Listening
50 minutes
LANGUAGECERT Test of English (LTE) 4 skills
English test for professional purposes to enhance employment & career prospects, and track progress in English.
An English test aligned to the A1-C2 levels of the CEFR*. Exams are delivered through our global network of Test Centres or online.
About the exam:
- All candidates take the same test regardless of language proficiency and receive a certificate placing them at levels A1 to C2 of the CEFR based on their performance.
- Candidates take 3 modules – Listening and Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Establishes English language proficiency reliably and quickly.
Multiple test formats available to choose from:
- Paper-based (Taken at a Test Centre)
- Computer-based (Taken at a Test Centre)
- Online with remote, live invigilation**
Duration:
- Reading and Listening – between approx. 1 hr (maximum duration: 1 hr & 30 minutes; Computer-based or Online) and 2 hrs (paper-based)
- Writing – 1 hr
- Speaking – 10-14 mins
All exam delivery methods lead to the same results, the same certificate, and the same international recognition.
*Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, is widely used to describe levels of language proficiency.
** Requirements include a quiet room with no distractions, a computer, webcam and an internet connection.
Test Centre exams
Take an exam at a LANGUAGECERT approved Test Centre
Key features
| EXAM LEVEL | A1 -C2 |
| FORMAT | Paper-based/computer-based at approved Test Centres or Online with remote, live invigilation |
| CERTIFICATE | Awarded for scores of 10 or above out of 100 |
| GRADE BOUNDARIES |
Candidates are awarded 0, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 C2 90-100 C1 75-89 B2 60-74 B1 40-59 A2 20-39 A1 10-19 0 0-9 |
Exam format
Paper-based 2 hrs
Reading
1 hour & 10 minutes
Computer-based 1hr – 1hr & 30 minutes
Listening
Approx. 25 minutes
Reading
Approx. 35 minutes
Online exam 1hr – 1hr & 30 minutes
Listening
Approx. 25 minutes
Reading
Approx. 35 minutes
Results, certificates and digital badges
- Certificate of Achievement & e-certificate are available in 2 business days.
- Results are sent by email directly to candidates or to their Test Centre. Instant preliminary results for computer-based tests.
- Digital badges are available on the same day as results and sent by email.
- Hard-copy certificates are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.
- Certificates include the score per skill and the overall grade reported as a CEFR level. The overall grade of the four-skill certificate represents the lowest CEFR level achieved in any of the four skills and it is not the average of the scores achieved across all skills.are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.
Breakdown of Levels
- Can give information in writing about matters of personal relevance (e.g. likes and dislikes, job, family,) using simple words and basic expressions.
- Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences in documents such as forms, lists, emails and messages.
- Can ask questions about personal details such as possessions, job, address and people known.
LTE (W) A2 - CEFR A2
- Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like ‘and,’ ‘but’ and ‘because’.
- Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences about their family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job.
- Can give his/her impressions and opinions in writing about topics of personal interest (e.g. lifestyles and culture, job), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.
LTE (W) B1 - CEFR B1
- Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his/her field of interest/work by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
- Can write very brief reports to a standard conventionalised format, which pass on routine factual information and state reasons for actions.
- Can summarise, report and give his/her opinion about accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence.
- Can convey information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality and adapting to the intended audience.
LTE (W) B2 - CEFR B2
- Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
- Can write an essay or report which develops an argument, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
- Can communicate with a degree of fluency that makes comprehension possible for the reader without strain.
- Can communicate clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint, varying format and style appropriate to purpose and audience.
LTE (W) C1 - CEFR C1
- Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
- Can employ the structure and conventions of a variety of written genres, varying the tone, style and register according to addressee, text type and theme.
- Can produce clear well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
- Can communicate ideas and opinions effectively, using length, format and style appropriate to purpose, content and audience.
LTE (W) C2 - CEFR C2
- Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.
- Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex reports, articles or essays which present a case, or give critical appreciation of proposals.
- Can set out multiple perspectives on complex academic or professional topics, clearly distinguishing his/her own ideas and opinions from those in the sources.
- Can express him/herself very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Official practice material
Download
- Practice Paper 1 - LTE Listening and Reading A1-C2
- Practice Paper 2 - LTE Listening and Reading A1-C2
- Answer sheets A1-C2
- Qualification Handbook
- LANGUAGECERT Test of English (LTE) Practice Book for A2 & B1.Student's edition
- LANGUAGECERT Test of English (LTE) Practice Book for A2 & B1.Teacher's edition
- LANGUAGECERT Test of English (LTE) Practice Book for B2
- Teachers Guide LTE
Books
Preparation Books
Global ELT
- Succeed in LTE LANGUAGECERT Test of English A1-C2 Practice Tests Student's Book, ISBN 9781781649022
- Succeed in LTE LANGUAGECERT Test of English A1-C2 Practice Tests Teacher's Book, ISBN 978178164905
- Succeed in LTE LANGUAGECERT Test of English A1-C2 Practice Tests Self-Study Edition, ISBN 9781781649039
- Succeed in LTE LANGUAGECERT Test of English A1-C2 Practice Tests Audio CDS, ISBN 9781781649046
ELT House
Vocabulary books
- Edwards, L. & Redman, S. (2017) English Vocabulary in Use: Pre-intermediate and Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Emmerson, P. (2007) Business English Handbook: Advanced. London: Macmillan
- Emmerson, P. (2009) Business Vocabulary Builder: Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate. London: Macmillan.
- Emmerson, P. (2011) Essential Business Vocabulary Builder: Pre-intermediate to Intermediate. London: Macmillan.
Grammar books
- Brieger, N. & Sweeney, S. (2011) Business Grammar and Practice: Pre-Intermediate. London: Collins
- Emmerson, P. (2010) Business Grammar Builder: Intermediate to Upper-intermediate. London: Macmillan.
- Murphy, R. (2019) English Grammar in Use: Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2011) Oxford English Grammar Course: Basic. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2015) Oxford English Grammar Course: Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2019) Oxford English Grammar Course: Advanced. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Business English Course Books
- Cosgrove, A. (2017) English at Work: Practical Language Activities for Working in the UK. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Badger, I. (2011) English for Business: Listening. London: Collins
- Cotton, D., Falvey, D., & Kent, S. (2011) Market leader: Upper Intermediate Business English course book. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
- Cotton, D., Falvey, D., Kent, S. & Rogers, J. (2016) Market leader: Pre-intermediate Business English Flexi Course book 1. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
- Hughes, J. & Naunton, J. (2016) Business Result: Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Osborn, A. (2013) English for Business: Reading. London: Collins.
Test Overview Videos
Key features
| EXAM LEVEL | A1 -C2 |
| FORMAT | Face-to-face at Approved Test Centres or Online with remote, live proctoring |
| CERTIFICATE | Awarded for scores of 10 or above out of 100 |
| GRADE BOUNDARIES |
Candidates are awarded 0, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 C2 90-100 C1 75-89 B2 60-74 B1 40-59 A2 20-39 A1 10-19 0 0-9 |
Exam format
Face-to-face
Speaking
10 -14 minutes
Online
Speaking
10 -14 minutes
Results, certificates and digital badges
- Certificate of Achievement & e-certificate are available in 10 business days (face-to-face) or 3 business days (online).
- Results are sent by email directly to candidates or to their Test Centre.
- Digital badges are available on the same day as results and sent by email.
- Hard-copy certificates are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.
- Certificates include the score per skill and the overall grade reported as a CEFR level. The overall grade of the four-skill certificate represents the lowest CEFR level achieved in any of the four skills and it is not the average of the scores achieved across all skills.are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.
Breakdown of Levels
LTE A1 – CEFR A1
- Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases satisfying practical needs in connection with education, training and social roles.
- Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as possessions, address and people known.
- Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
LTE A2 – CEFR A2
- Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance such as basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment, education, training, and social roles.
- Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information, feelings, and opinions on familiar and routine matters.
- Can engage in conversation to establish shared understanding about familiar topics.
LTE B1 – CEFR B1
- Can understand the main points of clear standard communication on matters regularly encountered in social roles, work, school, leisure, education, and training.
- Can convey information, feelings, and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality.
- Can engage in discussion in a familiar situation making relevant points and responding to reach a shared understanding.
- Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
- Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give explanations for opinions and plans.
LTE B2 – CEFR B2
- Can understand the main ideas of complex communication on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
- Can communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes interaction quite possible without strain for either party.
- Can adapt to take account of the listener(s), the context and the medium.
- Can engage in discussion in familiar and unfamiliar situations making clear and relevant contributions.
- Can communicate clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
LTE C1 – CEFR C1
- Can use the language fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can respond to extended information and narratives, follow detailed explanations and complex instructions, adapting response to audience, medium and context.
- Can engage in discussion in a variety of situations making clear and effective contributions.
- Can use language flexibly.
- Can communicate ideas and opinions effectively, appropriate to purpose, content and audience.
LTE C2 – CEFR C2
- Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Official practice material
Explore our resources
- Practice Paper 3 - LTE Speaking A1-C2
- Practice Paper 4 - LTE Speaking A1-C2
- Speaking test sample video (Wang)
- Speaking test sample video (Wang) – Comments on the test-taker’s performance
- Speaking test sample video (Emre)
- Speaking test sample video (Emre) – Comments on the test-taker’s performance
- Speaking test sample video (André)
- Speaking test sample video (André) – Comments on the test-taker’s performance
- Speaking test sample video (Maya)
- Speaking test sample video (Maya) – Comments on the test-taker’s performance
- Qualification Handbook
Books
Vocabulary books
- Edwards, L. & Redman, S. (2017) English Vocabulary in Use: Pre-intermediate and Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Emmerson, P. (2007) Business English Handbook: Advanced. London: Macmillan
- Emmerson, P. (2009) Business Vocabulary Builder: Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate. London: Macmillan.
- Emmerson, P. (2011) Essential Business Vocabulary Builder: Pre-intermediate to Intermediate. London: Macmillan.
Grammar books
- Brieger, N. & Sweeney, S. (2011) Business Grammar and Practice: Pre-Intermediate. London: Collins
- Emmerson, P. (2010) Business Grammar Builder: Intermediate to Upper-intermediate. London: Macmillan.
- Murphy, R. (2019) English Grammar in Use: Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2011) Oxford English Grammar Course: Basic. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2015) Oxford English Grammar Course: Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2019) Oxford English Grammar Course: Advanced. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Business English Course Books
- Cosgrove, A. (2017) English at Work: Practical Language Activities for Working in the UK. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Cotton, D., Falvey, D., & Kent, S. (2011) Market leader: Upper Intermediate Business English course book. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
- Cotton, D., Falvey, D., Kent, S. & Rogers, J. (2016) Market leader: Pre-intermediate Business English Flexi Course book 1. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
- Hughes, J. & Naunton, J. (2016) Business Result: Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Test Overview Videos
Key features
| EXAM LEVEL | A1 -C2 |
| FORMAT | Paper/computer-based at approved Test Centres or Online with remote, live invigilation |
| CERTIFICATE | Awarded for scores of 10 or above out of 100 |
| GRADE BOUNDARIES |
Candidates are awarded 0, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 C2 90-100 C1 75-89 B2 60-74 B1 40-59 A2 20-39 A1 10-19 0 0-9 |
Exam format
Online exam 1 hour
Writing
1 hour
Paper-based 1 hour
Writing
1 hour
Computer-based 1 hour
Writing
1 hour
Writing
Part 1: Approx. 60 – 100 words
Task: Write a short communicative message. The task tests the candidate’s ability to produce a short piece of writing which successfully communicates the required information.
This is a guided writing task.
Part 2: Approx. 200 – 250 words
Write an extended piece of text in the form of a brief report, article or review. The task tests the candidate’s ability to produce extended writing about a workplace matter. Candidates will need to demonstrate an advanced level of grammar and vocabulary while coherently organising an extended piece of writing.
Results, certificates and digital badges
- Certificate of Achievement and e-certificate are sent by email to the candidate or through the Test Centre:
- 3 business days for Online exams with remote, live invigilation
- 5 business days for computer-based exams
- 10 business days for paper-based exams
- Digital badges are available on the same day as results and are sent by email
- Hard-copy certificates are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.
- Certificates include the score per skill and the overall grade reported as a CEFR level. The overall grade of the four-skill certificate represents the lowest CEFR level achieved in any of the four skills and it is not the average of the scores achieved across all skills.are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.
Breakdown of Levels
- Can give information in writing about matters of personal relevance (e.g. likes and dislikes, job, family,) using simple words and basic expressions.
- Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences in documents such as forms, lists, emails and messages.
- Can ask questions about personal details such as possessions, job, address and people known.
LTE (W) A2 - CEFR A2
- Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like ‘and,’ ‘but’ and ‘because’.
- Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences about their family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job.
- Can give his/her impressions and opinions in writing about topics of personal interest (e.g. lifestyles and culture, job), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.
LTE (W) B1 - CEFR B1
- Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his/her field of interest/work by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
- Can write very brief reports to a standard conventionalised format, which pass on routine factual information and state reasons for actions.
- Can summarise, report and give his/her opinion about accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence.
- Can convey information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality and adapting to the intended audience.
LTE (W) B2 - CEFR B2
- Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
- Can write an essay or report which develops an argument, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
- Can communicate with a degree of fluency that makes comprehension possible for the reader without strain.
- Can communicate clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint, varying format and style appropriate to purpose and audience.
LTE (W) C1 - CEFR C1
- Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
- Can employ the structure and conventions of a variety of written genres, varying the tone, style and register according to addressee, text type and theme.
- Can produce clear well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
- Can communicate ideas and opinions effectively, using length, format and style appropriate to purpose, content and audience.
LTE (W) C2 - CEFR C2
- Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.
- Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex reports, articles or essays which present a case, or give critical appreciation of proposals.
- Can set out multiple perspectives on complex academic or professional topics, clearly distinguishing his/her own ideas and opinions from those in the sources.
- Can express him/herself very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Official practice material
Books
Vocabulary books
- Edwards, L. & Redman, S. (2017) English Vocabulary in Use: Pre-intermediate and Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Emmerson, P. (2007) Business English Handbook: Advanced. London: Macmillan
- Emmerson, P. (2009) Business Vocabulary Builder: Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate. London: Macmillan.
- Emmerson, P. (2011) Essential Business Vocabulary Builder: Pre-intermediate to Intermediate. London: Macmillan.
Grammar books
- Brieger, N. & Sweeney, S. (2011) Business Grammar and Practice: Pre-Intermediate. London: Collins
- Emmerson, P. (2010) Business Grammar Builder: Intermediate to Upper-intermediate. London: Macmillan.
- Murphy, R. (2019) English Grammar in Use: Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2011) Oxford English Grammar Course: Basic. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2015) Oxford English Grammar Course: Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Swan, M. & Walter, C. (2019) Oxford English Grammar Course: Advanced. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Business English Course Books
- Cosgrove, A. (2017) English at Work: Practical Language Activities for Working in the UK. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Cotton, D., Falvey, D., & Kent, S. (2011) Market leader: Upper Intermediate Business English course book. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
- Cotton, D., Falvey, D., Kent, S. & Rogers, J. (2016) Market leader: Pre-intermediate Business English Flexi Course book 1. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
- Hughes, J. & Naunton, J. (2016) Business Result: Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Test Overview Videos
LANGUAGECERT level check
LANGUAGECERT International ESOL exams are mapped to the CEFR. Candidates can quickly identify which LANGUAGECERT International ESOL exam level they need by taking our level check quiz.