General English

Cambridge EFL examinations are known and respected all over the world, and are recognised by universities, employers and national education authorities in many countries. They are run by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). They are linked to an internationally recognised five-level scale, which was established by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). These five levels are: -

• Level 1 – Elementary: Basic command of the language needed in a range of familiar situations, e.g. can understand and pass on simple messages. This equates to the Cambridge Key English Test (KET).
• Level 2 – Lower intermediate: Limited but effective command of the language in familiar situations, e.g. can take part in a routine meeting on familiar topics, particularly in an exchange of simple factual information. This equates to the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET).
• Level 3 – Upper intermediate: Generally effective command of the language in a range of situations, e.g. can make a contribution to discussions on practical matters. This equates to the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE).
• Level 4 – Lower advanced: Good operational command of the language in a wide range of real life situations, e.g. can participate effectively in discussions and meetings. This equates to the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).
• Level 5 – Upper advanced: Fully operational command of the language at a high level in most situations, e.g. can argue a case confidently, justifying and making points persuasively. This equates to the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

Universities in Britain, North America and throughout the world accept certificates at Levels 4 and 5 for admission as evidence of an adequate standard of English.Cambridge also administers the Certificates in Communicative Skills (CCSE). This is a modular suite of exams covering the four main language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking, with tests available at four levels approximating to ALTE Levels 2 to 5.The University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations (UODLE) became part of UCLES in 1995, and since then UCLES has been responsible for all ‘Oxford’ exams. These exams test communicative abilities in reading and writing at two levels, Preliminary for lower intermediates, and Higher for advanced learners.UCLES plans to amalgamate the Oxford and CCSE schemes in a new set of exams in 2002.

EFL Information, University of Cambridge, Local Examinations Syndicate, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge CB1 2EU Tel +44 01223 553355, Fax +44 01223 460278
http://www.cambridge-efl.org.uk
efl@ucles.org.uk

Pitman Qualifications offer five levels of ESOL (English speakers of other languages) examinations covering both written and spoken skills. These qualifications are widely recognised around the world by employers, official organisations and professional bodies.

Pitman Qualifications, 1 Giltspur Street, London EC1A 9DD Tel +44 020 7294 2469, Fax +44 020 7294 2401
http://www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Trinity Spoken English Examinations offer a progressive series of spoken English ESOL examinations. There are twelve graded levels covering a wide range of student abilities from first steps to near first-language fluency. Trinity ESOL exams are different in that they allow students to choose some of their content from Grade 4 onwards. As students progress, a new task is added for each Grade. Throughout all stages, students are assessed on their general conversation, and on their ability to discuss a prepared topic. Trinity is a non-profit making organisation which has registered examination centres around the world.

Trinity College London, 16 Park Crescent, London W1N 4AP Tel +44 020 7323 2328, Fax +44 020 7323 5201
http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk
esol@trinitycollege.co.uk