | Key English Test | GB |
| Multi-level | BULATS | Business Language Testing Service |
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Last updated: Feb 2013