Have you ever heard of adult Cambridge ESOL exams?

As you may well know, Cambridge ESOL exams follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is an international standard for working out the ability within a language. It was established by the Council of Europe and aims to validate language ability. The six levels within the CEFR are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

There are many Cambridge English exams available for different ages and stages of learning all matched to CEFR levels. We will be focusing on the B2, C1 and C2 levels as many adults take these exams every year. This is one of the reasons why it is generally stated that success in a Cambridge English exam provides students and candidates with an internationally recognised certificate that shows the level they have attained in English.

Have you ever thought of taking the exam yourself?

If so, you might want to consider six different reasons for taking it:

Internationally Recognized

Cambridge Exams are established and prestigious exams certified by University of Cambridge which are recognized all around the world. For that reason, Cambridge Exams can be taken at 2,800 different authorized exam centers worldwide in 130 countries and there are more than 52,000 registered preparation centers.

Improve your real-life English skills

By preparing for a Cambridge Exam, you will develop communication skills which you can use for everyday life, work and study. Cambridge Exams FCE, CAE & CPE focus on general English and are fun to prepare for. These exams are designed to test the English you will read, write, hear and speak in real life situations.

Set goals and increase your motivation

When any language learner gets to a higher level of English – at least good Upper Intermediate (B2) – they have the English skills to communicate with most people, deal with most situations and do most things they need to do on a daily basis. The challenge this student has is to push himself/herself further.

Preparing for Cambridge First, Advanced or Proficiency exams will help learners set goals and give them the motivation they need to take their English to the next level.

Stand out from the crowd

Today’s job market is very international but it’s also very competitive. Many other international candidates have good English levels… but how many can prove it?

A Cambridge exam allows any speaker to get that advantage. A Cambridge qualification on your CV not only shows that you have that level of English officially – it also shows an employer that you are willing to dedicate time to improving your English and professional skills.

Cambridge exams are recognized by universities

Cambridge exams, mainly CAE and CPE are recognized by many universities. In fact, 99% of the world’s top 100 universities recognize the Cambridge CAE and CPE for university study.

Valid forever

Cambridge Exams have no expiry date. This means that, when a candidate takes a Cambridge exam, the result is valid forever.

However, candidates might bear in mind that if they are taking the Cambridge Exam for university entry, some institutions may only accept a result up to 2 or 3 years after the exam was taken. For that reason is advisable to check with the institution to which you are applying.

Cambridge provides the world’s leading range of qualifications and tests for learners of English Cambridge Assessment English

Cambridge qualifications are based on research into effective teaching and learning and each exam focuses on a level of the Common European Framework of Reference , helping learners to improve their speaking, writing, reading and listening skills step by step as the different receptive and productive skills are tested.

Cambridge offers different level qualifications for young learners, teenagers and adults. Thus, younger candidates can take exams such as the Cambridge English First for Schools. This is an English qualification at upper-intermediate level which many teenagers go for. It was developed as a version of Cambridge English First FCE with exam content and topics specifically targeted at the interests and experience of school-age learners. First for School Speaking Test

Different adult exams:

Within these exams we will be taking a closer look at the B2, C1, C2 exams and the business certificates:

B2 First, formerly known as Cambridge English First -FCE- is one of the most popular Cambridge English Qualifications. Consequently, it is accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions worldwide. A B2 First qualification proves that that the candidate has the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English.
Cambridge English Advanced: This exam certifies a C1 level. More than 8,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.
Cambridge English Proficiency A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that the candidate has mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves that the candidate can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.

CEFR Levels

A1 – Beginners level – basic knowledge of the language, familiar everyday expressions and simple phrases

A2 – Pre-Intermediate level – familiar with frequently used expressions and conversation on routine matters

B1 – Intermediate level – Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 – Independent User (upper intermediate) – Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C1 – Advanced level – Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2 – Proficient User – Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Source: https://corelanguages.com/cefr/

Cambridge English: Business Certificates

Cambridge English Business Certificates were originally introduced in 1993 and feature three qualifications that provide a progressive way to develop English ability for international business and the workplace:

B1 Business Preliminary This qualification shows that the candidate has mastered the basics of business English.
B2 Business Vantage This qualification will help any candidate when applying for new jobs, getting a promotion or to develop their career.
C1 Business Higher This qualification gives candidates the practical language skills they need to operate confidently at a senior level in global business.