1. International Qualifications and Language Proficiency Assessment.
Kaarin Truus
Tallinn University Language Centre
Centre Exams Manager
Silva 409
08 April 2015

2. International English Language Exams
Background
Range of English Language Qalifications in Estonia
Reasons for taking EL examinations
Recognition/validity/exemption of the exams offered
Structure of the examinations: IELTS/ESOL exams
Preparation for the chosen examination
Strategies and best practice
Support for students/teachers
Contact
Picture Gallery

3. Background to TLU LC Exam Centre
British Council
TLU LC from Oct 2008
Target for 2014/
IELTS 750
Cambridge ESOL 180
Other 120 (ACCA, University of London, ad hoc)

4. Range of English Language Qualifications available in Estonia
Pearson Tests (General&Academic)
TOEFL/ TOEIC

5. Reasons for taking language exams
Extended studies/higher education
Short study courses
Work applications
Visa /Agency requirements
Recognition /CV
Achievement (YL, KETs, PETs, FCEs)
Graduation purposes/exemption
Personal reasons

6. CEFR and Recognition
  Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is easy to make comparisons with other qualifications.
Search the recognition database for up-to-date lists of organisations which officially accept or use Cambridge English exams.
The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require.

7. State Examinations in a Foreign Language.
The student has three options:
to take the state examination in the English language. This examination is prepared by Foundation Innove. The student who successfully passes the examination will be issued a certificate of language proficiency in English (level B1 or B2).
to take an internationally recognized French, German or Russian language examination at least at level B1. These examinations are mediated by Foundation Innove. The student who successfully passes the examination will be issued an internationally recognized certificate of language proficiency.
upon registration for the state examination to submit a certificate of an international English, French, German or Russian (as a foreign language) language examination at least at level B1, whereas the examination is performed at the student’s own expense and must be recognized by the state.  
According to the National Curriculum for Upper Secondary Schools, the independent language user level (B1 or B2) is the estimated language level of upper secondary school graduates.
The student informs the school management about his/her decision and/or submits the certificates for the school management by January 20.

8. Exemption English Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) B1-level;
Cambridge English: First (FCE) B2-level;
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE);
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE);
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at least 4.0 points of the maximum result;
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT at least 57 points of the maximum result.

9. Results, Validity and Recognition
IELTS for 2 years, results 13 days after the test, results can be checked online
ESOL for life + UCAS Tariff points, results 3-4 weeks, can be checked online, Cambridge English CB exams , results in 2 weeks time
Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is easy to make comparisons with other qualifications.
The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require.

10. Cambridge English

11. ‘Extended’ certification
will give many candidates additional credit for the language skills they have demonstrated and for what they can do with their language, further relating the results to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) thereby helping universities, employers, government bodies and other organizations to make informed decisions and increase opportunities for candidates.
Extended certification is designed to give a clearer picture of how candidates performance in each Cambridge ESOL exam aligns to the CEFR.
     
Extended certification applies to: CPE, CAE, FCE, PET, KET, BEC

12. Structure of IELTS and ESOL examinations
Skills tested (Re/Wr/UofE/List/Sp Order of parts (papers/sections) Length/Timing Content andTask types Format Paper based/computer based

13. Exam Specific Features
Registration procedure
Required documentation for entry
Regulations (test day letters, summary regulations)
Required stationery (pencils v pens)
Format:Paper based v Computer based
Listening/Speaking differences
Task types in the chosen examination
Additional security measures (test day photos, document checks)
Things allowed/not allowed into the exam room
Breaks and comfort leaves
Receipt of results and certificates (on-line check, Statements of Results, certificates)
Validity of the certificates, additional Test Report Forms/certificates

15. IELTS - Home > Test Takers Information http://ielts.org
Academic Reading sample materials
The Academic Reading test is 60 minutes long. It has three sections with 40 questions to answer. Here is a sample of one section. (Note that candidates for the Academic module do a different Reading test to the General Training module) ...
Academic Writing sample materials
The Academic Writing test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words. Here are samples of Task 1 and Task 2. (Note that candidates for the Academic module do a different Writing test to the General Training module) ...
General Training Reading sample materials
The General Training Reading test is 60 minutes long. It has three sections with 40 questions to answer. Here is a sample of one section. (Note that candidates for the General Training module do a different Reading test to the Academic module) ...
General Training Writing sample materials
The General Training Writing test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words. Here are samples of Task 1 and Task 2. (Note that candidates for the General Training module do a different Writing test to the Academic module) ...
Speaking sample materials
In the Speaking test, you have a conversation with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. The test is 11 to 14 minutes long with three parts ...
Listening sample materials
The Listening test is 30 minutes long...

16. Cambridge English
The Cambridge English General English suite of exams has a wide choice of certificates reflecting the very different needs and abilities of people. The certificates cover basic exams for those beginning to learn English, through to advanced certificates for those who have attained a high level of fluency.

17. Cambridge English

18. Cambridge English offered by TLU LC
Young Learners (Starters, Movers, Flyers) A1-A2
Cambridge English: Key A2
Cambridge English: Key for Schools A2
Cambridge English: Preliminary B1
Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools B1
Cambridge English: First B2
Cambridge English: First for Schools B2
Cambridge English: Advanced C1
Cambridge English: Proficiency C2
Cambridge English: Business (P/V/H) B1-C1
Cambridge English: Legal B2-C1
Cambridge English: Financial B2-C1
Cambridge English: Teaching Knowledge Test

19. Cambridge English: Young Learners

20. Cambridge English First

21. Cambridge English: First
Here are the main changes to the Cambridge English: First exam that started in January 2015:
The exam is about 30 minutes shorter. But it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version.
The exam has four papers, not five.
The Reading and Use of English papers are now combined into a single paper that looks at language knowledge and reading skills.

22. Cambridge English: Advanced

23. Cambridge English: Advanced
Here are the main changes to the Cambridge English: Advanced exam that started in January 2015:
The exam is 45 minutes shorter. But it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version.
The exam has four papers, not five.
The Reading and Use of English papers are now combined into a single paper that looks at language knowledge and reading skills.
There will be some new tasks and tests in the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Speaking papers.

24. Cambridge English: Business

25. Cambridge English: Business
Achieve your ambitions in international business
Cambridge English: Business Certificates, also known as Business English Certificates (BEC), are a suite of three English language qualifications for international business. Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) – CEFR Level B1 Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) – CEFR Level B2 Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher) – CEFR Level C1 They will help you to achieve your ambitions to:
work abroad 
work with international organisations in your own country
study business-related subjects taught in English.
They show that you can use English confidently in international business environments.

26. Cambridge English Financial

27. Cambridge English: Financial
Progress your career in international finance
Cambridge English: Financial, also known as International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE), will help you show that you have the right language skills required for a successful career in international accountancy and finance. It is a high-level qualification.
Take the exam
You can take Cambridge English: Financial at over 250 centres worldwide.
Why take the exam?
People who want to use English to improve their employment and career opportunities

28. Cambridge English Legal

29. Cambridge English: Legal
Advance your international career in law
Cambridge English: Legal, also known as International Legal English Certificate (ILEC), will help you show you have the language skills for a successful career in international law. It is a high-level qualification.
Cambridge English and TransLegal
Cambridge English: Legal has been created especially for lawyers by Cambridge English Language Assessment and TransLegal – Europe’s leading firm of lawyer-linguists.
Find out more about TransLegal
Take the exam
You can take Cambridge English: Legal at over 300 centres worldwide. Find a centre near you and register to take your exam.
Why take the exam?
People all over the world prove they can use English in professional legal situations with Cambridge English: Legal.

30. Cambridge English Scale

31. Preparation and practice materials
Materials to buy
A huge range of course books, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for examinations
Free materials
help you to get started and which you can download
Sample papers/ Computer- based free samples
allow you to see what a full PB/CB test will be like and show the types of questions that will appear in the live exam.
Information for candidates is
a handy guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers.
Online Practice Tests
will help improve your speaking skills, knowledge and exam technique and that will make you feel more confident when you take your exam.
Official Top Tips
for revision guide with interactive CD-ROM

32. Additional Information
Kaarin Truus/Sirle Kivihall/Kerli Haas
Tallinna Ülikooli Keelekeskus
Narva mnt 29 Ruum S 409
10120 Tallinn /360

33. Photos from the Opening of the Centre

34. Young Learners : Starters, Movers, Flyers

35. TLU Examination Centre -3yrs

36. Award Ceremony