Exams

Young Learner English Tests

Cambridge ESOL understands that English is becoming essential in the modern world and also understands that children who start early have a great advantage in later life. It has therefore developed a special set of exams aimed at children, aged 7-12, at the Council of Europe level A1, see table below. These exams target the English language at this age group's imagination, making English learning fun and giving them the confidence to continue and develop their English language studies. All four language skills are tested: listening, speaking, writing and reading, yet in a way children find fun and enjoyable.

Overview of Exams offered at Bennett Languages

There are a variety of different exams at different levels which you can choose to sit. This table shows the main set of international examinations offered and recognised through the world. At the top, in the red row, there are the 6 levels as described by the Council of Europe. The rows beneath correspond to the different exam levels and where they sit within this Council of Europe categorisation. Each level is described in turn below.

General English Exams

Key English Test (KET) (Council of Europe Level A2)

An elementary level exam, achievable after about 180-200 hours of English Language study and leaving you with an excellent grounding to continue to PET. The KET exams test your competence in basic everyday communication and is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over.

Preliminary English Test (PET) (Council of Europe level B1)

This exam is at the second level in the Cambridge pathway. It tests language competence at an intermediate level and is achievable after about 375 hours of English Language study.

First Certificate in English (FCE) (Council of Europe Level B2)

This exam is at the third level in the Cambridge pathway. It tests language competence at an upper intermediate level and is the most widely taken and recognised exam in the world and it demonstrates competence in both the world of work and study.

Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) (Council of Europe Level C1)

This exam is at the fourth level in the Cambridge pathway. This certificate offers a lower-advanced language qualification for those who need to use English for work. It is mostly taken by university students and young professionals. Many colleges accept the certificate of proficiency at CAE for admission.

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) (Council of Europe Level C2)

The high marks achieved in this exam will certify that the candidate has skills of a native speaker. It is the most coveted title for a student of English. The CPE is useful and recognized in any Anglophone country to demonstrate their knowledge of the language, in the workplace, academic, etc. ...

Business English Exams

BEC Preliminary

This exam is aimed at students with a level of English proficiency or elementary pre-intermediate (equivalent to the level of KET / PET, the Council of Europe level B1). It is suitable for those students over the age of 17 working in various fields of business and those who are preparing to pursue a career in business.

BEC Vantage

This exam certifies the ability of language to an intermediate level (level B2 of the Council of Europe). It is equivalent examination in General English FCE.

BEC Higher

This exam is for advanced students and is similar in many respects to the CAE (Council of Europe level C1). Success in this examination is to be able to have a developed conversation, to contribute actively in meetings and seminars, write reports, understand most correspondence, articles and reports, knowing how to use the telephone to negotiate effectively in most situations.