In a previous article we already looked at how language certifications work, and in particular at the Common European Framework of Reference, or CEFR.

Today we want to look more closely at English language certifications.

For English there is no single institution and no single certification system; on the contrary, there is a whole range of routes and exams, reflecting the variety of countries and institutions bound up with the English language.
Here we look in particular at the three most widespread systems: IELTS, TOEFL, and the University of Cambridge ESOL exams.

All of them sit within the CEFR, and for all of them European School offers preparation and support.

IELTS: the certification for studying or working abroad

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the language certification system run by the British Council, developed in partnership with the prestigious University of Cambridge.

IELTS is based on a numerical score running from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 9. Each score corresponds to a level of command of the language which can also be read against the CEFR standards: a score of 5.5 to 6.5, for example, indicates a B2, while 7 to 8 certifies a C1.

A minimum IELTS score is in fact an immigration requirement in many English-speaking countries – usually a 4. Higher scores are required for admission to most universities in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.

That is one reason why it is, in practice, the most widespread and widely used system in the world. Because it is taken above all by people heading to English-speaking countries for work or study, two types of IELTS exam have emerged over time.

Alongside the General exam, designed mainly for everyday life or work, there is now an Academic version aimed instead at those who want to attend universities or other training institutions abroad. This second version gives more room to written skills and to understanding charts and tables as well.

The IELTS certificate does not formally state an expiry date, only the date on which the test was taken. In practice, however, it is generally considered valid for 2 years, particularly in the Academic IELTS version used for admission to institutions and universities. There is more flexibility around validity when it comes to General Training IELTS.

IELTS exam sessions are frequent and are held in all the main Italian cities. Further information is available on the British Council website or directly at the European School centres in Lucca, Montecatini, Pisa and Pistoia.

TOEFL

While IELTS is British in origin, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) centres on North American English and is run by the US organisation Educational Testing Service.

For that reason it is aimed above all at those planning to study or carry out research in English-speaking countries outside the United Kingdom – that is, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
It is also useful when applying for a scholarship and is recognised in a number of public-sector competitive examinations.

The test is built around four types of paper, certifying command of English across the different language skills:

• Reading: read passages, then complete sentences, answer multiple-choice questions, and so on.
• Listening: listen to recordings, then complete sentences, answer multiple-choice questions, and so on.
• Writing: read material, then write a passage in response.
• Speaking: listen to or read material, then answer out loud. The answer is recorded, sent electronically and marked later in the United States.

The ways of obtaining English language certifications through the TOEFL exams have changed over time. Both the format and the type of scoring have changed: where years ago there was only the classic paper version (Paper Based Test, with possible scores from 0 to 700), the Computer Based Test was then introduced (scored from 0 to 300). Today there is also an Internet Based Test version (0-120 possible points).

The minimum score required for admission to an American university ranges between 200 and 250 (depending on the university) for the Computer Based Test, and is generally set at 75 for the Internet Based Test. In the paper version, a C1 level is equivalent to a minimum score of 460.

Throughout the year there are many dates and locations around the world where you can sit the TOEFL. You can retake the test more than once, but no more often than once every 12 days.
In Italy it is usually possible to sit the exam in the main cities, either online (Internet-based test, IBT) or on paper, thanks to a dense network of institutions authorised to administer the exam and issue the corresponding certifications.

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) certifications are run directly by the University of Cambridge and are recognised worldwide by universities and companies.

Unlike IELTS, the ESOL certifications never expire. Whereas IELTS and TOEFL take a snapshot of the candidate and assign a score (there is no notion of “failing” the test), ESOL is structured as a classic exam designed to demonstrate a given command of the language, with a result that can be either a pass or a fail.
The advantage is that you obtain a certificate valid for life that can go on your CV.

Depending on the level you want to certify, then, you can sit the corresponding exam and obtain one of these certifications:

• KET (Key English Test): CEFR level A2, certifying a basic command of English.
• PET (Preliminary English Test): equivalent to level B1.
• FCE (First Certificate in English): equivalent to level B2, certifying an already good command of the language.
• CAE (Certificate of Advanced English): corresponds to CEFR C1. To pass the exam you have to demonstrate an excellent command of the language and good fluency.
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): the highest certificate of general knowledge of English, equivalent to native-speaker competence. The same level is designated C2 in the CEFR.

Which one should you choose?

Preparing for one of these exams takes time and commitment, because each exam has its own particular format and it is important to follow a preparation course designed for it. Sitting an exam session involves a cost, which is worth checking in advance.

Choosing the right kind of certification to aim for therefore matters.

If you need the certification to enrol on a course of study or to meet an administrative requirement, the bodies concerned will probably tell you directly which one they want.

When, on the other hand, the certification is for your CV, without any specific requirement attached, there are two useful ways to go about it:

• find out whether there is one that is asked for more often in your line of work;
• ask your English teacher. Your teacher will be able to guide you not only on the basis of what your CV needs, but also on the type of exam involved, pointing you towards the one best suited to your abilities and suggesting the preparation course to follow.

If you would like to obtain a recognised certification of your level of English, do get in touch with us directly for more information.