INT E RNA TIONA L ENGLI SH EX AMS
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH EXAMS
The most important English language examinations.
Requirements, language level, usefulness, examiner, etc.
Listed according to level.
ELEMENTARY LEVEL 1 (A1)
No exam!
ELEMENTARY LEVEL 2 (A2)
Cambridge KEY Entry Test (KET)
Language level
KET enables learners to meet their basic communication needs in English. They are able to
communicate in everyday situations using basic language.
Requirements
150-200 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: KET is the first of the 5 international English exams of UCLES (University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate). KET indicates basic language skills and like all
Cambridge diplomas is recognised worldwide.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Exmaminations Syndicate).
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1 (B1)
Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)
Language level
PET provides learners with the language skills needed to survive in social and work situations
in an English-speaking environment.
Requirements
300-400 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: PET is recognised worldwide. In commerce and industry PET is recognised as
evidence of basic language skills.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Exmaminations Syndicate).
BEC Preliminary
Requirements
Approx. 300 lessons (of 50 min.)extensive tuition.
Language level
BEC Preliminary (Business English Certificate) provides learners with the initial language
skills needed in the work environment. The learner has the ability to communicate in everyday
business situations. The learner can write using basic language.
Joe M. Hediger
Managing Director «Early English Project»
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INT E RNA TIONA L ENGLI SH EX AMS
Usefulness: There are 3 BECs (Business English Certificates). BEC Preliminary is recognised
worldwide as evidence of basic business English.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2 (B2)
Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
Language level
FCE provides learners with skills required to express themselves correctly in a variety of
everyday and business situations. The learner has conversational skills and can write using
basic language.
Requirements
400-500 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: It is widely recognised in commerce and industry as proof of language ability at
an intermediate level.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
BEC Vantage
Language level
BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage provides learners with the English language skills
required in a variety of business situations. The learner can compose simple texts correctly.
Requirements
400-500 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: There are 3 BECs (Business English Certificates). BEC Vantage is recognised
worldwide as evidence of intermediate business English.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) (781-900 points)
Language level
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) tests business English used in
everyday business situations. Depending on the point total, the learner possesses between
basic business English and virtually the level of a native speaker.
Requirements
There are no requirements.
Usefulness: TOEIC is a multiple choice test that has become the standard for English
language proficiency in the global workplace.
Examiner: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton/USA. TOEIC was introduced in 1979.
Every year more than 1 million people sit TOEIC-tests.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (133-177 points)
Language level
TOEFL measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North
Joe M. Hediger
Managing Director «Early English Project»
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INT E RNA TIONA L ENGLI SH EX AMS
American English as it is used in college and university settings. A high score indicates the
ability to write and speak English virtually flawlessly in everyday academic situations.
Requirements
English must not be your first language.
Usefulness: TOEFL test results are recognised by more than 2400 colleges and universities in
the US and in Canada. A score of 213 points or more is accepted by most American
universities as fulfilling the English language entrance requirement, whereas less than 133
points is seen as insufficient by most universities.
Examiner: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton/USA. Every year over 2 million people
sit the TOEFL-tests. Since 1998 an essay is included in the exam. The exam is taken at the
computer.
ADVANCED LEVEL 1 (C1)
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Language level
The learner's English language skills are so good, that he is able to express himself in a variety
of sometimes difficult situations, orally as well as in writing.
Requirements
Approx. 600-800 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: The CAE is recognised worldwide by employers and academic institutions as
evidence of advanced language skills. It is recognised by the majority of British universities as
fulfilling the English language entrance requirements.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
BEC Higher
Language level
The learner's business English language skills are so good that he is able to express himself in
a variety of sometimes difficult situations, orally as well as in writing.
Requirements
Approx. 600-800 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: There are 3 BECs (Business English Certificates). BEC Higher is recognised
worldwide as evidence of advanced business English.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) (901-960 points)
Language level
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) tests business English used in
everyday business situations. Depending on the point total, the learner possesses between
basic business English and virtually the level of a native speaker.
Requirements
There are no requirements.
Usefulness: TOEIC is a multiple choice test that has become the standard for English
language proficiency in the global workplace.
Joe M. Hediger
Managing Director «Early English Project»
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INT E RNA TIONA L ENGLI SH EX AMS
Examiner: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton/USA. TOEIC was introduced in 1979.
Every year more than 1 million people sit TOEIC-tests.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (174-213 points)
Language level
TOEFL measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North
American English as it is used in college and university settings. A high score indicates the
ability to write and speak English virtually flawlessly in everyday academic situations.
Requirements
English must not be your first language.
Usefulness: TOEFL test results are recognised by more than 2400 colleges and universities in
the US and in Canada. A score of 213 points or more is accepted by most American
universities as fulfilling the English language entrance requirement, whereas less than 133
points is seen as insufficient by most unversities.
Examiner: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton/USA. Every year over 2 million people
sit the TOEFL-tests. Since 1998 an essay is included in the exam. The exam is taken at the
computer.
ADVANCED LEVEL 2 (C2)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Language level
The learner has comprehensive knowledge of English. The learner is able to understand
complicated authentic texts and can express himself on complex topics, orally as well as in
writing.
Requirements
800-1000 lessons (of 50 min.) extensive tuition.
Usefulness: Recognised worldwide as evidence of comprehensive and qualified knowledge of
the English language. CPE is recognised by British universities as fulfilling the English
language entrance requirements.
Examiner: UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) (961-990 points)
Language level
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) tests business English used in
everyday business situations. Depending on the point total, the learner possesses between
basic business English and virtually the level of a native speaker.
Requirements
There are no requirements.
Usefulness: TOEIC is a multiple choice test that has become the standard for English
language proficiency in the global workplace.
Examiner: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton/USA. TOEIC was introduced in 1979.
Every year more than 1 million people sit TOEIC-tests.
Joe M. Hediger
Managing Director «Early English Project»
Page 4 of 5
INT E RNA TIONA L ENGLI SH EX AMS
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (>213 points)
Language level
TOEFL measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North
American English as it is used in college and university settings. A high score indicates the
ability to write and speak English virtually flawlessly in everyday academic situations.
Requirements
English must not be your first language.
Usefulness: TOEFL test results are recognised by more than 2400 colleges and universities in
the US and in Canada. A score of 213 points or more is accepted by most American
universities as fulfilling the English language entrance requirement, whereas less than 133
points is seen as insufficient by most unversities.
Examiner: Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton/USA. Every year over 2 million people
sit the TOEFL-tests. Since 1998 an essay is included in the exam. The exam is taken at the
computer.
Joe M. Hediger
Managing Director «Early English Project»
Page 5 of 5