What is a computer-based Cambridge ESOL test?

Computer-based Cambridge ESOL tests, which are administered in Poland by the British Council, consist of the same parts as the paper-based exams. E.g. while sitting an FCE computer-based test candidate will face the same tasks as a candidate passing a paper-based FCE. The difference being that the former will do so in front of a computer. There is a friendly and easy-to-use interface with an online timer build-in. The candidate is able to go back to the previous questions and correct them. Moreover, each person that passes the test receives a certificate that does not differ from the one received for passing the paper-based test version and which is recognized by the same institutions as the most prestigious indication of language skills.

More about the advantages of computer-based tests can be found at our special computer-based test website.

What does the offer of ‘computer-based tests in sessions on demand’ consist of?

The computer-based tests in sessions on demand, which are available for institutions registering groups of at least 10 candidates for an examination level, include:

• KET,
• KET for Schools,
• PET,
• PET for Schools,
• FCE,
• CAE,
• BEC.

The registering institution is obliged to make available an appropriate computer venue where all the writing and listening parts of the exam can be held (the Listening part is heard on headphones which guarantee a high sound quality) and an appropriate venue to hold the speaking part of the exam. All venues must meet the requirements listed in the document Standards of halls for examination sittings.

If an organised group numbers less than ten candidates or if any other questions concerning examinations for candidates registered by institutions arise, please contact us by phone at + 48 (0) 22 695 59 39 (in the case of FCE and CAE examinations) and +48 (0) 22 695 59 41 (in the case of other examinations) or by e-mail exams@britishcouncil.pl.

What are the examinations fees?

The standard fees for computer-based Cambridge ESOL tests organised before 30th June 2012 are presented in the document Examinations Fees.

The standard fees for computer-based Cambridge ESOL tests organised between 1st July 2012 and 30th June 2013 are presented in the document Examinations Fees.

If you are interested in this offer and wish to organise a paper-based Cambridge ESOL exam session on your premises, you will be entitled to receive a discount exam fee for your candidates.

For further information please contact us by phone on (22) 695 59 00 or by e-mail at exams@britishcouncil.pl

How can I register a group of candidates?

In order to register a group of candidates for computer-based tests:

1. For the exams organised before 30th June 2012 please Read the Regulations for the Cambridge ESOL Exams for institutions registering candidates for closed sessions.
   For the exams organised in the period between 1st July 2012 and 30th June 2013 please read the Cambridge ESOL Examinations Regulations for institutions registering candidates for closed sessions.
   
2. Print and distribute regulations among your students.
   
3. Go to the ExamFinder below and choose a date from a list of examinations dates for groups in 2012.
   
   http://www.examfinder.britishcouncil.pl/?ln=en
   
4. Complete the Block Entry Form with your students' details and ensure that each person signs the document in the appropriate space.
   
5. Make the required payment – please contact the British Council for examination fee information.
   
6. Send the completed Block Entry Form, the proof of payment and the statement by institution providing rooms for British Council examinations by e-mail to exams@britishcouncil.pl, fax to (0) 22 695 59 86 or by post to:

Integrated Customer Services
British Council
Al. Jerozolimskie 59
00-697 Warszawa

no later than the final submission date.

If the conditions listed above are not fulfilled by the final submission date the candidates will not be registered for the exam session.

IMPORTANT: For technical reasons for the year 2011 special arrangements for computer-based exams are not on offer. Candidates who require special arrangements can register for paper-based examinations only.

What are the arrangements for candidates with special needs?

For technical reasons special arrangements for computer-based exams are not being offered in 2011.

HOW LONG WILL we WAIT FOR the RESULTS?

The results of Cambridge ESOL computer-based tests are ready to download three weeks after the exam date. Certificates of computer-based tests do not differ from the ones received for passing the paper-based test version and which are recognized by the same institutions as the most prestigious indication of language skills.

Testimonials

The programme is very user friendly (…) during the test you can go back to the previous tasks and correct them. The computer-based test makes writing so much easier as there is a word counter built into the system so I did not have to worry about writing too much or too little.

Computer-based PET candidate from the Warsaw session

I would recommend computer-based CESOL tests to everyone, as it is the best and the most objective and unstressful way to verify students’ English language skills.

Candidate's parent