Types of international exams in English: which one to choose? Preparation for international exams for adults Certificate of completion of the school of English

Instruction

Before choosing a test to pass, you need to decide on your level of English proficiency, because each test and, accordingly, the certificate is designed for a certain level of knowledge and confirms a certain level of knowledge. It is worth noting that various publications and textbooks, as well as educational institutions and similar organizations, split the scale of English proficiency in different ways, but one of the most common is the following: Beginner (0 knowledge, that is, a beginner) - Elementary (elementary, basic knowledge of grammar ) - Pre-intermediate (the so-called "pre-middle" level) - Intermediate (medium) - Upper-intermediate (the so-called "pre-advanced") - Advanced (advanced). To accurately determine your level of knowledge, it is advisable not to take short 20-minute tests on the Internet, but to pass a full-fledged test in one of the educational institutions or in language courses. Of course, you can find the corresponding test on the Internet, but then use only foreign sources.

After passing the test and determining your level of language proficiency, you need to select the appropriate certificate. The most popular system for determining language proficiency is Cambridge, which controls the holding and issuance of certificates such as YLE (certificate for children aged 7-12 years), KET (Key English Test - first stage, basic English), PET (Preliminary English Test - average level of knowledge of the language), FCE (First Certificate in English - this test covers several levels at once, but in order to pass it (gain at least 60%), you need to have at least lower-), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English - advanced English), CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English - if you pass this test, then you confirm that you speak English at the level of an average educated Englishman).

After you have compared your level of language proficiency and one or another certificate confirming this level, it is worth moving on to preparation. Preparation should be based solely on the didactic test materials and "trial" materials of the respective test. The more difficult the exam, the longer the preparation for it.

It is worth noting that people very rarely spend time on exams like KET or PET. These exams certify basic or intermediate English proficiency and are therefore rarely requested by employers or higher education institutions. Moreover, in the process of preparing for these exams, the student often notices that he can already try to take the next level exam - FCE, which is actually very much in demand and valuable.

Helpful advice

There is also an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam associated with Cambridge, which is issued regardless of whether you have scored a certain number of points, as is done when passing PET, KET, FCE, CAE, CPE. That is, IELTS covers a scale from 0.0 (I don’t know anything) to 9.0 (I speak English like my native). This certificate confirms the knowledge of British English and is highly valued in international organizations, universities, when applying for a job, as well as when immigrating to Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Australia).

If you are faced with the need to pass an international test that will determine your level of English proficiency, then you are planning to move abroad in the near future in order to continue your education or employment. Prestigious universities and employers put forward rather high requirements for candidates, among which there are also minimum scores obtained for a particular language test.

In addition, if you just want to move to live in another country, you will also need to pass one of the international exams that will determine your level of English proficiency. It is impossible to fail some tests, in any case you will get at least some score, some have a “Fail” rating in the exam results assessment system - not passed.

Of course, it is better to score the maximum number of points. But you need to remember that your result will depend not only on the level of English, but also on the preparation for the exam format. Each of the language tests has its own characteristics, in addition, a certain amount of time is allocated for the task, which you may not have enough if you do not calculate in advance how many minutes you will allocate to which task.

There are a huge number of tests to determine the level of English proficiency. You just need to choose the one that is right for you.

Types of international exams in English

All tests for determining the level of English are designed for those who study the language as a foreign language and are not native speakers. As a rule, the choice of test will depend on the choice of the country in which you want to study or work.

The most popular international exams:, and Cambridge tests.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

An exam to determine your level of business English. The TOEIC certificate is valid for two years, so it is better to take the test on the eve of your official employment or admission to a foreign university.

TOEFL or IELTS: which one to choose?

We have already talked about the exam and its American counterpart. We just want to once again draw your attention to the fact that the choice of exam will depend on the country: in the USA and Canada, TOEFL results are recognized, in the UK and Australia, IELTS or Cambridge exams are preferred.

The IELTS certificate, like the TOEFL certificate, is valid for 2 years from the date of receipt of the test results. This is where Cambridge University exams differ from IELTS and TOEFL as they do not have a time limit.

Without conscious preparation, it will be difficult to pass exams. We have selected a list of schools in Moscow that will help prepare for and.
Looking for courses in another city? The service will help you choose training courses in your city for free.

Cambridge Language Tests

Every year more than 2 million people take the Cambridge language exams.

There are also special Cambridge exams for children and teenagers: Cambridge Young Learners Exams. They are designed for different ages and language levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers. The main purpose of these tests is to prepare young candidates for the future Cambridge exams for adults.

Each exam has its own characteristics, and yet there are some common features that all English tests have:

• Firstly, all these exams are designed for those who study English as a foreign language
• Secondly, test results are recognized by educational institutions in English-speaking countries and employers
• Third after passing the test, you will receive an international certificate
• Fourth x, you can take each of these exams only on the basis of the official test center for taking international tests
• Fifth, exams test all your language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening

Which exam to choose?

There is also a classification that helps to simplify the process of choosing the type of international exam. A number of tests measure general English, some tests measure your level of academic English, and there are exams that test your level of business English only.

General English Exams

For exams that test the proficiency in general English, we include and. The Key English Test tests the development of elementary language skills. The grade for the exam is set based on the percentages earned. If you score less than 65%, you will receive a "Fail" grade - not passed.

Preliminary English Test is a preparatory exam that is usually taken by those who want to participate in the Work and Travel or Work and Study programs. The test is evaluated in the same way as KET. Only if you score 65-69% will you receive a certificate "passed to level A2".

Professional and Academic English Exams

Business English Exams

We wish you success in preparing and passing international language exams!

Whether you are about to enter a higher education institution abroad, emigrate or interview and work in an international company, then in all of you you will need “proof” that you speak English at the proper level. This “proof” will be one of a number of international English language proficiency exams. Of course, you first need to decide which specific international exam is right for you in order to achieve your goal, and seriously prepare for it. So let's see what we have here.

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Life does not stand still and presents us with surprises and many new things, demanding not to stop there. Each person strives to achieve certain results and leave his mark in this world. In modern society, the English language rises above all linguistic charters. In order to test your knowledge and document it, international exams in English were invented.

Some take them to study or work abroad, others use exams as an incentive to learn the language, and others need a certificate for a successful career in their country. Be that as it may, among English learners such exams are gradually gaining popularity all over the world. This article will talk about the most famous international exams in English, their comparison and, of course, the answer to the question "Is it necessary at all?". Let's start with him.

Why do you need an international exam?

Really! After all, this requires money (the exam is not free), energy and a lot of time! However, there are reasons for everything. For example:

• First of all, the exam is passed to receive a special certificate, which will officially confirm your knowledge. After receiving it, you will be able to enter prestigious universities that are located abroad (for example, in the USA or Canada,
  as well as other countries where the main language of communication is English). More than 7,500 educational institutions in the territory of English-speaking countries will require your document.
• Getting a decent job abroad also unlikely without a certificate, because no one needs illiterate employees. In order to settle down favorably abroad, you need to pass this exam and a certificate with a high score. The higher it is, the more likely it is that you will get a job with a high level of pay. Everyone wants to occupy not the last positions, but this requires hard training, a lot of desire and patience. Yes, different companies require different levels of language proficiency, but often this indicator should be higher than 80 points. So... you better be ready.
• In addition, you can pass such an exam and for the purpose of self-assertion. It will be nice to test your abilities and get a document that will confirm your literacy and skills, and, perhaps, help you win the argument (the certificate will become iron proof).

Passing the exam is a guarantee that you know the language and can communicate and write fluently in it.

Types of international exams

The diversity of this sector of knowledge is due to specific preferences in certain regions of the world. That is, one exam is taken at one site, and another at another. Now we will introduce you to the main varieties of this section of knowledge.

Recently, more and more people are taking international English exams: TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, FCE and others. Let's start with TOEFL.

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The most common and most popular type of international exam for the United States. The TOEFL exam was prepared by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton University, New Jersey, USA. main feature the TOEFL exam is that it is based on American English, so to successfully pass the TOEFL, you need to understand the lexical and grammatical subtleties that distinguish American English from British English.

This knowledge control is designed to determine the level of your knowledge at the academic level. More likely, if you decide to study at universities in the United States or Canada, then you will have to take it. It is worth noting that this test for knowledge of American English has received approval and a lot of positive feedback from various government and even international organizations. Of course, we can say that this is the leading exam in English among its fellows.

The main purpose of the international exam TOEFL- assess the level of preparation of those for whom English is not native. Submitting TOEFL scores is a prerequisite for admission to more than 2,400 colleges and universities in the US, Canada and some other countries. The TOEFL certificate is a document required when enrolling in foreign universities to study under the MBA program, when obtaining the right to an internship in English or for applying for a job requiring knowledge of the English language. Some academic and professional certification programs also require applicants to take the TOEFL. The certificate is valid for two years.

Now there are 2 versions of the test: Paper Based Test (PBT), that is, a written test on paper, and Internet Based Test (iBT) - testing via the Internet. The second option has recently been considered preferable in many universities, as it includes tasks not only for reading, listening and writing, but also for speaking and combined tasks.

Like most exams of this type, it takes place in 4 stages:

• Reading(read and translate 3 texts, answer a series of questions);
• Letter(write 2 essays on given topics; emphasis on grammar, accuracy and stylistic correctness);
• listening(listen to 2 texts in American English and answer a series of questions, or pass a series of tests for each);
• Talk(communication with the examiner in American English + answer 6 questions, clearly formulating your idea).

All tasks must be completed with the utmost clarity. The approximate cost of this exam will be 260/180 US dollars for residents of Russia and Ukraine, respectively.

The maximum number of points in the computer version of TOEFL, which almost completely replaced the old paper version, is 120 . To study at a prestigious American university, on average, it takes at least 80 points.

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

This type of exam tests your knowledge of British English. IELTS appeared later than TOEFL, but it is gaining more and more popularity. This exam is considered more extensive, because unlike the previous one, it is divided and given in 2 modules.

You can take English at the academic level ( Academic Module, for applicants to universities abroad), or you can - in general ( General Module(for those who leave for permanent residence in Canada, Australia or New Zealand, etc.). Both versions also consist of 4 parts: "Reading" (60 minutes), "Writing" (60 minutes), "Listening" (40 minutes), "Speaking" (11-14 minutes). The first 2 parts in different modules are different, the other 2 - listening and interview - are the same. English texts for the exam are selected in such a way as to cover the maximum level of your knowledge and evaluate them objectively.

The test result is valid for 2 years from the date of receipt.

KET - Key English Test

The test is intended for adults and children from 15 years old. For young children, namely from 11 to 14 years old, the Exam, being an exam of the University of Cambridge, was developed directly by the examination department of the University of the same name Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

In principle, everyone who has recently begun to study English and has already achieved little success can take the exam. After all KET tests basic knowledge, including the ability to use simple phrases and expressions, easy grammatical structures in speech and writing. If you can introduce yourself, answer easy questions and also ask them, can speak briefly on any issue, are able to understand basic texts and catch the meaning of simple conversations in audio and video format, the international KET exam will help you evaluate your knowledge on professional level, will show you your weaknesses and strengths in learning English, which means you can purposefully prepare for the exams one step higher.

KET is the first of the General English block of exams, which measures knowledge in the field of general universal English. The exam confirms knowledge of the English language at a basic level (level A2 Council of Europe scales) and contains 3 parts:

• « Reading and Writing» (1 hour 10 minutes, read information from newspapers or magazines in English, and do several types of tasks based on it),
• « listening» (30 minutes, listen to announcements and monologues in the form of audio recordings at a slow pace, and answer a certain number of questions),
• « Speaking» (8-10 minutes, talking in pairs (with a partner) with two examiners, one of whom communicates with you, and the other evaluates your abilities).

Completed tasks checked by experts Cambridge ESOL, which evaluate your knowledge by the sum of points for all tests (stage 1 - 50%, 2nd and 3rd - 25% each). After a couple of months, you will be able to find out if you passed this exam (70% -84%), whether you achieved success in it (85% -100%), or coped with the task, but not quite well, so you get a level certificate A1 , which means that you can take part in a simple dialogue in English on a predictable topic, are able to write a simple questionnaire or note with the time, date and place, but this is not enough for the international KET exam. Well, if your percentage of points received is 0% -44% of correct information, then you failed the exam.

This exam involves Availability basic knowledge. Using the language for study, work or just travel, you will inevitably face the need to deepen the material that you know, and, therefore, you will be able to take international English exams at a higher level.

There are 5 international exams in this series: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE. The upper limit is the CPE exam, which is taken by those who speak English almost like a native speaker. Accordingly, the international KET exam is the first step in improving your knowledge.

Certificate The international KET exam, like the other exams in this block, is valid for a lifetime, which means that you do not have to take this exam again to prove your knowledge. The only question is, will you be satisfied with your victory at this stage of language proficiency or will you strive for new heights, reinforcing your knowledge with increasingly difficult and serious exams?

Basic knowledge English, which are required for the international KET exam won't go unclaimed you. After all, from now on you will be able to communicate with native speakers, for example, when traveling abroad. You will learn to understand easy information presented in English rather than your native language, which will add to your advantage over those who do not study this language. Needless to say, employers of some organizations recognize the certificate of the international KET exam as a basic qualification in the field of learning English.

Every year international KET exam tend to surrender about 40,000 people from 60 countries of the world. To get into their number, you just need to register at the British Council training center, which takes this exam, pay the cost of the exam (6700 rubles in Russia and 2350 UAH in Ukraine), and pass all types of tests at the appointed time.

PET-Preliminary English Test

This is the second exam in the Cambridge General English series, which confirms the average level of English proficiency; designed for those who want to discover opportunities to study, work and travel. The exam confirms knowledge of English at the intermediate level (level B1 Council of Europe scales). The PET certificate is recognized by many companies in the field of tourism, hospitality, the administrative field, as well as most educational institutions, as a confirmation of the average level of English proficiency.

Upon delivery PET you can evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and understand what you should pay more attention to when improving your English. The PET certificate will give you confidence and make it much easier to prepare for higher level exams. In addition, it confirms your fluency in English in everyday life.

Cambridge certificates are perpetual and do not need to be retaken over time.

Like KET, the exam contains 3 parts - " Reading and Writing” (90 minutes, be able to make sentences, be able to read and understand the main idea of ​​articles from magazines), “ listening” (35 minutes, understand spoken language from various sources and people’s attitudes to what they say, their emotions and moods), “ Speaking» (10-12 minutes, talk with the examiner and paired with another student, be able to ask and answer questions). Due to the fact that this part of the “Speaking” test is taken in tandem with another candidate, the exam becomes the closest to real life situations.

It is assumed that at this level the candidate is capable understand factual information and express opinions, attitudes and moods in English both orally and in writing. The certificate confirms the ability to communicate on everyday topics with a native speaker.

In 2009, a special PET for schools exam was introduced. This exam is absolutely identical to the regular PET, with the only difference that the topics covered in the exam materials relate to school and school life, which makes it easier for candidates under the age of 15 to pass the exam.

For successful delivery examination, the candidate must be able to:

• Express simply and coherently;
• Feel free in most situations while traveling;
• Understand the essence of the conversation, as well as be able to express personal interests and communicate on familiar topics such as work, school, home, etc.;
• Talk about your experiences and events, and describe your dreams, hopes, and goals.

Result The PET exam is the arithmetic mean of the sum of the scores for all three parts. The score for reading and writing is 50% of the total score, listening and speaking - 25% each.

Grades and their corresponding scores:

Pass with Distinction: 160 - 170;
Pass with Merit: 153 - 159;
Pass: 140 - 152;
Level A2: 120 - 139.

"Pass with Distinction", "Pass with Merit" and "Pass" mean that the exam has been passed and the desired level has been confirmed. It is important to note that the "Pass with Distinction" score is a confirmation of the next level B2 (FCE exam), and the "Level A2" score is the confirmation of the previous level (KET exam). If the candidate does not score enough points to level A2, then the exam is considered not passed, and the certificate is not issued.

FCE - First Certificate

This is not just one of the list of Cambridge exams, but the first Cambridge certificate. The exam is designed and administered by the ESOL division of the University of Cambridge Examinations Council (UCLES). Just like the KET and PET exams, the FCE certificate is valid for a lifetime. But this is far from the last advantage of the exam.

Can take the FCE exam those who speaks English sufficiently to use it in everyday life, including at work and at school.

To successfully pass the exam, you need to have a large vocabulary, be able to conduct a conversation and use the necessary communication strategies in a variety of life situations. If you can communicate fluently in everyday situations, read correspondence in English, conduct telephone conversations, use language skills in various fields of activity, then you should try to pass this exam.

FCE Test equates to a level Upper Intermediate(or B2 according to the international scale CEFR). With the FCE certificate, you have the opportunity to study or work abroad. If you are a high school student, passing the FCE Test will give you maximum final grades in English for grades 10 and 11 - this will be confirmed by a letter from the Ministry of Education.

Exam lasts 5 hours And divided for 2 days. During the exam, the level of all your language skills is checked, so the test is divided into whole 5 parts(they are called "Papers"): reading (1 hour, 30 questions on 3 texts), writing (1 hour 20 minutes, write an essay, then an article or letter, email, review or report), language usage(45 minutes, grammar and vocabulary, insert words into the text), listening (40 minutes), speaking (15 minutes). Reading, writing and listening are tested in the same way as in other Cambridge exams. The level of oral language proficiency will be assessed depending on how well you can lead a discussion.

All examiners are accredited by Cambridge ESOL.

Those who successfully pass this exam receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. This certificate is highly regarded by universities and companies in many countries. Everyone who has passed the test receives a document on the results of the exam, which indicates what level of language proficiency was demonstrated at each stage of the exam.

More than 270,000 people test FCE each year in over 100 countries. FCE is an important qualification indicator for anyone who wants to work or study abroad, or to achieve professionalism in a field where knowledge of the language is needed - this can be both business, medicine, engineering and many other fields of activity. In addition, FCE can be an important step in preparing for higher level exams such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

Why take the FCE? Many universities and other educational institutions consider FCE to be an indicator of English language proficiency at an intermediate level. In such educational institutions, passing the FCE is one of the conditions for admission to them. Since many life situations are played during testing, the FCE certificate is important for anyone who wants to work or study abroad or communicate with foreign partners. Companies all over the world recognize FCE. It means the ability to work with English-language documentation, to use English in the field of management, as well as in any field, for example in tourism, where it is required to maintain contacts with English-speaking colleagues.

Knowledge of the language at the FCE level allows you to conduct business correspondence and telephone conversations, participate in trainings, read simple books and articles. The fields of application for the FCE certificate are many and varied.

CAE - Certificate in advanced English

The exam is necessary for those who have to work or study in an environment with high requirements for knowledge of the English language. Similar to FCE, test CAE consists of 5 parts. It can be taken in both written and electronic form.

Obtaining this certificate characterizes you as a fairly confident "user", and, based on the name, confirms the possession of the Advanced level ( C1). If you can easily read any literature, write competently and in different styles, communicate freely on any topic and understand fluent native speakers, then you should try it. Successfully passed CAE counts for admission to many universities, even such prestigious ones as Oxford, Cambridge and California Institute of Technology.

Each of the 5 parts is longer than FCE: Reading (1 hour 15 minutes), Writing (1 hour 30 minutes), Using English (1 hour), Listening (40 minutes) and Speaking English (15 minutes).

This exam is graded in the form of letters, each of which has its own range. The total score consists of the sum of the results of each part of the exam.

A: 80-100
B: 75-79
C: 60-74
CEFR Level B2: 45-49
fail: 0-44

The validity period of the certificate is unlimited.

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English

Also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English, the exam is a qualification that certifies that you have achieved an exceptionally high level of English proficiency. This is the last in the block of Cambridge exams, confirming English proficiency at the highest level - on a par with a native speaker (Proficiency, or C2). Is oldest from the Cambridge Language Examinations. It was first introduced in 1913.

An English language certificate gives you the opportunity work in any field, receive a first higher education, study postgraduate or master's programs in any English-speaking country, because it is accepted by more than 20,000 commercial and government institutions and organizations around the world.

Like all Cambridge certificates, CPE does not expire. It is accepted by most European universities and other educational institutions abroad. In many English-speaking countries, with this certificate, you will not need to take qualification tests for employment or higher education.

CPE is also considered one of the key tests for teachers, it significantly increases the competitiveness of the teacher, both in the domestic market and abroad.

Consists of 5 parts - Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening, Speaking.

The specificity of the assessment is such that even if one of the blocks was passed badly, then you have every chance of getting a CAE certificate.

BEC-Business English Certificate

The University of Cambridge exam designed to certify proficiency business English.

BEC tests a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a business environment, but does not require any specialized knowledge.

BEC is for students who need specialized knowledge
English to pursue a business career internationally
level. The exam tests four aspects of language knowledge: listening, reading, speaking and writing. This test uses exercises based on everyday business life to test the candidate's ability to use various linguistic functions and structures in a business context.

There are 3 options for the BEC exam:

• B.E.C. Preliminary(Designed for candidates who speak business vocabulary
  English at the level intermediate);
• BEC Vantage(designed for students who know business English at the level Upper Intermediate);
• B.E.C Higher(intended for candidates who have completed a business English course at the level Advanced).

B.E.C. Preliminary. Upon successful completion of the exam, certificates are issued at three levels: passed (Pass), passed with honors (Pass with Merit) and passed with special distinction (Pass with Distinction), depending on the overall assessment of the test results. All candidates also receive a report on the results of the exam, which includes the score for each part of the exam in accordance with the Cambridge Language Scale, the overall result of the Cambridge Language Scale, the overall score for the entire exam and the score on the Council of Europe Scale.

BEC Vantage. Upon successful completion of the exam, English language certificates of three levels are issued: A, B and C - depending on the overall assessment of the test results. Candidates who score between 140 and 159 points are awarded a level certificate. B1

B.E.C Higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, English language certificates of three levels are issued: A, B and C - depending on the overall assessment of the test results. Candidates who score between 160 and 179 points are awarded a level certificate. B2. All candidates receive a report on the results of the exam, which includes the score for each part of the exam in accordance with the Cambridge Language Scale, the overall result of the Cambridge Language Proficiency Scale, the overall score for the entire exam and the score on the Council of Europe Scale.

YLE - Young Learners English Tests

This is the only English proficiency test in the world that is designed for children aged 7 to 12. The exam consists of 3 levels: "Starters", "Movers" and "Flyers", the last of which roughly corresponds to the complexity of the KET exam.

• YLE Starters- for children whose knowledge in English corresponds to the Beginner level;
• YLE Movers- for those who have already reached the Elementary level;
• YLE Flyers- for those who can already enter into dialogues in English and have a vocabulary at the Pre-Intermediate level.

Examiners in a playful and relaxed way check the knowledge of the main types of language activities, which motivates the child to further study and helps to understand that exams are not scary.

Despite the innate human fear of various exams, tests and tests, this series was created in order to show children how easy it is to pass exams. If you think that your child has enough stressful situations at school, do not worry about this exam: absolutely all children receive an English language certificate. No matter how many points your child scores, he will still become the proud owner of the first Cambridge certificate in his life.

How is the exam? YLE is taken in 2 stages and consists of a written procedure (reading, listening, writing) and an interview with an examiner. The exam is adapted to the peculiarities of child psychology, passing the exam forms only a positive perception of the test as a tool for testing knowledge. Thanks to this exam, the child gets acquainted with the format of international tests at an early age. A comfortable environment for the exam is provided by the YLE format itself.

What gives a certificate? If you are interested in whether it is possible to enter one of the foreign schools with an exam certificate, the answer is unequivocal - no. The exam is for other purposes. Among them:

• the child receives the first international document;
• early acquaintance with international requirements when passing exams;
• positive assessment of one's own knowledge;
• increasing the child's motivation in the field of learning English; checking knowledge by experts from a world-famous university.

How to prepare for the international exam

In fact, there are many preparation methods and you can choose the one that will be most convenient for you. We recommend taking a free online test to find out which exam suits you best.

EnglishDom is a great option, because with us you can not only tighten weak points without leaving your home, but also do it as efficiently as possible. With the help of our teachers, you will be able to ask questions about the moments that bother you in English and consolidate the material that you left unlearned before.

Keep your attention on webinars and online courses. They are designed so
so that you can easily learn on your own.

You can also hire a tutor. You will come to his office or home and study individually with him on topics in which you are weakest. This is convenient for the simple reason that there are different types of English exams and it is worth choosing a preparation method based on this. If this is a children's training, then you can freely prepare yourself.

Conclusion

Pick what you will! If you search for any of the names of international exams, you can download a lot of materials for self-study: specialized textbooks, trial tasks and just useful tips. However, Skype lessons at our EnglishDom school with a qualified teacher will greatly increase the effectiveness of your preparation. Have no doubts!

Big and friendly family EnglishDom

International exams in English (such as TOEFL and others) help to enter foreign schools and universities, get a job abroad, move to live in English-speaking countries, improve the skills of English teachers.

There are more than 20 international exams in total, and it is difficult for the uninitiated to choose the best option. We offer a brief overview of the most popular English language tests, which will help you navigate this variety and determine your goal.

IELTS

Goals: study at a foreign university, work in a foreign company, live abroad

Spreading: in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and many other countries

Requirements for candidates: age from 16 years old

Kinds

• General module - General Training IELTS
• Academic module - Academic IELTS

Two versions of the exam - general and academic - differ only in tasks. In the general module, exercises cover general topics and assess the ability to carry out everyday activities in English, such as writing a letter or proving an opinion. The academic module includes scientific tasks: describe the diagram, read the diagram, draw up a graph, formulate conclusions on the table. The level of difficulty in both modules is the same.

IELTS consists of four parts

1. listening- listening. You need to listen to excerpts of speech in English, read by native speakers with different voices and shades. Recordings are played only once. You need to understand what the passage is talking about and answer the questions. There are 40 questions in total.
2. Reading- reading. The block consists of three parts. You need to read several texts and answer 40 questions. Texts can be of different lengths, but the total number of words in this block is at least 20,000, which is about several pages of text.
3. Writing- letter. The written part of the exam is divided into two blocks. In the first one, you need to write a short text of 150 words on a given topic, in the second - a larger essay, of 250 words. In the texts, it is important to give a complete answer to the question asked, adhering to the logic of the narrative, grammatical and lexical rules of the English language.
4. Speaking- oral speech. The last block is devoted to speaking. The examiner conducts an oral conversation, which is recorded on a dictaphone. You will meet and talk with the examiner, who will then offer to do an individual task - to answer a question or express your opinion on a specific topic. Your speech should be not only literate and correct in terms of pronunciation, but also smooth, logical and consistent.

Ratings

The result of the IELTS exam is estimated from 1 to 9 points in increments of half a point. A zero result is set only if the candidate did not appear for the exam. A score of 9 indicates that the person is fluent in the language. A score of 7-8 is considered very good, 5-6 is considered average, and 3-4 is considered limited. A score of 2 indicates that the person can only use the language in standard situations. A result of 1 point is an indicator that the candidate does not speak English.

Usually, a level of 5-6 is enough for immigration, and for studying at a university or working abroad, a higher score is required - up to 7.5 points.

Peculiarities

• IELTS focuses on British English, but also takes into account other language variants.
• The exam lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• IELTS has a limited validity period of two years.
• The exam is held on paper.

TOEFL

Goals: study at a foreign university, work in a foreign company

Spreading: in the USA and Canada, in some European and Asian countries

Requirements for candidates: age from 12 years old

Kinds

• TOEFL PBT – paper based, on paper
• TOEFL CBT – computer based, in computer
• TOEFL iBT – internet based, in the Internet

The Internet version of the test is the most common today. Unlike the classical one, it includes a test of oral speech.

Like IELTS, the online version of TOEFL consists of four parts:

1. Listening Comprehension - listening. Listening consists of several rather long recordings - lectures, monologues, discussions. There are no short dialogues in TOEFL. After listening, you need to answer the format questions multiple choices, that is, select multiple answers.
2. Reading Comprehension- reading. The reading section consists of 3-4 texts, usually on a popular science topic. Several questions and tasks are offered for the test, for example, “insert the missing sentence” or make a summary of the text.
3. Test of Written English - essay. In the letter block, you need to write two essays - a simple one and a complex one. The first task is that you need to express your thoughts on a given topic. The second task is complex: you need to read the text and listen to the recording, and then write an essay of 300 words.
4. Speaking- oral speech. New section Speaking consists of 6 questions. Answers must be given into the microphone, you do not have to talk to a person. Some tasks require you to read a text or listen to a recording.

Ratings

The maximum result of the TOEFL test is 120 points, 30 for each block. A score of 110-120 corresponds to a level of 7-8 in IELTS. The passing score at different universities varies, but leading schools and universities usually require at least 100 points.

Peculiarities

• TOEFL requires knowledge of American English.
• TOEFL is not accepted by Canada for immigration.
• The certificate is valid for 2 years.
• The duration of the exam is 4.5 hours.
• The test is conducted at the computer, the ability to type quickly is required.

KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE

Goals: for work abroad, for admission to many colleges and some universities in the UK

Spreading: cambridgeenglish.org.

Requirements for candidates: no requirements

Kinds

1. KET– English level A2 ( Pre-Intermediate)
2. PET– level B1 ( intermediate)
3. FCE– level B2 ( Upper Intermediate)
4. CAE– level C1 ( Advanced)
5. CPE– level С2 ( Proficiency)

KET and PET exams have varieties "for school" - KET for school And PET for school.

KET and PET consist of three parts:

1. Single reading and writing section: 5 tasks for reading and understanding the text and 3 tasks for writing, including a short essay.
2. Listening: 4 tasks on audio recordings.
3. Speaking: 4 questions to be answered verbally.

FCE, CAE and CPE are divided into four blocks:

1. Reading and practical English: tasks for understanding texts from fiction, newspapers and magazines.
2. Writing: 2 tasks - an essay or a choice of review, report, article, formal or informal letter.
3. Listening: several short and long monologues and dialogues for which questions are offered.
4. Conversational speech: interview, individual card task, joint task with other candidates, discussion of the exercise.

Ratings:

For each part, a certain number of points is set, which are summed up and divided by the number of parts. For the entire exam, you can score up to 190 points. Depending on the number of points, a grade is given: A, B, C.

If you do not reach the threshold score, it means that your level of English is lower than the level of the exam. In this case, you do not receive a certificate.

Grade A corresponds to a higher level than the level of the exam. For example, if you passed the FCE (level B2) and received an A, a higher level will be written on the certificate - C1.

Peculiarities:

• Speaking tasks are conducted in pairs: two examiners and two candidates.
• The Cambridge exam certificate is valid for life.
• All exams in this category assess general English.

YLE

Goals : motivating children to learn English and prepare for more serious exams

Requirements for candidates : age from 7 to 12 years

Kinds

• YLE Starters- level beginner
• YLE Movers- level Elementary
• YLE Flyers- level Pre-Intermediate

YLE exams are comprehensive and test all basic language skills: listening, reading, speaking, writing. They are perfectly adapted to children's age. Tasks are accompanied by bright pictures. The examiners create a friendly environment, motivating for further language learning.

Ratings

The exam is assessed from 1 to 5 points, it is impossible not to pass it - every child who passes the exam receives a diploma.

BEC

Goals:

Spreading: in the UK and in many countries around the world, see the official website of the Cambridge exams cambridgeenglish.org for more details.

Requirements for candidates : age from 16 years old

Kinds

• B.E.C. Preliminary- level intermediate
• BEC Vantage- level Upper Intermediate
• B.E.C Higher- level Advanced

You can also choose the format of the exam: written or computer.

The BEC Preliminary consists of three parts:

1. Reading and writing- tasks by type multiple choices, matching, right/wrong and others, seven parts in all.
2. listening- consists of four parts, each of which presents different tasks based on audio recordings: short and long dialogues and monologues, telephone conversations, discussions, interviews. Recordings can be listened to twice.
3. Speaking- consists of three parts: acquaintance with the examiner, a short presentation on the proposed topic and tasks in tandem with other candidates.

The remaining two levels of BEC Vantage and BEC Higher consist of four parts, Reading And Writing are independent blocks.

Ratings

The BEC Preliminary has four assessment categories:

1. Pass with merit– 80-100% correct answers
2. Pass – 65-79%
3. Level A2(previous level) - 40-64%
4. fail – 0-39%

The last result means you failed the exam.

BEC Vantage and Higher are priced slightly differently:A - 80-100% correct answers

1. B - 75-79%
2. C - 60-74%
3. D - 55-59%
4. E - 0-54%

The last two grades mean you failed the exam.

Peculiarities

• All tasks are based on business situations, assessing the ability to use the language in a business context.
• The BEC certificate has no expiration date.

BULATS

Goals: to work abroad or in a branch of a foreign company

Spreading: in the UK and in many countries around the world, see the official website of the Cambridge exams cambridgeenglish.org for more details.

Requirements for candidates : age from 16 years old

Kinds

BULATS is not divided into types. This is a diagnostic exam that is not divided into levels, but checks the level of knowledge. Rented online only.

BULATS consists of three parts:

1. speaking. You need to do several tasks aloud: answer questions, read sentences, make a presentation, describe a graph. The candidate's speech is recorded on a microphone; personal conversations with the examiners are not conducted.
2. Letter. The block consists of two tasks: to write a short email and to choose from a longer letter or report.
3. Reading and listening. You are offered seven tasks based on audio recordings or texts of about 250 words. In some cases, the test ends earlier if the candidate answered enough questions to help determine their level.

Ratings

BULATS cannot be failed - in any case, you receive a certificate with your level of English. The result is set in points, which can be converted into traditional level names:

• 90-100 points - Upper Advanced
• 75-89 points - Advanced
• 60-74 points - Upper Intermediate
• 40-59 points - intermediate
• 20-39 points - Elementary
• 10-19 points - beginner

Peculiarities

• The exam is usually administered not by individuals, but by organizations for employees.
• You get the mark for the Reading and Listening block immediately upon completion of the test, the rest of the results come later.
• The exam tests business English.
• The exam is adaptive, the complexity of subsequent tasks depends on how the candidate answered the previous questions.

TKT

Goals: to work as an English teacher, to improve the skills of English teachers

Spreading: in the UK and in many countries around the world, see the official website of the Cambridge exams cambridgeenglish.org for more details.

Requirements for candidates : knowledge of the language at least intermediate English teaching experience is not required

Kinds

TKT is not divided into types, but consists of several separate modules that you can choose yourself. There are three main and three additional modules in total: you can take all or choose only those that are needed.

TKT is divided into six modules:

• Module 1: the structure of the language, the main methods of teaching English.
• Module 2: lesson planning, additional aids for learning English.
• Module 3: teaching the lesson.
• Content and Language Integrated Learning : ability to teach other subjects of the school curriculum in English.
• young learners: special methods, features of teaching children from 6 to 12 years old.
• Knowledge About Language- knowledge in the field of linguistics.

Each module consists of 80 theoretical questions.

Ratings

Each module is assessed separately with marks from 1 to 4:

1 - limited knowledge;

2 - basic knowledge;

3 - good knowledge;

4 - extensive and deep knowledge.

You cannot fail the exam, in any case, a certificate with an assessment is issued for each module.

Peculiarities

• The exam does not test the candidate's practical teaching skills.
• To submit a module Knowledge About Language you need to have a level of at least Upper Intermediate.

CELTA and DELTA

Goals: to work as an English teacher, to improve the qualifications of English teachers, to be able to teach English to adults

Spreading: worldwide

Requirements for candidates: for passing CELTA - age from 18 years old, for passing DELTA - the presence of international certification and experience as a teacher from 2 years after receiving it

CELTA and DELTA are not classic exams, but advanced courses. CELTA is suitable for beginner teachers and consists of theoretical lessons and practical classes, as well as visits to other teachers' classes, consultations with a tutor and submission of written work.

DELTA is designed for experienced teachers. It consists of three modules:

1. English language teaching methodology and written exam
2. Improving teaching methods, coursework and open lessons
3. Extended practice, thesis

Ratings

There are no exams on the CELTA course, the work of students as a whole is assessed throughout the course. There are three ratings: Pass(surrendered) Pass B(Fine), Pass A(Great).

DELTA course modules are assessed individually. For each you need to collect 20 credits to get a certificate.

Peculiarities

• CELTA and DELTA focus more on practice rather than theory.
• DELTA modules can be taken individually, but all three must be taken to qualify.
• The CELTA course lasts three weeks, the DELTA course lasts eight weeks.

GMAT

Goals: for admission to business schools and colleges abroad, for admission to the MBA program, for admission to master's and doctoral studies at foreign universities

Spreading: Worldwide

Requirements for candidates: same as for admission

Kinds

GMAT is not divided into types, it is conducted only online.

The exam consists of four parts:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment - Analytical writing. You need to write a short essay - a critical analysis of the proposed statement, without expressing your opinion.
2. Integrated Reasoning- integrated reasoning. The block consists of 12 tasks: you need to analyze textual, graphic and other information and answer questions.
3. Quantitative– math section: analyze data using basic mathematical knowledge.
4. verbal- verbal section. It is necessary to read several texts and answer questions.

Ratings

The maximum number of points in the GMAT exam is 800. An essay is scored separately - up to 6 points in increments of half a point. If you score up to 200 points, the exam is considered failed.

Peculiarities

• The test results are valid for 5 years.
• If you fail the exam, you can make four more attempts per year.
• Most European universities require at least 650 points for admission.

To choose the international exam you need, first of all decide on your goal. Then figure out which options suit you geographically. If there are several tests to choose from, compare other conditions: validity period, exam content, passing format, and others.