There are many different organizations that provide International English Examination certificates. Two of the most widely accepted are Cambridge and IELTS. What do you mean for you?
But usually they will be at the same level. You need to check with the organization first.
How do Cambridge and IELTS exam levels compare? http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/our-exams-on-cambridge-english-scale.jpg
English language skills – all the exams
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Here is a list of real life levels.
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Cambridge English: KEY (KET) CEFR level A2
This is a basic qualification.
A Cambridge English: Key (KET) qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations.
It will give you the confidence to go on and study for higher-level exams.
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A Cambridge English: Key Certificate shows you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: A2 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 3 EXAM LENGTH: About 2 hours |
Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) CEFR level B1
Shows you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical skills for everyday use.
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A Cambridge English: Preliminary Certificate shows you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: B1 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 3 EXAM LENGTH: About 2 hours 20 minutes |
Cambridge English: First Certificate (FCE) CEFR level B2
The most popular qualification, accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions worldwide.
Proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English.
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A Cambridge English: First Certificate qualification shows you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: B2 SCALE SCORE: 160 – 190 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 4 EXAM LENGTH: About 3.5 hours |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) CEFR level C1
The in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for.
Preparing for Cambridge English: Advanced helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries
More than 6,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.
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A Cambridge English: Advanced Certificate qualification shows you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: C1 SCALE SCORE: 180 – 210 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 4 EXAM LENGTH: About 4 hours |
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) CEFR level C2
The highest-level qualification – proof that you are a highly competent speaker of English.
A Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.
Preparing for and passing the exam means you have the level of English that’s needed to study or work in a very senior professional or academic environment, for example on a postgraduate or PhD programme
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A Cambridge English: Proficiency Certificate qualification shows you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: C2 SCALE SCORE: 200 – 230 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 4 EXAM LENGTH: About 4 hours |
Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Prelim) CEFR level B1
Learn the practical language skills you need to start doing business in English.
With a Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) qualification, you show employers that you have a good knowledge of English for practical, everyday use in business.
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A Cambridge English: Business Preliminary certificate shows that you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: B1 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 3 EXAM LENGTH: About 2 hours 20 minutes |
Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) CEFR level B2
With a Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) qualification, you show employers that you are ready to work successfully in international business. This exam could help you when applying for new jobs, getting a promotion, or developing your career.
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A Cambridge English: Business Vantage certificate shows that you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: B2 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 4 EXAM LENGTH: About 2 hours 40 minutes |
Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher) CEFR level C1
With a Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Vantage) qualification, now you have the practical language skills needed to work effectively at a senior level in international business.
With this certificate you show employers you have worked for and reached the highest level of business English.
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A Cambridge English: Business Vantage certificate shows that you can:
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KEY FACTS CEFR LEVEL: B2 TEST FORMAT: Computer or paper based No. Of PAPERS: 4 EXAM LENGTH: About 2 hours 40 minutes |
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is widely accepted by Educational institutions, employers, professional registration bodies and government immigration agencies who often require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admission procedures, especially in the USA. Over 2.5 million tests are taken each year.
IELTS uses a 9-band scale to identify proficiency level, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9)
Two types of IELTS test
- Academic – is for those planning to study in higher education or register for professional registration.
- General Training – focuses on basic survival skills in both social and workplace settings. Usually it is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs.
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IELTS:
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KEY FACTS BAND SCORE RANGE: 1 – 9 (CEFR Level A1-C1 +) TEST FORMAT: Paper based NO OF PAPERS: 4 LENGTH: about 2 hours 45 minutes |