LanguageCert
Language Testing for Immigration – Work, Travel & Study Abroad
Communicating in English as a Foreign Language
If you have ever learned or taught English as a Foreign Language you will almost certainly have heard of Cambridge University exams such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System); for the American system you might have heard of TOEIC for example (The Test of English for International Communications). As a language teacher at a University language school, we used to prepare our students for other Cambridge examinations such as KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test), FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) & CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English), something I have introduced several times over in successive years as a result of this experience. These examinations are most commonly used for people looking to work and study overseas and they are often a necessary requirement in the visa processing system. For students of English as a Foreign Language looking for a future overseas it is always a good idea to start working on exam preparation from the outset.
When approached by professionals for potential work overseas they may have considered what used to be called the BULATS examination which was discontinued at the end of 2019 – this is now called the LinguaSkill Business Test run by Cambridge University. In addition, the BEC (Business English Certificate) exams are still very popular at various levels.
Recently, however, I have been introduced to the LanguageCert examination which is a relative newcomer to the International language testing scene. They offer something they term an SELT exam which is a Secure English Language Test approved by the UK Home Office for example. Similarly, to the other tests above they are mapped to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Language) meaning that the level can be easily translated wherever the student is to go. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is published by the Council of Europe. This internationally recognised framework describes language ability in a scale of levels which ranges from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have mastered a language.
This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing (learners, teachers, teacher trainers etc.) to see the level of different qualifications. It also means that employers and educational institutions can easily compare qualifications and see how they relate to exams they already know in their own country. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment.
More flexible exam process
These tests are most commonly known for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) worldwide, covering all visa type requirements. They offer 2-skills (Speaking & Listening) and 4-skills (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) SELT exams, depending on visa type. Candidates taking a 4-skills SELT exam can sit the Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking) components separately as long as they are taken within 14 days of each other. All LanguageCert SELT exams must be taken at approved SELT Centres which are subject to strict governance. The tests range from 165 Euros upwards and appear on the surface to offer more flexibility than the IELTS exam process.
According to LanguageCert: “We offer a full range of language exams delivered in a wide variety of ways to make the entire process more accessible and tailored to the needs of individual candidates. As a member of the PeopleCert Group, a global leader in the certification industry, LanguageCert is part of a team that delivers millions of exams in many subjects in over 200 countries.” Check out this Video Link to learn a little more about the programmes – “A Secure, Fast & Reliable Solution to getting the certificate you need.”
Guided learning hours
How many study hours are required to reach a certain examination level? It is not possible to give a categorical answer to this, as hours of study required will vary depending upon several factors such as the candidates’ language learning background, the intensity of the study, the inclinations and age of the individual as well as the amount of study/exposure outside of lesson times. The following figures are, however, sometimes quoted as an approximate guideline:
CEFR Common European Framework Guided Learning Hours:
A2 approximately 180–200
B1 approximately 350–400
B2 approximately 500–600
C1 approximately 700–800
C2 approximately 1,000–1,200
Generally speaking, a language course expected to get from one level to the next will last approximately 120 hours.
ALTE
ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) is a group of leading language testing organisations in Europe. In order to make examination results easier to understand, ALTE members have developed a series of 'Can Do' statements for each of the CEFR levels. These statements describe what language users can typically do with the language at different levels and in different contexts (general, social & tourist, work, study).
For example, these are the ALTE 'Can Do' statements for general language
ALTE Can Do Statements: overall general ability
CEFR LEVELS Listening/Speaking Reading Writing
C2
CAN advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions.
CAN understand documents, correspondence, and reports, including the finer points of complex texts.
CAN write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy.
C1
CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.
CAN read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence.
CAN prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate.
B2
CAN follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics.
CAN scan texts for relevant information and understand detailed instructions or advice.
CAN make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests.
B1
CAN express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area and understand instructions or public announcements.
CAN understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area.
CAN write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters.
A2
CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context.
CAN understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters.
CAN complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information.
A1
CAN understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic.
CAN understand basic notices, instructions, or information.
CAN complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates, and places.
Some time ago you might have read my blog about my experience teaching English as a Foreign Language and introducing you to LinguiTalent which is a subsidiary of C&E HR Consultancy in which I specialize in creating English Language tests and courses to support recruitment/ international placement. If you would like to know more about this, please check it out here.
Get in touch to discuss your experience
I am looking to hear from students who have gone through the Language Cert programmes and either been accepted to University or got their dream jobs overseas as a result. Are you a teacher of one of these programmes? Either way I would love to hear from you to learn more and for potential collaborations.