International Examinations
Preparation Courses
Why take the Key English Test (KET)?
Do you have basic English skills? Can you understand simple texts? Can you
communicate in familiar situations? Can you understand short notices and simple
spoken directions? If so, then the Key English Test (KET) from Cambridge ESOL is the
exam for you.
KET is the first-level Cambridge ESOL exam, at Level A2 of the Council of Europe’s
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. KET shows that you can
cope with everyday written and spoken communications at a basic level. KET is an
excellent first step, helping you to build your confidence in English and measure your
progress.
KET uses language from real life situations and covers the four language skills – reading,
writing, listening and speaking. It provides an assessment of practical skills, and will
help you to learn the English you will need for travelling, as well as in study and work
situations.
From 2007, KET will be available in two formats. You will still be able to take the paper
and pencil test, but you will be able to choose a computer-based version called CB-KET
instead. Please contact your nearest local centre for details.
Why take the Preliminary English Test (PET)?
If you can deal with everyday written and spoken communications (e.g. read simple
books and articles, write simple personal letters, make notes during a meeting), then the
Preliminary English Test (PET) from Cambridge ESOL is the exam for you.
PET is the second level Cambridge ESOL exam. It is an intermediate level exam, at Level
B1 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
PET is a valuable qualification if you want to work or study abroad or to develop a career
in international business.
Studying for PET is a popular way to improve your language skills and use them in a
wide range of contexts. PET covers the four main language skills – reading, writing,
listening and speaking, using material from real life situations. It develops practical
skills, which will be of use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs, and in many
industries, such as tourism, where contact with English speakers is required.
PET is available in two formats. You can take the paper and pencil test, or you can take a
computer-based version called CB-PET instead. Please contact your nearest local centre
for details.
Why take First Certificate in English (FCE)?
If your knowledge of English is already good enough for many everyday situations, then
FCE is the right exam for you. It is ideal if you want to work or study abroad or to develop
a career which requires English.
FCE is an upper-intermediate-level Cambridge ESOL exam, at Level B2 of the Council of
Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means
that if you pass FCE, your level of English is good enough to be of practical use in many
types of job. Successful FCE candidates can deal with everyday letters and telephone
conversations, and can understand some non-academic training courses and simple
textbooks and articles.
A badge of excellence
The demand for high-level English language skills is increasing all around the world. Passing Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) shows that you are a high achiever.
Why Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is a badge of excellence:
Accepted globally as proof of high achievement.
More than 3,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)as proof of high-level achievement.
Find out more
A certificate with endless opportunities.
Helps you develop the language skills you need for success, and can be used for your university and student visa applications in the UK and Australia.
It provides high-level English skills for academic and professional success.
Preparing for Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries.
What does Cambridge English: Proficiency involve?
Cambridge English: Proficiency is the highest level exam offered by Cambridge English
Language Assessment. It can be taken in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
It is at Level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR),
and is accepted by universities and employers worldwide as an indication that you have
achieved an extremely high level of skill in the English language. Cambridge English Language
Assessment carries out extensive research, to make sure that you get the fairest, most
accurate result, and that the exam is relevant to the range of uses for which you need English.
From 2013 (the 100th anniversary of the first Proficiency exam), the exam has been revised.
■ Introduction to TKT – a test of professional
knowledge for English language teachers
TKT is the new test about teaching English to speakers of
other languages. It aims to increase teachers’ confidence and
enhance job prospects by focusing on the core teaching
knowledge needed by teachers of primary, secondary or adult
learners, anywhere in the world. This new award will help you
to understand:
• different methodologies for teaching
• the ‘language of teaching’
• the ways in which resources can be used
• the key aspects of lesson planning
• classroom management methods for different needs.
TKT has three core modules:
■ Module 1 – Language and background to language
learning and teaching
• Describing language and language skills
• Background to language teaching
• Background to language learning.
■ Module 2 – Planning lessons and use of resources
for language teaching
• Planning and preparing a lesson or sequence of lessons
• Selection and use of resources and materials.
■ Module 3 – Managing the teaching and learning
process
• Teachers’ and learners’ language in the classroom
• Classroom management.
A detailed handbook for TKT is available to download from
www.CambridgeESOL.org/TKT and includes full sample
papers for each module. The website also includes detailed
Teaching Resources for tutors who are helping candidates to
prepare for TKT and a glossary of teaching terms.
A dedicated textbook The TKT Course is published by
Cambridge University Press.
The TOEIC® tests:
Help businesses build a more effective workforce
Give job seekers and employees a competitive edge
Enable universities to better prepare students for the international workplace
Organizations and job seekers around the world trust TOEIC scores to help them get ahead of the competition.
"We choose the TOEIC test since it is the world’s common English test, and we can identify the score as a world standard. The first advantage the TOEIC test offers our company is evaluating and classifying the English level of our staff, therefore arranging positions accordingly. Secondly, a TOEIC score is one of our standards when recruiting new staff and it measures how much time our staff is spending on developing themselves."
Koji Kikuchi, Chief Representative, NEC Logistics, Vietnam
For more than 30 years, the TOEIC test has set the standard for assessing English-language skills used in the workplace. Today TOEIC test scores are used by over 10,000 companies, government agencies and English Language Learning programs in 120 countries, and more than 6 million TOEIC tests were administered last year.
TOEIC test questions simulate real-life situations that are relevant to the global workplace. Score reports provide accurate, meaningful feedback about a test-taker's strengths and weaknesses, along with a description of the English-language strengths typical of test-takers performing at various score levels. This allows employers to:
Relate test scores to the tasks employees may perform on the job
Use the descriptions to inform critical hiring and placement decisions
Select the employee with the English-language abilities the job requires
Additionally, ETS's ongoing research helps ensure that the TOEIC tests are accurate and relevant to today's changing global workplace, which helps internationally competitive companies hire, place and promote the right candidates year after year.
TOEIC test scores provide accurate, reliable measurement of English proficiency — they can be compared regardless of where or when the test is administered. For example, last year's scores of a test taker in Japan can be compared with this year's scores of a test taker in Korea. Because test takers of any background can be compared fairly, companies can use the TOEIC tests to make the most informed decisions and build a more diverse workforce.
ETS ensures standardized test conditions give test takers equal opportunity to demonstrate proficiency.
Test administrations adhere to strict guidelines to ensure a consistent and fair test-taking experience.
A scoring process held to the highest quality-control standards results in the most reliable and valid scores available.
The TOEFL iBT® test, administered via the Internet, is an important part of your journey to study in an English-speaking country. In addition to the test, the ETS TOEFL Program provides tools and guides to help you prepare for the test and improve your English-language skills.
The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.
There are two formats for the TOEFL® test. The format you take depends on the location of your test center. Most test takers take the TOEFL iBT test. Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the Paper-based Test (PBT).
More than 27 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.