Nowadays, modern life is perceived as a global entity, provides the integration at the international level of culture, science and education. The most interesting countries of integration for us are the countries of Western Europe, Canada and the USA. An international certificate may be necessary if you:
- plan to apply to a college / university abroad;
- want to get an objective assessment of your current knowledge level;
- intend to get an internship place in a foreign company;
- want to expand your professional opportunities (business trip, vocational training) and move up the career ladder.
Exams for obtaining an international certificate are IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge exams (for schoolchildren and adults - KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE; for business English – BEC; for teachers - TKT, CELTA, and Delta). Each of the tests has its own characteristics, although in general they are similar in their nature and tasks. They are designed to confirm the current language level of the candidate and do not imply any passing points. Evaluation is given to existing knowledge.
In particular, IELTS and TOEFL are diagnostic examinations that give an assessment of the language level knowledge here and now. Cambridge examinations confirm the level achieved (B1 - Intermediate, B2- Upper-Intermediate, C1 - Advanced, C2 - Proficiency).
It turns out that the choice of the exam depends on what exactly the requirements of the requesting party are. Is the level B1-Intermediate sufficient to apply to a university abroad; Or is the IELTS score 6.0 enough for an employer? Therefore, there is an equivalence scale for examination scores of the international English level system (CEFR).
Talking about the popularity of exams...
Taking into account the purpose of obtaining an international certificate (admission to a university abroad, confirmation of the level or obtaining an internship place, etc.) All these exams will certainly solve the mentioned tasks. IELTS is quite “young” I comparison with TOEFL, but it is the one that is more popular in the world.
It is also worth mentioning that IELTS, FCE or TOEFL differ in origin: Cambridge exams and IELTS are the British ones; TOEFL is originated from the USA. You should pay attention to this if you know whom your certificate is addressed.
Some numbers and statistics...
IELTS is now recognized in more than 7,000 educational institutions and in at least 135 countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America and Western Europe. Since 2004, the number of universities in the United States accepting IELTS results has grown rapidly.
For a job search or internship in Australia, Canada, New Zealand IELTS is already a "must-have". When you are employed in Denmark, Switzerland, Turkey, Poland, Italy, Brazil and many other countries, you will be asked about the availability of IELTS.
Taking into account the popularity of IELTS and FCE, we suggest focusing on them further.
What is the structure of these exams?
The Cambridge FCE/CAE and IELTS exams have the similar structure. These include testing language skills such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The key difference in the structure of FCE and CAE is that they contain an additional task in the “Reading” section - “Use of Language” - this task combines the testing of knowledge of a candidate's grammar and vocabulary use in the language. The “Speaking” section is also a bit different. During the oral part of the IELTS, the candidate “communicates” with the examiner one-on-one, but during the taking speaking part of the FCE or CAE, at one of the stages, the candidate is asked to make a dialogue with another candidate.
How are exams evaluated? Is it possible to fail them?
For each of the international exams developed its own scale of points. IELTS is rated on a 9-point (0.5 step) system. Maximum points in IELTS can be 8.0, 8.5 (confident user), 9.0 (expert level).
When passing the Cambridge exams, you can get 200 points as much as possible, where the percentage for each section is from 20-40%.
As for, whether it is possible to fail the exam? More likely no, than yes. For example, IELTS does not provide a rating of “fail”, although the FCE and CAE tests such an “option” have.
As mentioned before, IELTS is considered to be a diagnostic exam, which means that after taking it you will know exactly how well or poorly you are proficient in certain skills.
You will receive FCE and CAE certificates if you pass the 60% barrier. It will only mean that you are not up to B2 (FCE) or C1 (CAE). The level assessment also has an additional marking (A, B, C), that is, excellent, good and satisfactory. Therefore, these exams are considered as the ones to qualify, more thoroughly evaluate, and more accurately determine the level.
Which exam is easier? Which one to choose?
Teachers that prepare students for these exams, without exception, say that IELTS is much easier to take than the Cambridge test. Here is a number of advantages:
1) IELTS guarantees a certificate with any result. Another issue is that the coveted score must be prepared accordingly.
2) Exam duration. The entire IELTS exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. Cambridge Exam - about 5 hours.
3) Accessibility. IELTS can be taken at least every 2 weeks. However, FCE is available only 3-4 times a year.
4) IELTS is more democratic in its structure and content. It takes much more time to prepare for the Cambridge Exam: it is extremely difficult to get the highest grade “A” here.
With all the similarities of these exams, perhaps the biggest advantage in favor of the Cambridge exams is that these certificates are issued for life. IELTS is only relevant for 2 years.
Taking IELTS and FCE is equally difficult on a psychological level, but this is quite realistic under supervision of a good mentor with the right approach and strategy.
Obviously, these are not the usual English language exams. These exams require a much higher level of knowledge, which can be obtained only due to the special training.
The content of this article is based on the practical experience and is set out from the words of Elena Kupriyanova, a teacher of Red Arrow Studio.
Whatever exam you need for an international certificate, Red Arrow Studio will provide you with quality and qualification training to achieve the result you need within the specified period, and StudySo will help you choose an educational program that will meet your goals, needs and opportunities.
