Programs TEFL Cert

The tests of TEFLOver the last few decades, English has become the International language. Many people throughout the world are beginning to need English more and more for business, study and immigration purposes, for travel, or a general desire to learn. Furthermore, more and more employers and educational and immigration institutions are requiring International Certification from a variety of internationally recognised examiners in order to gain employment or educational and migratory positions. In this short essay I will outline some of the most popular TEFL tests, what they consist of and which institutions accept them. I will also briefly explain the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages on which many of the tests use. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standardisation of levels of language exams used globally. Most of the Internationally recognised TEFL exams use this standardisation. The Framework consists of six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The most basic level begins at A1, at this level students need to be able to show a basic ability to communicate and exchange information, for example answering questions about a menu or understanding simple texts. Following this, the A2 level is for learners who are able to deal with simple and straightforward information and who can express themselves in simple conversations. Level B1 is based on the ability of the learner to express themself in familiar situations with non routine information, and the B2 level shows a good ability to express themself clearly on any topic of conversation. The most advanced levels are C1 and C2. With level C1, the emphasis lies on the accuracy of communication taking into account appropriacy, sensitivity and capacity to converse on unfamiliar topics. C2 is the mastery level, in which learners show their capacity to understand and use academic and demanding material, which may be above the average level of the native speaker. At the C2 level there is the hardest of all of the Cambridge exams, the Cambridge Proficiency Exam. This exam consists of five parts- a reading section of 90 minutes with four texts, a composition exercise of 2 hours with two tasks, a Use of English section of 90 minutes with four activities, a listening section of 40 minutes with various passages, and an interview of 15 minutes, usually completed with another candidate. A pass of the CPE will open doors to study at any British University and mean that the candidate will be good enough to teach English. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) encompasses both C1 and C2 levels, and has two variations, the Academic test and the General Training test. This exam consists of four sections- listening, writing, reading (either an academic or general training text) and an oral interview of 15 minutes. A successful completion of IELTS is accepted by employers and Universities in countries including Australia, Canada, ireland, New Zealand and the USA, and is also recognised by professional bodies and immigration authorities. The Cambridge Advanced English exam is based on a C1 level, and has five sections- reading, writing, listening, English in Use (the use of vocabulary and grammar) and an oral interview of 15 minutes. This test is often recognised for employment and educational purposes and is taken by 60,000 people in 60 countries per year. The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TEOFL) tests encompass C2 and B1 levels. The TOEIC test consists of a listening and reading paper test of 2 and a half hours, and an online writing and speaking test of 90 minutes which is carried out at various points in different countries. This test is generally accepted for employment at large organisations. The TOEFL test can either be done on paper or by computer, it consists of reading, listening and writing sections as well as various oral tasks adding up to 20 minutes. TOEFL is for the use of North American English, and is accepted by various Universities, government agencies, scholarship programs and certification agencies. It also has an equivalent for younger learners called TOEFL junior. There are numerous English language tests which are used and required for various organisations and circumstances. I have listed the most common tests used by English learners around the globe for certification in their abilities to use the English language, which many people use for educational, employment and immigration purposes.