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EXAMS

IELTS   
English Language Exams with Cambridge ESOL   
Business English   
Where and when to enrol for individuals    

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN CAN I TAKE my EXAM?   

You may take it in any of our centres in Spain. Before the exam date we will provide the address of the exam venue and directions to get there. We always try to ensure the premises are as convenient for you as possible. Contact us if you don’t live near any of our offices.

You can take a wide range of exams with us including IELTS and Cambridge Main Suite exams.  We also offer business exams and a number of professional qualifications and UK exams.    
HOW DO I ENROL?   
Enrolment dates and availability of exams vary slightly between our centres. Please visit Where and when to enrol.    
HOW MUCH DOES MY EXAM COST?   
The fees vary from one exam to another. Access Where and when to enrol for updated information.   
ARE THERE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED CANDIDATES?   
Yes. Please tell us the exam, date and place which suit you and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. Some exams are available in Braille, large print and special audio format. We also have services for candidates with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Please note you’ll have to submit the appropriate certification when you enrol.    
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT EXAM RECOGNITION?    
HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF?   

It is very important that you learn the exam techniques and get used to the time limits by doing several past papers. Our Information Centres can help you by lending exams preparation materials.

Try to avoid studying the night before, it will make you tired and may lead to underperformance. Make sure you know the exact location of the exam venue and arrive before the starting time so that you are less pressed.

HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY PERFORMANCE?    

During the examination:

read the instructions carefully and make sure you answer the correct number of questions   
read all the questions carefully   
try to follow the recommended time per question, otherwise you may not be able to finish all the tasks   
don’t be afraid if you come across a difficult task – other people will face the same situation - calm down, you can answer it   
try to leave enough time to go over your work   
don’t leave early – use the extra time to go over your answers.   

WHEN ARE RESULTS AVAILABLE?   
IELTS: certificates are available 13 days after the test date.   
Cambridge ESOL Main Suite and BEC: the examining board will send them to us around eight weeks after the exam dates. As soon as we receive them we will send them to you by post.   
BULATS: results are immediate with the Computer Test and for the other tests takes ten to fifteen days.   
Cambridge International Diplomas: Results are released within ten weeks.   
Universities and professional bodies: The board will usually send them directly to you.   
If you have enrolled through your teaching or language centre, the results will be sent directly to it. If you have enrolled as a private candidate, we will send them directly to the address you have stated at the moment of registration. If you haven’t received your results after ten weeks, please contact your British Council centre.    
HOW CAN I UNDERSTAND MY RESULTS?   
IELTS: you will get an overall mark and a score per section, all on a nine-band scale.   
FCE, CAE, CPE and BEC: pass marks are graded A,B or C. D represents narrow fail, and E fail. On the Statement of Results you will also have a graphic with your performance by paper.   
KET and PET: pass with merit, pass, narrow fail and fail.   
BULATS: overall mark and score per section over 100 and the corresponding ALTE and Council of Europe levels.   
Cambridge International Diplomas: it may vary between qualifications. Distinction, Pass, Fail.    

HOW ARE IELTS RESULTS RELATED TO THE CAMBRIDGE ESOL MAIN SUITE?   

Different exams, such as IELTS and FCE, assess different aspects of language ability and/or skills, which is why it is very difficult to try to draw the comparison most candidates expect. Below you will find a broad reference for guidance, but please note there is still much research to be done.

IELTS BAND   

MAIN SUITE   

UK QCA   

CEF   

5.0-5.5   

FCE   

6.0-6.5   

CAE   

LEVEL 2   

C1   

7.0-7.5   

CPE   

LEVEL 3   

C2   

DISCLAIMER:  The information above is not an equivalence between IELTS scores and the Cambridge ESOL certificates. The British Council, Cambridge ESOL and IDP Education: IELTS Australia are not to be held responsible for any misuse of this broad reference.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DISAGREE WITH MY RESULT?   
Your exam will be marked by at least two independent  professional examiners, and if necessary, by three and even four. Still, if you feel there is a problem, please first seek your teacher’s feedback. Then contact your British Council exam centre and we will explain the procedures to follow. Please note examining boards always retain the right to decide whether a revision is applicable or not.    
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL?   
It’s not the end of the world If you fail you may always re-sit the exam. In all exams you may enrol for the following session.   
WHERE CAN I GET FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT UK QUALIFICATIONS?   
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
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