|
"Intermediate" is one of the biggest levels in English! It covers
such a wide variety of abilities that it is often sub-divided (low intermediate,
upper intermediate, post-intermediate...) but for the purposes of simplicity
we have left it as one, broad level here.
At intermediate level there is one exam which is more famous than
all the rest put together - Cambridge First Certificate.
However it is not the only option and it may not be the best option
for you. Find the best option by choosing one of these links:
FIRST CERTIFICATE
The Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) is probably the
best known of all English language exams. Over 250,000 learners take
the exam every year, and it is widely recognised by employers as evidence
of English ability at intermediate level. The exam has been around
for a long time, but was extensively revised in 1996 to give a greater
focus to the ability to use the language in realistic and practical
ways.
There are 5 papers in the exam (which takes place in March, June
and December). These are: Reading, Writing, English In Use, Speaking
and Listening. Each paper carries 20% of the total marks. Like all
the Cambridge exams, this means you need to be confident in all the
major skills areas (speaking, listening, reading and writing). It
is very unlikely that you will pass, for example, if you are good
at listening, reading and writing but can't speak!
If you are thinking of taking First Certificate, you are strongly
advised to follow an exam preparation course first. For more information
on First Certificate exam preparation courses: 
For more information on the First Certificate exam in general: 
Alternatives: if you don't want / aren't able to take First Certificate,
have a look at:
PET
PET - the Preliminary English Test - is another exam from the University
of Cambridge. It is similar in some ways to the First Certificate
but is at a lower level ("low" intermediate compared to FCE's "upper"
intermediate). PET is therefore a good choice if you want to take
an easier exam as part of your preparation for FCE. A pass at PET
level is evidence of your ability to survive in English in social
and work situations.
There are 4 papers in PET - Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
Each paper is worth 25% of the total marks. There are two pass grades
- pass, or pass with merit.
PET takes place throughout the year - usually in March, May, June,
November and December.
For more information about the PET exam:
PITMANS
Pitmans Examinations in English are universally recognised. They
are held at 5 levels - two of these (ELEMENTARY and INTERMEDIATE)
are suitable for learners with an intermediate level of English. (The
Intermediate exam is in fact quite challenging - don't choose it unless
you have a good intermediate level!)
The exams test reading, writing and listening skills. Successful
candidates are awarded the Pitmans Examination Institute Certificate
in English. If you want a test of your spoken English, you can take
the ESOL test (English for Speakers of Other Languages). These test
the kind of English which you need to use in everyday life. The focus
is on authentic use of the language.
Pitmans exams are extremely flexible - many Pitmans centres offer
them on demand throughout the year.
For more information on Pitmans exams:
Top of page
LCCI
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), though its Examinations
Board (LCCIEB) offers business qualifications that are recognised
by employers worldwide. It is probably true to say that LCCI is not
so well known (or well-promoted!) as English exam specialists such
as UCLES and TOEFL. On the other hand the LCCI has direct links with
the international Chamber of Commerce movement, giving it unique access
and insights into the needs of modern businesses.
The LCCI second Level (a good intermediate level) consists of 3
sections: an extended writing task requiring candidates to produce
a memo, article or report, a letter writing task, a reformulation task
requiring candidates to expand, reduce or selectively rewrite a passage
of English.
Some universities will accept a Second Level pass for entry on degree-level
courses.
The First Level (low intermediate) consists of 4 sections: the composition
of a letter or memo, a passage of text for comprehension, a look and
think comprehension task, a look and write production task.
The written exams can also be taken in conjunction with the corresponding
oral tests - Spoken English for Industry and Commerce (SEFIC). At
the First level, this consists of a 30 minute test of your ability
to discuss a variety of common work-related topics in business English.
At the First level, there is a 25 minute test of your ability to perform
basic tasks and discuss routine work matters in business English.
The LCCI English for Business exams are offered three times a year.
If you are thinking of taking an LCCI exam, you are strongly advised
to follow an exam preparation course first. For more information on
LCCI exam preparation courses:
For more information on the LCCI exam in general:
Alternatives:
- If you don't want or are not able to take an LCCI exam, consider
The TOEIC® Test as an alternative.
Top of page
The TOEIC® Test
The Test of English for International Communication assesses the
English of non-native speakers who use the language in their jobs.
It is designed as a global tool that can be applied to any work environment
where English is , and as a result is widely accepted by corporate
human resource directors worldwide.
The TOEIC® Test is very different from exams such as CAE or the LCCI exams
in that you do not pass or fail it. Instead you get a score which
reflects your overall ability in English. The higher your score, the
better your level. An employer may, for example, insist on a minimum
score before confirming your appointment to a job.
The TOEIC® Test also takes place much more frequently than the Cambridge exams
- at Churchill House, for example, we run TOEIC tests 6 times a year.
It is therefore a useful option if you need a test quickly and economically.
The test itself is a two-hour multiple-choice test that consists
of 200 questions divided into two Sections - Listening and Reading.
Each section is in multiple-choice format - you select the correct
answer from a list of four possibilities.
The test measures listening and reading directly and is also promoted
as an indirect measure of speaking and writing. Studies with large
samples of non-native speakers of English from around the world have
confirmed a strong link between The TOEIC® Test results and an oral interview.
For more information on The TOEIC® Test:
Top of page
TOEFL and TOEIC are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS). TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE and TEST OF ENGLISH FOR INTERANATIONAL COMMUNICATION are trademarks of ETS. This website is not approved or endorsed by ETS.
|
