There are different certificates to officially certify your level of English, but are you clear about which ones exist and what their differences are? We tell you all the secrets in the following article.
Why accredit your English level?
Today, universities and colleges around the world offer numerous courses taught exclusively in English, making it easier for international students to enroll in their study programs. However, there are still many entities that do not offer this service, which is considered essential, in turn, to open more doors to the world of work.
To pass an English test and obtain the language certificate, you may have to invest a lot of time and effort, depending on your current level of English. That is why you should start preparing and practicing as soon as possible with official exam preparation courses.
Cambridge
CambridgeThe University of Cambridge is one of the main entities in charge of conducting exams to accredit the level of English. These include levels A2 (KET) B1 (PET), B2 (FCE), C1 (CAE) and C2 (CPE).
Key English Test (KET)
Commonly known as the KET exam, it is an introductory or elementary qualificationfor learners of English as a second language. This is the point for younger students, who are still new to learning English, to demonstrate their ability to communicate in simple, everyday situations.
Preliminary English Test (PET)
The Preliminary English Test (PET) is a B1 level exam for students of English who want to demonstrate that they have mastered the basic elements of the English language and have the necessary skills for everyday use of English. This exam is an ideal bridge between the KET A2 and the FCE B2 exams.
First Certificate in English (FCE)
The Cambridge B2 First (FCE) is used as a school leaving exam at almost all levels of education. It is also used in the corporate sector. This test is an advantage for all CVs and enhances all applications where English language skills are required.
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) is an official Cambridge English exam at advanced level that requires proficiency in all language skills, set at level C1 of the Council of Europe’s Common Framework of Reference for Languages. When accredited at this level, users can participate effectively in meetings and seminars within their work environment or maintain an informal conversation with a good degree of fluency in abstract expressions.
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
This certificate accredits the students’ knowledge of English. It certifies that they have reached an advanced level of English, and its attainment is equivalent to language level C2, in which students are able to express themselves as a bilingual person. In other words, students who obtain the Certificate of Proficiency in English are able to work or study in English in any sector. Their level is more or less equivalent to that of a native English speaker: they can speak without making mistakes and use complex sentence structures.
TOEFL
TOEFLThe TOEFL test is an internationally recognized test that measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English at the university level.
If you wish to study at an English-speaking university or take a program taught in English, most universities and schools require non-native English speakers to provide proof, as part of their application, that their English language skills will be sufficient to successfully participate in the course. The TOEFL iBT is the most widely accepted test of academic English proficiency.
IELTS
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, creates opportunities worldwide for test takers, such as students who want to study at foreign universities and professionals seeking jobs around the world. IELTS has an excellent international reputation and is the most widely accepted English language test.
