International Examinations
in English as a Foreign Language
(EFL)
We are the only academic organisation which guarantees success to our learners in international examinations.
COURES
Levels & Examinations in EFL
1. Levels and associated examinations
Competence in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is measured on a scale from 1 to 8, as shown below. There are no international examinations beyond level 7, however, Beecham English offers courses at level 8 in EFL (Quasi-native or Expert level).
2. The examination bodies and examination types
Reputable examination bodies are usually government-approved and perform three functions:
- Specify syllabi or programmes of study
- Administer examinations globally
- Issue cerificates of attainment
English-language testing is a vast global business and the best-known examination bodies are shown in the table below:
3. The ranking of EFL qualifications (levels 5, 6 & 7)
The table below gives some parameters to guage equivalence among the most common examinations in EFL:
Frequently-asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the best international examinations for seeking employment or entering universities?
- Employers usually establish a candidate’s general level of competence in EFL, through any one of a number of international examinations in EFL shown on this webpage. Where a candidate’s function-specific EFL skills cannot be assessed through standard EFL tests, organisations also contract us to design and implement function-specific EFL tests.
- With regard to university entry, the British examinations (FCE, CPE & IELTS), as well as the American TOEFL, are all accepted internationally as sufficient evidence of competence in EFL (depending on the score) for university entry. However, some universities in America may prefer the American TOEFL to verify the competence in EFL of applicants whose first language is not English.
- Certificates such as IELTS and TOEFL have a limited validity period and so potential university entrants are advised to consider FCE and CPE first.
I wish to enter a top university, but cannot decide whether I should take the IELTS or CPE. What is the difference between them?
Based on our own observations of the global English-language-testing market and the nature of the two examinations (CPE and IELTS), we usually recommend our students to take the CPE. Our observations are as follows:
- IELTS can be taken frequently and so it generates revenue for the Examination Body.
- Universities may prefer IELTS as it is easier than CPE, which generates more revenue for the universities as there are more students who qualify for entry.
- The CPE is more rigorous and we know of many students who took the IELTS to gain entry to a university and then had to study at the CPE level to get through the university course.
- The IELTS examination cannot be failed. The examinee receives a pass score graded between 1 and 9. CPE can be failed (grades D or E are not considered a pass).
- The highest score of 9 on the IELTS scale is not equivalent to the highest grade of the CPE (grade A).
- A score of 5.5 on the IELTS scale approximates to a grade C at FCE. Universities may expect a grade A at FCE.
Where can I take British international examinations in EFL?
In some EFL countries, it is not well understood that under the British system, the functions of learning and certification are separated. Authorised examination bodies carry out three functions:
- Specify the syllabi
- Administer the examinations
- Issue certificates
For example, Cambridge UCLES is one of these approved examination bodies which specifies programmes of study for examinations such as FCE and CPE.
A student is free to study a specified programme at any academic institution, or with any private tutor.
English-language testing is a vast global business, therefore the examination bodies in ENL countries contract private schools of English in various EFL countries to offer the examinations. Conversely, the private schools of English in EFL countries are attracted to acting as examination centres.
Therefore, we can arrange for our students to take the British international exams in most major cities in most countries.
How is it possible for Beecham to have the confidence to guarantee its students success in international examinations?
We are able to issue such guarantees because we have many years’ experience teaching English, our teachers are highly-qualified and our long-developed methodologies are highly effective.
What happens if a student does not succeed in an international examination?
Our teachers closely monitor the progression of learners on courses which guarantee examination success. However, in the unlikely event of a lack of success, Beecham provides free tutoring to prepare unsuccessful examinees for one more retake. Please note that examination-success guarantees are provided only on the 100-hour (Regular) and the 60-hour (Compact) courses, if studied online or in-person. Shorter learning programmes, or those delivered during short breaks, do not carry the Beecham guarantee of examination success.