Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) examinations are known worldwide and are recognised by universities, employers and national education authorities in many countries as evidence that the holder meets their required standards in English.
Every year more than 2 million people take these examinations in order to improve their employment prospects, to seek further education, to prepare themselves for travel or living abroad, or because they want an internationally recognised certificate.
They can be taken by anyone whose first language is not English.
Assessment of the Cambridge examinations is linked to the international six-level scale established by the Council of Europe:
NEW - EXTENDED CERTIFICATIONCambridge ESOL has developed a new initiative called extended certification. It is designed to give a clearer picture of how candidates’ performance in each Cambridge ESOL exam aligns to the Common European Framework of Reference. It works in two ways:
A candidate who performs particularly well in the exams can get credit at a higher level on the CEFR. For example, candidates who get grade A in Cambridge English: Advanced receive a ‘CAE’ certificate indicating that they are at C2 level.
Candidates can also receive credit for their English language skills, even if they do not achieve a passing grade. So a candidate who does not get enough marks for a grade C in Cambridge English: Advanced can still be awarded a certificate showing performance at level B2 if they show this level of ability in the exam.
Find out more about grades, levels and certificates.
COMPUTER BASED EXAMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLEThe British Council and the Examining Boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service. We feel sure you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control.
If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council's liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or re-testing at a later date.
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