English language certificates are accreditations that testify to your learning and language level. With them, you can demonstrate your English language skills anywhere in the world. And this, of course, can open many doors for you and lead to better opportunities. We will tell you about each of them below.
Types of English language certifications
Here’s everything you need to know about the most popular English language certifications. They are internationally recognised and you can use them to certify your knowledge.
Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge qualifications are the most popular and recognised type of English language certification. There are many institutions and organisations that recognise these qualifications throughout the world, but mainly in Europe. To obtain such a qualification, all you need to do is pass the Cambridge exam at a certified institution.
To do this, you can ask your English language school or private teacher when the next exam date is and at which institution you can register to take the exam. These tests are organised according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Thus, there are different types of English language certificates offered by Cambridge. To make sure you pass the exam successfully, it is best to be realistic in choosing the level you want to pass. These are the existing levels:
- Key Test, which corresponds to level A2.
- Preliminary English Test, which corresponds to level B1.
- First Certificate in English, corresponding to level B2.
- Certificate in Advanced English, corresponding to level C1.
- Certificate of Proficiency in English, corresponding to level C2.
These certificates are offered to demonstrate general knowledge and are offered to foreign tourists or prospective students. However, special English language certificates are also offered for those who wish to master business English.
International English Language Testing System
It is commonly known by the acronym IELTS and is received in English-speaking countries, especially in universities or companies that use English as an official language. This test assesses different skills including writing, pronunciation, reading and writing.
In the case of this exam, there is no pass mark, but the institution is responsible for determining your level of English based on your answers. For this reason, if your results are not satisfactory, you will be in the lower levels.
Test of English as a Foreign Language
This English level test is used to measure the knowledge of those who are aspiring to enter a university or academic institution. Especially in the United States or Canada.
This test is offered by Educational Testing Service, an American organisation that seeks to promote the language. This test can be taken from the comfort of your home and the results take about 6 days to arrive. It is valid for a maximum of two years.
Test of English for International Communication
This multi-level test is also developed by Educational Testing Service, and measures your language skills for everyday life. So it gives you one of those English certifications that are of great help in getting a job in a company or organisation.
This test is divided into two parts, however, you can choose whether you want to take only one of them (on the basis of which, of course, your result will be generated). The first part is reading comprehension and the second part is listening comprehension and the maximum score is 90 points.
Oxford Test of English
This certificate is, as in the case of Cambridge, awarded by the renowned University of Oxford. It is also recognised worldwide by many educational institutions. The maximum score for the Oxford Test of English is 140 points, and it accredits up to B2 level English.
The truth is, taking the test is quite simple. There are several centres around the world that offer this type of English language certification.
How to choose the right English language certification?
As there are so many types of English language certifications in the world, it can be a complex task to know which one to choose. You should know that in order to choose the right one, it is necessary to take into account the type of validity and the difficulty of the certification.
