Which course to take?

Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) examinations

The Cambridge examinations are recognised worldwide as proof of your English language ability. They can be used in applications for jobs, and, in some cases, for universities. But they are also a satisfying measure of personal achievement.

Since they are offered at a variety of levels, Cambridge exams are a good choice if you wish to demonstrate your progress, or gain a qualification in a short space of time. One natural path is to progress from FCE (which is approximately Upper Intermediate level), through CAE (Advanced) to CPE (Proficient).

The CPE is the highest English language accreditation available in the world. Passing the CPE is proof that your English has reached the maximum recognised level. (We do not currently offer a CPE course option).

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FCE (First Certificate in English)

What is the FCE?

The FCE is administered by the University of Cambridge. It is an Upper-Intermediate level test of your English ability.

IELTS	TOEFL PBT	TOEFL iBT	TOEIC
5.5 – 6.5	520 - 580	69 - 91	650 - 800

Passing the FCE shows that you have a wide vocabulary and are able to express an opinion persuasively and effectively. You should have no trouble adapting to a variety of social, work and personal situations.

The Cambridge ESOL board state that the FCE proves your competence in the following areas:

Listening/Speaking: You can follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics.

Reading: You can scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice.

Writing: You can make notes while someone is talking, or write a letter including non-standard requests.

Why should I take the FCE?

• Employers worldwide recognise the FCE. You can use English for small work-related tasks and even undertake an internship.
• You can use the result to support an application to some degree and diploma courses.
• If you'd like to take the CAE, passing the FCE is perfect preparation.

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CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)

What is the CAE?

The CAE is administered by the University of Cambridge. It is an Advanced level test of your English ability.

IELTS	TOEFL PBT	TOEFL iBT	TOEIC
6.5 – 7.5	580 - 620	91 - 113	800 - 900

A pass will prove that you have a good command of English vocabulary and grammar. You can apply English confidently in education, social and professional settings. It will also show that you can use your English language skills in a range of culturally appropriate ways.

The Cambridge ESOL board states that the CAE proves your competence in the following areas:

Listening/Speaking: You can contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within your own area of work, or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.

Reading: You can read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to get information from the media, or to understand non-standard correspondence.

Writing: You can prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings, or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate.

Visit the Cambridge ESOL exams website.

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IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

What is IELTS?

The IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. The exam measures your ability in all aspects of the English language. Depending on your reason for taking the IELTS, you can choose either the Academic or General Training route:

- For academic study or professional registration, you should choose the 'Academic Module'.

- For non-academic training, work experience or for immigration purposes, select the 'General Training Module'.

Why should I take IELTS?

You will need an IELTS score to apply to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Many professional bodies, governments and immigration authorities across the world also require IELTS scores.

How is IELTS assessed?

You will take four equally weighted exams: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. All candidates take the same listening and speaking exams. However, for the reading and writing tests, you can choose between the 'Academic Module' and the 'General Training Module'. You’ll receive one score for each exam and an overall score in the form of a whole or a half band (e.g. 5.0, 5.5).

What does my IELTS band mean?

There are nine bands and they each describe your English language ability at that level. The highest is 9 (expert user) and the lowest is 0 (no English language ability).

Equivalents

IELTS	TOEFL PBT	TOEFL iBT	TOEIC
6.5 – 7.5	580 - 620	91 - 113	800 - 900

IELTS	Cambridge ESOL	TOEFL PBT	TOEFL iBT	TOEIC
7.5 +	CPE	620 +	113 +	900 +
6.5 – 7.5	CAE	575 - 620	90 - 113	690 - 785
5.5 – 6.5	FCE	525 - 550	69 - 90	605 - 690
4.5 - 5.5		475 - 525	49 - 69	505 - 605
3.5 – 4.5		425 - 475	29 - 49	400 - 505

These are rough equivalents; please note that the different exam systems do not precisely correspond to one another.

Where will I take the exam?

Castle School offers an IELTS preparatory course and is close to an examination centre.

When can I take the exam?

They are held regularly throughout the year, but you have to book well in advance. We will help you with this, and provide you with the full details.

Where can I find out more information?

Visit the official IELTS website.

How can I prepare for the IELTS?

We offer IELTS exam preparation courses. See our IELTS Preparation course page.

Which exam should I take?

What is your aim?	Personal satisfaction or interest	Study at UK university	Study at US university	Work in English-speaking environment
Upper Intermediate	Cambridge FCE	IELTS or Cambridge FCE	TOEFL / IELTS	IELTS or TOEIC or TOEFL
Advanced	Cambridge CAE	IELTS or Cambridge CAE	TOEFL / IELTS	IELTS or TOEIC or TOEFL