FAQs

• Written and Spoken exams can be taken separately, leading to two independent certificates.
• Written and Spoken exams of the same, or different, levels can be taken either together or one at a time according to your needs (e.g. Speaking can be taken as a standalone exam if only proof of speaking ability is required).
• Grammar and vocabulary are integrated into the three sections of the Written exam and are not examined separately.
• The Written exam is uninterrupted and does not include time limits per section. This provides you with the freedom to allocate your time as you like, without waiting for others to finish.
• The Spoken exam is always recorded, guaranteeing impartiality and ensuring the potential for remarking.
• Each candidate is examined individually by a LanguageCert Interlocutor, who engages in the conversation but does not assess you. The evaluation takes place at a later stage by a LanguageCert Marker.

Based on official data published by English Language test owners, the table below outlines how each qualification measures against the CEFR levels.

As per Oct. 2018 review

LanguageCert International ESOL qualifications can be used internationally for school curriculum requirements, as well as for university entry and/or graduation, employment and career progression.

To find all the information you need on LanguageCert International ESOL qualifications click here.

All levels of the LanguageCert International ESOL exams are mapped to the levels of the CEFR.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a guideline used to assess and describe foreign language proficiency across Europe and, increasingly, worldwide. The six CEFR levels are widely accepted as the European and global standard for evaluating an individual's language proficiency.

To find more about the full alignment of LanguageCert International ESOL exams with the CEFR levels click here.

• Look through the sample practice papers provided on our website. Teachers should be able to assess whether a student can cope with the demands of a certain level of examination after a brief interview.

• Refer to the CEFR can-do statements.

You are not required to complete any course in order to take the LanguageCert International ESOL exams. If you feel confident about your English language level, you can sit for the exams straight away. It is, however, recommended that you undertake a short course that explains the different exam tasks. All our LanguageCert Approved Test Centres offer courses which prepare candidates for our exams. You should contact your nearest Test Centre ahead of your exam to enquire about the available courses.

LanguageCert International ESOL qualifications assess English language proficiency, not whether you are familiar with a specific exam format. Any English course book can be used.

Books containing LanguageCert International ESOL Practice Papers are available from a number of Publishing Houses.

To find a full suite of LanguageCert International ESOL Written and Spoken sample papers click here.

There is no age limit.

Test Centres set their own exam session schedules. Please contact your nearest Test Centre for information on test dates. To find your nearest Test Centre please click here or contact us.

Please contact your nearest Test Centre for information on test fees.

Exam duration varies depending on the level.

Written and Spoken exams of the same, or different, level can be taken together or separately according to your requirements (e.g. the Speaking exam can be taken as a standalone exam if only proof of speaking ability is needed).

No. You are examined individually so you can perform at your best.

The Spoken exam is conducted by an Interlocutor appointed by LanguageCert. The Interlocutor does not assess you; the evaluation takes place at a later stage by a LanguageCert Marker.

You are not allowed to use dictionaries or any other aids during the LanguageCert International ESOL exams.

You can receive a grade of High Pass, Pass or Fail.

Pass Mark for the Written exam: at least 75/150 overall in all sections. No thresholds or limitations per section. A High pass is awarded to candidates with and overall score of 101/150 or more.

Pass Mark for the Spoken exam: at least 25/50. A High pass is awarded to candidates with and overall score of 38/50 or more.

Test Centres are responsible for exam administration, but they do not get involved in the assessment. All marking is carried out by LanguageCert.

LanguageCert ESOL exams are widely recognised. To find out which countries recognise LanguageCert International ESOL qualifications, click here.

Results are released 10 business days after you sit your exam.

• E-certificate: sent with the release of results.

• Hard-copy certificate: sent a week after the release of results.

You are informed of your results either by LanguageCert or your Test Centre.

Certificates may be sent directly to you or to the Test Centre.

LanguageCert certificates do not expire. However, it is recommended you check whether there are any specific requirements from receiving organisations.

You need to contact the Test Centre where you took the exam or LanguageCert.

You will be awarded a certificate for the exam you succeed in.

When you feel ready, you can re-sit the exam that you failed. There is no time limit on re-sitting the exam, or a limit to the number of times you wish to do so. LanguageCert suggests consulting with your language school/teacher, in order to decide the best approach.

To check the validity of a LanguageCert International ESOL certificate, use the Online Certificate Verification Service.