Additional programs:
1-2 years of full-time study at a state university in your home country
1 year of preparation in Germany (Studienkolleg, equivalent to Foundation) and passing exams
Average score
The selection of candidates for admission to German universities is based on the average score of the matriculation certificates. There are two types of specialties at universities in Germany:
It’s easy to get into training in specialties that have no restrictions: you just need to fulfill the general requirements - the Abitur certificate of maturity or its equivalent or pass the FSP exams.
It is more difficult to get into specialties that have restrictions on admission: you need the average grade of the matriculation certificate to correspond to the passing grade (the minimum average grade of the certificate possible for admission to a university). The passing score is set either by the university itself for this specialty, or it is a uniform passing score throughout the country for all universities offering certain specialties: for example, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, etc. When entering one of the specialties that has restrictions on admission , after completing the Studienkolleg preparatory course, exactly the same rules apply: the average score is calculated.
An average certificate score of 1.5 points opens the doors to almost all universities in Germany (except for some especially popular specialties). To enroll in most programs, it is enough to have a GPA between 3.0 and 1.5. However, there are specialties in which training is possible for holders of matriculation certificates with a very high average score, and there are also those in which you can enter with a fairly low passing score.
Attention! In Germany, the rating system is 6 points, where 6 is the lowest (bad) of all possible ratings, and 1 is the best possible.
List of specialties with the lowest and highest requirements for enrollment
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Passing score greater than 3.0 points |
Passing score 1.4 or less |
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Products and Logistics 3.2 |
Biomedizin 1.0 |
DIRECT ENROLLMENT
Holders of the German Abitur and equivalent certificates can be enrolled in the first year of undergraduate programs at German universities immediately after school. The selection of candidates is based on the average score of the certificate and no entrance or selection exams are required.
Countries with equivalent Abitur matriculation certificates: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Holland, Greece, Denmark, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, USA, Finland, France, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa , Japan
ENROLLMENT AFTER COMPLETING ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
Holders of matriculation certificates not considered equivalent to Abitur must either study for 1 or 2 years at a public university in their home country or pass exams in Germany to enroll in the first year of undergraduate programs at German universities. These exams are similar to those that German schoolchildren take to obtain the Abitur. The only difference is that German schoolchildren take exams in a larger number of disciplines, and foreign applicants for admission to study at German universities must demonstrate knowledge of disciplines relevant to their future studies. Foreign applicants who do not have equivalent Abitur certificates must prove that they have the necessary knowledge to study at a university in their chosen specialty.
You can replace entrance exams by studying at a university in your home country for 1 or 2 years. Attention! You can only study full-time, the university must be state-owned and recognized in Germany, the direction of study must coincide with the direction of study in Germany.
Countries with non-equivalent Abitur matriculation certificates: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Moldova, Russia, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and others.
There are different requirements for applicants from these countries. Thus, for applicants from Ukraine who received a matriculation certificate before 2011 inclusive - 2 years of full-time study at a state university in Ukraine, after 2011 - 1 year. For applicants from Russia - upon receipt of a certificate in 2014 and earlier, 2 years of full-time study at a state university in Russia, after 2015 - 1 year.
Feststellungsprüfung
The Feststellungsprüfung entrance exams can be taken externally, without any preparation course. However, the difference in secondary school programs in different countries is colossal; we strongly recommend taking a special preparation course for exams Feststellungsprüfung - Studienkolleg. This course is designed for 1 year of study and is organized either by the universities themselves or by secondary education institutions. Taking such a course will not only significantly increase the chances of successfully passing exams, but will also facilitate the educational process at the university.
If you have passed the FSP, you can enroll in any specialty that has no restrictions on admission. If you pass the exams with 1.5 points, you can study even in those programs that have restrictions on admission. However, there are some specialties that require a 1.0 GPA (medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine).
Of course, which path to enter German universities to choose - through passing exams or through studying at a Russian university for 1 or 2 years - is the decision of the applicant himself. However, annual preparation for the Feststellungsprüfung exam and successful passing of the exam itself is a 100% guarantee of your capabilities and readiness to study at a German university. Studying in Russia, even at the best university, does not provide such a guarantee.
Requirements for admission to the master's program
Master is the second stage of higher education. A master's degree is issued after 1-2 years of study. Beginning of training either immediately after a bachelor's degree, or after several years of professional activity. The master's degree focuses on deeper specialization and scientific work. A master's degree is a prerequisite for admission to graduate school.
The general requirement for all candidates is a bachelor’s degree from a state or state-accredited university. Studying in the bachelor's program must be full-time. The university must be recognized in Germany, and the study program must correspond to the chosen study program in Germany.
More details: check if your university is consideredequivalent to the German you intend to enroll inAttention! We recommend that even when studying in English, you have at least a minimum level of German: most of the offered training programs are still in German, and by studying only in English you significantly reduce the choice of specialties and disciplines. Many programs are bilingual.
Requirements for admission to graduate school
Postgraduate studies (Promotion)– is considered in Germany as the third stage of the Bologna process. Writing a dissertation is possible only at universities. Preparation of a dissertation (Promotion) related to independent scientific research continues for 2–4 years after receiving a master's degree or equivalent degree (Diplom/Erstes Staatsexamen/Magister Artium). The degree of Candidate of Sciences (Doktor) is awarded after writing a dissertation and successfully passing an oral examination or defending a dissertation.
The selection procedure for those wishing to study in Germany as a graduate student is not as formal as in the case of a bachelor's or master's degree. The choice of a specific candidate largely depends on the willingness of a particular professor to act as your supervisor. Applicants should contact directly the professors with whom they would like to work.
To comply with formal requirements, the candidate is required to:
- Master's degree or its equivalent issued by a state accredited university
- Master's studies must be full-time
- the university must be recognized in Germany
- The specialization of the master's program must coincide with the direction of work in graduate school. The disciplines studied at the Russian University are compared with the program of the same disciplines at the German University and the corresponding number of hours (diploma supplement). For dentists and lawyers, a maximum of 1-2 semesters are counted from the diploma (differences in technology, legislation).
- proof of language proficiency (German or English, often both)
- Language: official certificate - German C1+/C2 and/or English C1+. Even when studying in graduate school in English, we recommend having at least a basic level of German.
Requirements for admission to MBA programs
Program Aufbaustudium- another type of postgraduate training. The duration of the program is 2 years. Upon completion, a paper of 50-100 pages is written. A certificate of completion of the Aufbaustudium is issued. This is also a Postgraduate program, like Promotion, but shorter by 1 year. Aufbaustudium programs for international students are MBA programs.
Requirements for admission to the program:
- A diploma of complete higher education obtained from a university that has state accreditation
- training should have been face-to-face
- The university must be recognized in Germany
- the curriculum must correspond to the required plan for each specific MBA program
- practical work experience (minimum 2 years in the specialty).
- English language: official certificate at level C1 (TOEFL 570-630 points or IELTS from 6.5 and above, CAE is accepted equally with them in private universities).
- German language: official certificate or certificate of study of the German language for at least 250-400 hours.
Documents are accepted once a year, for the winter semester.
Language requirements
You can study in Germany only if you prove the required level of proficiency in the language of instruction. Attention! Only official certificates issued after passing internationally accepted examinations are taken into account.
Most programs at universities in Germany are in German. However, there are quite a few programs offered in English. If you choose a program offered in German, you must prove your knowledge of German. If you are interested in an English-language training program, then English.
GERMAN
All applicants to universities in Germany must pass an official exam to determine their level of German language proficiency. The required level is C1 on the European scale, although some programs require a lower level. For example, for enrollment in Bachelor's programs in creative specialties, level B1 is sufficient. All universities in Germany accept TestDaF and DSH certificates for any training programs as proof of knowledge of the German language; other certificates are accepted by some universities. To enroll in the Studienkolleg preparatory program, any certificate in German at level B2 or even simple confirmation of completion of a German course (for example, a certificate from a course) is sufficient.
ADMISSION RESTRICTIONS (Numerus Clausus)
Programs in medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine are so in demand that admission to them is limited nationwide at all higher education institutions. These are the so-called Numerus Clausus restrictions. The selection of candidates and the allocation of places for these programs is carried out centrally through the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung. The reason for this limitation is that professors and other researchers can only fully work with a limited number of students, thus guaranteeing the quality of training. In practice, this means that the university, in agreement with professors, announces admission to a certain number of places for a certain specialty.
However, this restriction should not be understood as a ban or a decrease in the chances of enrollment for foreigners. Everyone is accepted - both Germans and foreigners, only the requirements for both are equally strict in relation to the average score of the certificate. Even if the average score of your certificate is below the passing grade, this does not mean a refusal of admission: you are simply added to the waiting list. The fact is that applicants send their documents to several universities at once, sometimes to 20 at once. If out of 30 possible places in a specialty with limited admission, 10 remained free (those who passed on the average score chose another university), then the remaining 10 places are granted to those applicants whose average score is as close as possible to the passing grade (second round of the admission procedure - zweites Nachrückverfahren).
Do not despair if the average score of your certificate is lower than the passing score established by the university: the passing score is indicated by the university based on the results of the previous year.
Attention! If you want to study in one of these programs, then pay attention to the deadlines for submitting applications: no later than July 15 when submitting documents for the winter semester and no later than January 15 when submitting documents for the summer semester.
Test structure:
- Identifying the interests of the applicant (15 minutes)
- Aptitude test:
- Speaking Test (20 - 30 minutes)
- Math test (30 minutes)
- Test to identify the capabilities of figurative and spatial thinking (30 - 35 minutes)
No more than 90 minutes are allocated to complete the entire test. Participation in the test is completely free.
TestAS
TestAS - Test für ausländische Studierende - test for foreign university students. TestAS is a central, standardized test for foreign applicants. The test was created on the initiative of the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD in cooperation with the TestDaF-Institut for German as a Foreign Language. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The results of this test show what position the applicant who has passed it stands in relation to other applicants. Good results in this test significantly increase your chances of getting a place to study at a university.
- TestAS has the right to conduct only specialized language centers that cooperate with educational institutions in Germany and have a license
- Persons over 16 years of age are allowed to take the exam
- It is necessary to speak a foreign language at a minimum level of B1 according to the 6-level scale of the Council of Europe
- The number of submission attempts is unlimited. Repeatedly retaking the exam on one topic (for example, only economics), as a rule, does not significantly improve the results.
- The test reveals the candidate’s aptitudes and abilities for a particular scientific field, so in order to identify these, it makes sense to take an exam on various topics.
It is prohibited to use dictionaries, translators or any other electronic devices during testing.
TestAS can be taken in German or English. It consists of the following components:
onScreen(30 minutes): language part of the test, assessment of general language competence in English or German. 6 texts are offered in which you will need to complete the missing words and phrases. This part of the test is administered online orally.
Kerntest(110 minutes): the main part of the test, assessing cognitive abilities in all academic areas of study. Conducted in writing. 4 task groups:
- Solving numerical tasks - tasks in the form of texts, the solution of which is based on the ability of elementary mathematical calculations.
- Finding correspondences - two pairs of words or phrases are offered in which two words are missing. It is necessary to add the missing words so that the meaning of the left pair matches the meaning of the right pair. The task is based on language understanding and vocabulary.
- Adding shapes - a number of shapes are offered, such as lines, circles, squares and other geometric shapes, placed according to certain rules and according to a certain pattern. The task is to identify these rules and patterns and add the desired figure to the end of the row. In this part of the test, logical thinking on a figurative basis plays a big role. Knowledge of the language does not play any role in this part of the test.
- Adding numbers is a similar task to the previous one, with the difference that instead of figures, rows of numbers are offered that will need to be supplemented based on recognized rules and patterns.
Studienfeldspezifische Testmodule(145-150 minutes): profile test modules, assessment of cognitive abilities necessary for training in a certain direction. Conducted in writing. There are 4 modules to choose from:
Humanities, cultural and social sciences
- Understanding and interpreting texts: short texts and questions for them.
- Ability to use representational systems: texts are proposed, the meaning of the content of which should be conveyed using graphic diagrams.
- Recognition of language structures: it is proposed to familiarize yourself with texts in a “fictional” language, with a translation into German as close as possible to their meaning. Based on this, it is necessary to recognize the meaning of some individual words and concepts, as well as identify some grammatical rules of writing.
Engineering Sciences
- Compiling formulas for technical phenomena: formulate formulas for various technical phenomena described in text form.
- Discovery of new species: Based on one type of body, it is necessary to discover new prospects for its use.
- Analysis of technical relationships: analysis and interpretation of various diagrams, tables and formulas.
Mathematics, computer science and natural sciences
- Analysis of phenomena in the field of natural sciences: descriptions in the form of texts and graphs of various phenomena in the field of natural sciences and questions about them.
- Understanding formal representation: Converting the information content of text into a graphical diagram.
Economic Sciences
- Analysis of economic relationships: analysis of various charts and tables from the field of economic sciences.
- Process analysis: formalization of various processes and analysis of process diagrams.
The results of passing the exam are calculated as a percentage; the concept of assessment or “pass or fail” is not used.
Depending on which test module was passed, TestAS test participants, after passing it, receive appropriate certificates, which are attached to the package of documents for admission to the university. In most cases, the results of the onScreen language test are not displayed in certificates. This is due to the technical capabilities of the test centers.
The TestAS test can only be carried out in special, licensed test centers. A significant part of TestDaF Centers also conduct the TestAS test.
Exam fee: 80 EUR
Have you decided to get a business education abroad? You simply cannot do without passing international language exams.
Today, the educational market offers a huge selection of programs for learning foreign languages. And in order to correctly choose the most suitable courses, you should clearly formulate your goals and decide: “What kind of English do I really need?”
If the question “How do you do?” If you, instead of the traditional “fine”, launch into lengthy explanations about how and what you are currently doing, then you should first understand the basics of basic English. But if your level of knowledge is above average, and you are fluent in the language at an everyday level, then you can safely start choosing business language courses. And the offers of language schools to prepare for international English language exams should be especially carefully considered by those who are planning to receive a business education abroad.
The most popular and internationally recognized international exams include TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT. Their results are required for admission to foreign colleges and universities. Passing these tests is required by government agencies, international organizations, licensing and certification organizations in different countries of the world.
TOEFL - "test of English as a foreign language" - is intended for those who are going to study at universities in the USA, Canada and for those for whom employers require TOEFL as a prerequisite for hiring. TOEFL is a specific exam because it involves testing in American English with all the ensuing lexical and grammatical nuances - they are “caught” not on the rules that are taught at school, but on homonyms, consonances, verbs with various prepositions, idioms, and special terms. There is a computer version of the TOEFL, for which you can get a maximum of 300 points, but a more common “paper” exam involves listening to a tape recorder and filling out a paper questionnaire, the maximum score of which is 667 points. The test results are necessarily sent to Europe for evaluation.
The TOEFL test system is represented by various types of questions that require choosing the correct answer from among those proposed. TOEFL consists of three sections: oral comprehension (Listening), written skills (Writing), reading comprehension (Reading and Grammar (Structure)). In the 4th part you need to write an essay (Essay) on a specific topic.
IELTS - the International English Language Testing System - was developed to assess the level of knowledge of foreign applicants wishing to enter educational institutions in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. When applying to English universities and business schools, you must have at least 6.5-7 points in the IELTS language exam. This exam tests all types of speaking and includes listening, reading, writing and interviewing. Just look at the essay topics that are given upon admission to a business school, for example, at the University of Manchester - “Analyze your contribution to business development over the past 5 years”, “Analyze and comment on the changes that have occurred in your organization over the past three years” - to understand what level of language proficiency should be. IELTS exams are scored using a nine-point system, ranging from one point (Zero language proficiency) to nine (Proficient language proficiency).
TOEIC - Test of English for International Communication - is very popular abroad, but is not yet known in Russia. This exam reveals the level of English language proficiency in the process of business communication. There is also a French version of this test - Test de français international (TFI). Passing this exam can not only become an important step in improving your knowledge of the English language, but will also be a significant advantage when applying for a job. Foreign firms often rely on the results of this test when assessing an employee's qualifications. The TOEIC exam is divided into two parts: listening and reading tasks. The topics of the questions are determined by the scope of business activity.
GMAT - an electronic test (Graduate Management Admission Test) - is designed to determine the level and qualifications of those who enter business schools with the aim of improving in the field of business and management. This test, which tests speaking, writing and numeracy skills, requires a high level of language proficiency. The GMAT is very popular and is required for admission to most business schools (the only exceptions are the UK and Australia), since its results can be used to determine a person’s potential capabilities and predict his success during his studies at a business school.
The test includes three types of questions, which are selected individually, in accordance with the level of preparedness of the examinee - to test writing, counting and speaking skills.
The “Analytical Writing” section - AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) - requires writing two essays on topics selected by a computer. The first essay is devoted to the analysis of a controversial statement or opinion, which will require substantiating your own opinion. The second is devoted to the analysis of the argument: you need to consider how the proposed argument is justified, find its weaknesses, check the correctness of the conclusions drawn, etc.
The Quantitative Section tests basic math skills, understanding of basic math concepts, mathematical reasoning, quantitative problem solving, and graphical data interpretation.
The Verbal Section involves reading and critically interpreting texts that address issues in the natural and social sciences, including business-related areas such as marketing, economics, and human resource management.
From a conversation with Isabella Vilevna Lauterpacht, Deputy Director of System-3 for Curriculum.
CF: What level of language proficiency allows you to start preparing for the international English language exam?
In this matter, it is difficult to give general recommendations; how much it will take to prepare for the test depends on the level and abilities of the student and, of course, the skill and professionalism of the teacher. Those with an upper-intermediate level can directly prepare for taking, for example, TOEFL, IELTS. A higher level is required to prepare for the GMAT. Here everyone must realistically assess their capabilities. As for language schools, a situation often occurs when specialization begins in the early stages of training, when students who do not know a sufficient amount of general English are “prepared” for passing the exam. Such training is ineffective; in reality, you can prepare for tests from a level no lower than intermediate. As, indeed, take any specialized courses, including a business course.
CF: If he speaks specifically about the tests being taken, is it possible to qualify them according to their degree of difficulty?
Of course, those who are planning to get a US education should pay special attention to the GMAT test. After all, it is specially designed to test the level of language proficiency in those aspects that are important specifically for business education: the assigned scores mean that the university is confident that the teacher and student will speak the same language - the language of certain realities. True, almost all British and Australian schools give preference to IELTS. This test, which is very strictly and professionally structured, has an academic module that includes listening comprehension, an oral interview (which is not in the TOEFL system), and drawing up graphs or tables based on the results of analytical reading. And that is why it is still easier to get good results in TOEFL than in IELTS. In addition, IELTS, unlike TOEFL, does not have a computerized version, which contributes to an increase in the personal factor. By the way, it was after the introduction of the computer version of TOEFL that the popularity of IELTS increased sharply. The most difficult part of the IELTS test is the academic reading, because you will need to be able to answer questions correctly even if it is about keeping bees. Not only that, you will also be asked to create a graph depicting the annual dynamics of bee mortality from bee mites.
CF: For a true businessman, time is money. How long will it take to learn a language? Perhaps it would be more effective to give preference to courses that offer intensive training?
If a person sets himself a serious task, then within a year he will reach a level sufficient to prepare for and pass the exam. In our courses he will study English, alternating intensive cycles and classes 2-3 times a week. Completing the full course will take 9-10 months, preparing for the TOEFL will take another three months. I know of a case where a young man who studied German at school had to prepare for the TOEFL exam in order to enter a business school, and he needed a high score. He successfully completed the task, having quite ordinary abilities.
If your language level is high, you can try to prepare for the test yourself, for example, by studying a specific CD or textbook. But, as practice shows, one source is not enough.
The intensive method, based on previously acquired knowledge, is designed to strengthen and develop speaking skills. It is good for those who have already reached a certain language level and now set themselves the task of bringing the basic language into active speech at the level of daily communication. True, one should not exclude one more aspect associated with the intensive method of training - it “cleanses the brain” very well. We even recommend taking a month-long intensive course before the exam in order to psychologically prepare for the test and feel confident. Constant training, and even in an atmosphere of group communication, allows you to quickly overcome stiffness and the so-called language barrier.
CF: What is more effective: individual lessons with a teacher or group training?
If you need to undergo speech training, develop communication skills, and receive psychological support, then it is better to study in a group, especially if the test you are preparing for includes an “Interview” section, such as in IELTS. But if you have to take TOEFL, then it is better to give preference to individual lessons or in a group, but no more than 5-6 people.
CF: One of the main questions that worries many is whether the teacher must be a native speaker?
It is great when the teacher is a native speaker, but only if he has a pedagogical or linguistic education. And this, unfortunately, does not happen often: at best, it is a certificate of courses for the right to teach English as a foreign language, while the majority in their homeland were engaged in a completely different field (veterinary medicine, for example), which does not in any way indicate the level of literacy at school.
CF: But there is no doubt that the native speaker has “true English” pronunciation.
Our predilection for pronunciation is unfounded: in English-speaking countries you rarely hear phonetically pure English speech. So-called “regional accents” are very common. Few people care about pronunciation, the main thing is the amount of knowledge so that you can express yourself and understand, the ability to respond adequately in writing or orally. And then you can rest assured that your career will be successful.
Olga Baturina
Magazine "Career Formula"
After passing the English language test, you receive a score. Often you will also get some idea of what the score means, expressed in terms of English proficiency or a term such as "beginner" or "advanced." In different countries of the world, a wide variety of systems are used to assess language proficiency. Tests for determining the level of the English language vary greatly, and may be associated with uniform systems of corresponding levels, either explicitly or implicitly. Some English level systems are based on a specific English language test, while others are not linked to any specific test.
What you will find on this page
Rating scale
The most reliable way to find out your level of English is to take a properly designed test. There are quite a few test options, and if you are not sure which one to choose, we recommend starting with the EF SET test. You can use your EF SET score as a certification result on your resume and LinkedIn profile. The EFS ET is currently the only standardized English language test that accurately measures all levels of language proficiency from beginner to proficient, against the internationally recognized standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Other standardized English tests will assess some proficiency levels, but not the entire CEFR scale. The EF SET helps assess your English level and progress over a period of months or years and is a standardized way to self-assess your language learning progress.
English language certification is required for many university programs and visa systems. In the labor market, determining your language level is not always an official requirement, but a certificate certifying your English level will be your advantage among other applicants. Plus, more broadly, by accurately assessing your English level, you'll be able to track your level over time, which is important for all English language learners. After all, how else will you know that your English is getting better?
Matching English levels
It is no secret to many that systems of language proficiency levels do not correlate well with each other. However, this table shows a fairly close correspondence. If you've taken one of these tests, our chart will help you see what other test scores might match yours.*
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A1 - Beginner |
A2-Elementary |
B1 - Intermediate |
B2 - Upper intermediate |
C1 - Advanced |
C2 - Proficient |
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KET Pass, Pass with Merit / PET 45 to 69 |
KET Pass with Distinction / PET Pass, Pass with Merit / FCE 140 to 159 |
CAE 160 to 179 / FCE grade B or C / PET Pass with Distinction |
CPE 180 to 199 / CAE grade B or C / FCE grade A 180 to 190 |
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PTE General level |
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The classification levels (from A1-novice to C2-professional) correspond to the CEFR scale. The comparison of results is based on data from individual sites, which use the CEFR standard as the main standard for comparison.
Why is it important to know your English level?
As a rule, to describe your knowledge of English, you are offered a certain level system. An employer, school, teacher, or immigration authorities will ask you to take a specific English language test, and then you will have your level of English reported using a system designed for such testing. Depending on your goals and where you live, you will be more likely to encounter one English level system than another. For example, if you go to university in the US, you will probably learn what the TOEFL 100 point level is. And if you are looking to get a UK visa, you are most likely familiar with the CEFR level B1.
At what level do you need to speak English? Who needs this and why?
What does language proficiency at one of these levels indicate and who even invented them? Where to go to study?
How to link language proficiency levels with the international certification system?
What are language certificates and where can I get them?
This year, my colleague decided to enroll in a master's program in finance. Like all perfectionists, he made life as difficult as possible for himself: for admission he chose a serious university and a course that was taught in English.
The problem was that the university’s website clearly stated “TOEFL and professional interview”, and my colleague’s command of English, in my estimation, was at the level of “Landon from the Capital City of Great Britain”.
To find out the level, a teacher from a well-promoted language school was invited, who, after two hours of testing and interviews, pronounced “confident Intermediate”. At this point I was very surprised and once again plunged into thinking about how deeply foreign languages penetrate into our lives, and not only now, and not only English. And how important it is to own at least it... At what level should you own it? What are these levels and what does language proficiency at each of them indicate? And how to link language proficiency levels with the international certification system?
WHAT WILL WE MEASURE IN?
We measure the immeasurable. How can you assess your level of language proficiency? By number of words? Of course, this is an important criterion. But Lev Shcherba and his “glok kuzdra” almost a century ago proved to the whole world that the main thing in a language is grammar. This is the backbone and the foundation. But to have a conversation, read a book or watch a movie, the basics are not enough. If you don’t know the vocabulary, the meaning of what is happening will still elude you. So again, vocabulary?
In fact, both are important, and also knowledge of the history, culture and modern realities of the country whose language you are studying - this is what your competencies are made of.
Each of us has heard something about language proficiency levels. For example, in English one of the initial levels is Elementary, in Hebrew the stages of study are named by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet (aleph, bet, gimel, etc.), and in Polish they correspond to the pan-European classification (from A0 to C2).
In addition to the system of divisions into levels for each individual language, there is also a pan-European classification. It describes not the amount of grammatical knowledge, but what knowledge and skills a person has, how well he reads, perceives speech by ear and expresses himself. It is impossible to formulate evaluation criteria common to all languages, such as “he knows this from grammar, but knows how to handle vocabulary like this.” European languages, although close to each other, have their own characteristics: the presence/absence of genders, cases and articles, the number of tenses, etc. On the other hand, the existing similarities are enough to create a common assessment system for the whole of Europe.
EUROPEAN LANGUAGES: LEVELS OF LEARNING AND PROFICIENCY
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment(Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) is a system of levels of foreign language proficiency used in the European Union. The corresponding directive was developed by the Council of Europe as a main part of the project “Language Learning for European Citizenship” between 1989 and 1996. The main purpose of the CEFR system is to provide an assessment and teaching method applicable to all European languages. In November 2001, a resolution of the Council of the European Union recommended using the CEFR to create national systems for assessing language competence.
Today, this classification offers us three levels, each of which has two sublevels:
■ Beginner (A1)
In class. The student understands and uses phrases and expressions necessary to perform specific tasks. (Remember, in foreign lessons: “Sit down, open your textbooks”? That’s it.) He can introduce himself and introduce another person, tell and answer simple questions about his family, home. Can support a simple dialogue - provided the other person speaks slowly, clearly and repeats three times.
In life. Yes, this is the level of Where are you from and London is the capital city of Great Britain. If in a foreign country you can call yourself by name, tell the cafe that you want tea, point your finger at the menu, ordering “this,” and ask a passerby where the Tower is, this is the level of survival. “Tu tickets tu Dublin,” so to speak.
■ Below average (A2)
In class. The student understands individual sentences and frequent expressions related to the main areas of life (information about himself and family members, purchases in a store, general information about work), and can also talk about this and maintain a conversation on everyday topics.
In life. At this level, you can already answer the standard question of the seller in the store (Do you need a package?), withdraw money from an ATM if there is no menu in your native language, clearly tell the seller at the market how many kilograms of peaches you need, instead of gesticulating expressively , you can find your way around the city, rent a bike and much more.
Free dialogue about Nietzsche is still a long way off, but, as you noticed, the key word in defining this level is basic. From now on, your knowledge will be enough to survive in a foreign city.
■ Medium (B1)
In class. The student understands the essence of messages clearly formulated in literary language. Message topics: everything that surrounds a person during work, study, rest, etc. Being in the country of the language being studied, he can communicate in most standard life situations. Can compose a simple message on an unfamiliar topic, describe impressions, talk about some events and plans for the future, justify his opinion on any issue.
In life. The name of this level - self-sufficient mastery - suggests that you will be able to be in a foreign country and act independently in most situations. Here we mean not only and not so much shops (this is the previous level), but also trips to the bank, post office, going to the hospital, communicating with colleagues at work, teachers at school, if your child studies there. Having attended a performance in a foreign language, you are unlikely to be able to fully appreciate the acting skills and talent of the director, but you will already be able to tell your colleagues exactly where you went, what the play was about and whether you liked it.
■ Above average (B2)
In class. The student understands the general content of complex texts on abstract and concrete topics, including highly specialized texts. He speaks quickly and spontaneously enough to communicate with native speakers without much effort.
In life. In fact, this is already the level of language that most people use in everyday life. We don’t discuss string theory or the architectural features of Versailles with our colleagues at lunch. But we often discuss new films or popular books. And the great thing is that now they will be available to you: you don’t need to look for films and publications adapted to your level - you can handle many works yourself, not only modern ones. But reading specialized literature or fully understanding the terminology of the House Doctor series is, of course, still a long way off.
■ Advanced (C1)
In class. The student understands voluminous, complex texts on various topics, recognizes metaphors and hidden meanings. Can speak spontaneously, at a fast pace, without searching for words. Effectively uses language to communicate in professional activities. Knows all the ways of creating texts on complex topics (detailed descriptions, complex grammatical structures, special vocabulary, etc.).
In life. At this level, you can participate in seminars, watch films and read books without restrictions, and communicate with native speakers as freely as with your compatriots.
■ Professional (C2)
In class. The student understands and can produce virtually any written or oral communication.
In life. You can write a dissertation, give a lecture and participate along with native speakers in discussions on any general or professional topic.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE: LEARNING AND PROFICIENCY LEVELS
The classification of English language proficiency levels is somewhat different. It is not always clear what English course teachers mean when they promise you to achieve the Advanced level from scratch in a year, and what the employer wants if they indicate the Upper-Intermediate level in a vacancy announcement. To clarify, let’s compare the levels of proficiency in European languages and English (see table).
Beginner
Yes, this level is not indicated in our table. This is the beginning of the beginning. There is no talk of any language proficiency at this stage, but this is the foundation on which the house will be built - your language proficiency. And how strong this foundation is will determine how beautiful, large and reliable this house will be.
■ Knowledge and skills at the Beginner level. At this level you will start by learning the alphabet, English phonetics, numerals and basic
features of grammar: three simple tenses, direct word order in sentences, absence of cases and genders.
Pay special attention to phonetics, try to understand how intonation differs in interrogative and declarative sentences.
Practice your pronunciation. Once you learn a language well, a terrible accent will not only spoil the experience, but also make communication difficult. Then it will be much more difficult to correct it.
■ Training period. Typically, it takes about four months of group study to acquire such a wealth of knowledge. By studying with a tutor, this result can be achieved much faster.
■ What is the result. If an Englishman asks you on the street to help him find the embassy, you will be upset, because you will still understand the word “embassy”, and he will pronounce everything else in such a way that you are unlikely to recognize him as an Englishman at all.
Elementary
This level corresponds to level A1 in the European classification and is called the survival level. This means that if you get lost in a foreign country, you will be able to ask and then follow the directions to find your way (in case your phone with a navigator dies), you will be able to check into a hotel, buy groceries not only in the supermarket, but also at the market, where you will have to deal with the seller albeit in a short, but quite lively dialogue. In general, from now on you will not be lost.
■ Knowledge and skills at the Elementary level. If you have reached this level, you already know much more.
■ Our recommendations. In pursuit of vocabulary, do not try to skip over grammar - it only seems simple at first, but in fact, as the level of complexity increases, many nuances appear. If you do not pay attention to them, it will be difficult to eradicate errors in speech later.
Learn numerals and how to form them until they are completely automatic.
Write down the names of the objects that surround you in a dictionary and memorize them. So you can ask a hotel for a pen or a needle and thread, offer a guest a glass of water, or buy an avocado at the market, not just “this one,” but an avocado.
Training period: 6-9 months depending on the intensity of training and your abilities.
What is the result. Now our Englishman has a real chance to get to the embassy.
Pre-Intermediate
This is the “pre-threshold level”. That is, you somehow got onto the porch. Now you stand before the threshold, and your main task is to step over it. This is true in any language, not just English. At this level it suddenly becomes really difficult. A lot of new vocabulary appears, and the amount of grammar knowledge that the teacher diligently puts into your head increases significantly. New information hits you like a wave. But if you go out now, you are almost guaranteed to learn this language.
■ Knowledge and skills at the Pre-Intermediate level. At this level, the list of your knowledge and skills is significantly expanded.
In fact, we can say that language proficiency begins at this level. You will not only survive in an unfamiliar city and be able to make new friends, but you will also begin to independently improve your level of language knowledge. You will begin to understand what vocabulary is missing in the first place, you will clearly see your weak points and will already know what you need to do to improve them.
In addition, here we can already talk about the use of language in work. A secretary who speaks English at the Pre-Intermediate level may not be able to call the hotel to clarify the reservation details, but he will definitely be able to write a letter to them. He will also be able to write a message about the meeting, receive guests and engage in small talk, which is so popular in the English environment.
■ Our recommendations. Never give up! You can handle it. If you realize that a certain topic is not easy for you, do not be too lazy to figure it out - by contacting a teacher, or on your own, or with the help of numerous Internet resources. Without any tests, you will suddenly discover how much you already know and how much you can already do. At this moment, you can safely step across the threshold - move to the next level.
■ Training period: from six to nine months. And here it is better not to rush.
■ What is the result. Our Englishman is guaranteed to get to the embassy thanks to your recommendations. You will also be extremely pleased with yourself.
Intermediate
This is the first self-sufficient level. Congratulations if you speak the language at this level. This means that you have entered a new world where many amazing discoveries await you. Now boundaries are a convention for you. You can make acquaintances in all corners of the globe, read news on the Internet, understand jokes in English, comment on photos of friends from the USA on Facebook, chat in a general chat with friends from China and Peru while watching the World Cup. You have found your voice.
■ Knowledge and skills at Intermediate level. In addition to what was listed at previous levels, you know and can do the following:
It’s not for nothing that many employers require the Intermediate level. In essence, this is the level of free communication in the office (unless, of course, you are in the habit of discussing the principle of operation of the power steering over coffee). This is the level of working with documents and maintaining a free conversation on general and general professional topics.
Yes, as long as it's not fluent. You still select words in your mind, use a dictionary when reading books - in words, until you can “think in language.” And no, it won't make it any easier for you. But it will become really interesting for you. You won't be able to stop anymore.
■ Our recommendations. At this level, you can increase your stock of professional vocabulary. A solid vocabulary on the topic of discussion automatically and very noticeably increases your level of language proficiency in the eyes of your interlocutor. If you have somewhere to apply your knowledge (work, study, hobby), do not neglect this opportunity. Remember also that language is living, it is constantly evolving.
Read not only adapted classics, but also books by modern authors in English, watch videos on topics that interest you, listen to songs.
■ Training period: 6-9 months.
■ What is the result. Perhaps you have half an hour - why not accompany this nice English gentleman to the embassy.
Upper-Intermediate
This is the first level of language proficiency, sufficient for trouble-free living in another country. You can chat with your neighbors, go to a party, and even go to the theater. Not to mention work. Most professionals who receive job offers in another country have at least this level of language proficiency.
■ Knowledge and skills at the Upper-Intermediate level. So, what new do you know and can do:
In fact, B2 is already fluent. No, of course, there are still restrictions. It’s unlikely that you can handle “House” or “The Big Bang Theory” - they have a lot of special vocabulary, and even wordplay. But after watching a classic play, you will not only understand what it’s about, but you will also be able to enjoy the actors’ performances.
You'll stop listening to half your favorite songs because you'll realize how crap the lyrics are. Your world will become much larger, not to mention the fact that with this level there is a chance to go to work abroad and enroll in a foreign university.
Read as many literary texts as possible to make your speech rich and imaginative. This will also help you make fewer mistakes in writing - constantly encountering a word in the text, we remember how it is spelled.
Spend a holiday in the country of your target language and speak as much as possible there. It is best to take some kind of intensive language course, for example in Malta. But this is a very expensive undertaking. On the other hand, it is in such places that you can make useful business contacts. So consider spending on such a trip as an investment in a happy future.
■ Training period depends on so many factors: your efforts and abilities, as well as how intensively you study and how good your teacher is. You can do it in a year.
■ What is the result. While walking with the Englishman to the embassy, we chatted casually and even giggled a couple of times.
Advanced
This is the level of fluency in English. Above it is only the level of the carrier. That is, when you master the language at this level, there will be almost no one around you who knows the language better. After all, it’s true that 80% of your communication in English occurs not with native speakers, but with those who, like you, learned it. As a rule, graduates of the Faculty of Philology with a degree in English speak the language at this level. What does fluency mean? The fact that you can speak on any topic, even if you have almost no understanding of the subject. Yes, like in Russian. Having reached this level, you can receive one of the certificates: CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), IELTS - 7-7.5 points, TOEFL - 96-109 points.
■ Knowledge and skills at the Advanced level
Congratulations, you have found freedom! For everyday life and office work, this level is quite enough. You will clearly explain to your boss why you need a salary increase, and to your English husband why it seems to you that he does not love you.
■ Our recommendations. Having reached this level, you not only speak the language, you can think in it. Even if for some reason you do not use it for a long time, you will completely restore all your knowledge on your own in a short time.
■ What is the result. You had a pleasant time walking the Englishman to the embassy and chatting with him along the way. And they didn’t even notice that he had a lisp.
Proficiency
This is the level of an educated native speaker. Educated is the key word. That is, this is a person who graduated from a university and has a bachelor's degree. The level of Proficiency is close to the level of proficiency of a native speaker. As a rule, only people who graduated from university in the country of the language they are studying know it this way (and even then not always).
■ Proficiency level knowledge and skills. If you know a language so well, this means that you can take part in scientific conferences, write scientific papers, and get a scientific degree in the country of the language you are learning.
Yes, this is exactly the level of "Doctor House" and "The Big Bang Theory". This is the level at which you will not have any difficulties in communication: you will equally well understand a grandmother from Brooklyn, a professor from the University of Massachusetts, and an Englishman who, on the way to the embassy, will tell you why he considers her to be untenable
big bang theory. Having proficiency in the language at this level, you can receive a CPE certificate, IELTS (8-9 points), TOEFL (110-120 points).
■ Job prospects. As you can see, if you write “fluent” on your resume, the employer will decide that you have at least an Upper-Intermediate level. The funny thing is that your level may be lower, and he will not notice it, since most often the employer needs an employee with English at the level of “Good afternoon. Would you like tea or coffee?”, but in the requirements for the applicant he writes “fluent.”
Fluency in the language is required when working as an expat or in a foreign company. Or if you are entrusted with the responsibilities of not only a personal assistant, but also a translator. In all other cases
For high-quality performance of your duties and a comfortable stay in the office, the Intermediate level is quite enough.
It is also very important to remember that even if you know English at the Upper-Intermediate (B2) level and above, when preparing for negotiations, speeches, or conversations on a specialized topic, you need to create a glossary.
Perhaps you have ever noticed that some translators do not translate some phrases during negotiations. Most often, these are irresponsible translators who were too lazy to prepare and learn new vocabulary. They just don't understand what we're talking about.
But some mining engineer at the same negotiations, who is familiar only with the Present Simple, may turn out to be much more useful than a professional translator. Because he works with technology, knows all the words, draws a diagram on a piece of paper with a pencil - and now everyone understands each other. And if they have AutoCAD, they don’t need a translator, or even Present Simple: they will understand each other perfectly.
CERTIFICATES FOR LANGUAGE KNOWLEDGE
What certificates are we talking about here all the time? This refers to official documents confirming your knowledge of English.
■ CAE(Certificate in advanced English) is an English language exam developed and administered by the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) unit at the University of Cambridge.
Developed and first introduced in 1991. The certificate corresponds to level C1 of the Common European Classification of Languages. The validity period of the certificate is unlimited. Required for admission to universities where education is taught in English, and to get a job.
Where to get a certificate: in Moscow, the CAE exam is accepted by Education First Moscow, Language Link, BKC-IH, Center for Language Studies. Other educational organizations also accept, but they work only with their students. A full list of centers where you can take the exam is available at: www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre.
■ CPE(Certificate of Proficiency in English) is an English language exam developed and administered by the Cambridge University division of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). The certificate corresponds to level C2 of the Common European Classification of Languages and confirms the highest level of English language proficiency. The validity period of the certificate is unlimited.
Where to get a certificate: the Moscow Institute of Foreign Languages offers courses and exams: www.mosinyaz.com.
Testing and exam preparation centers in other cities in Russia and the world can be found at: www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre.
■ IELTS(International English Language Testing System) - an international testing system to determine the level of knowledge in the field of English. The good thing about the system is that it tests knowledge in four aspects: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Required for admission to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland. And also for those who plan to go to one of these countries for permanent residence.
Where to get a certificate, see here: www.ielts.org/book-a-test/find-atest-location.
■ TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language, Test of Knowledge of English as a Foreign Language) - a standardized test of knowledge of the English language (in its North American version), the passing of which is mandatory for non-English-speaking foreigners upon admission to universities in the USA and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia . The test results are also accepted in a number of other English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries for admission to universities with English as the language of instruction. In addition, the test results may be used when recruiting for foreign companies. The test results are stored in the company database for 2 years, after which they are deleted.
The certificate also assesses language proficiency in four aspects.
Where to get a certificate: www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=TOEFL.
WHERE TO GO TO STUDY?
This is the most important question. Of course, if you graduated from the English department of the Faculty of Philology, it is not in front of you. In all other cases, you will have to make this difficult choice.
■ Tutor. Courses or tutor? I'm for a tutor. Moreover, for classes in a group of two people. Three is a lot, but one is expensive and not so effective.
Why individual training? Because in this case, the teacher sees all your strengths and weaknesses, he does not have the task of bringing the course to an “acceptable” level for the exam and forgetting about the group, he has the task of really teaching you the language, because then, thanks to word of mouth, he will have more students and, therefore, income.
In addition, the specificity of the tutor’s profession is that every minute of his working time is paid. And when a person works in such conditions, he cannot afford to slack.
It's better to work in pairs because it disciplines. You can cancel a lesson due to bad weather or a bout of laziness - you pay the tutor wherever he goes. But my conscience will not allow me to disrupt a lesson that is planned for two.
Where to find and how to choose a tutor? First of all, on the recommendation of friends whose successes inspire you.
If you don’t have such acquaintances, you need to find courses at a reputable educational institution: university, institute, consulate. They try to hire good teachers there - they keep their mark. And teachers go there because they view such courses as a free advertising platform for recruiting individual students. You can go there to the level you need, and there you will agree with the teacher. By the way, now language schools often present their teaching staff on their websites, and you can search the Internet for reviews of specialists.
■Language schools. If you decide to take courses at a language school, choose accredited centers where you can take an exam for one of the certificates. As a rule, such schools have a good level of teaching, there are various exchange programs, study abroad programs, and the teachers in them are native speakers.
■ Skype. Another option is to learn English via Skype. Why not?
This can be done at work, if conditions allow, and at home. Among international well-established schools, we recommend paying attention to Glasha: www.glasha.biz.
■ Study courses abroad.
If you have the opportunity (financially) and knowledge of the language is at least Intermediate level, then you can choose language learning courses abroad. For example, here: www.staracademy.ru. Yes, there is training in Australia. There are also summer camps for adults. In Malta. And in Ireland. And many other places. It's expensive, but very effective.
Tricks and Useful Tips for Learning a Language
■ Learn grammar. Reading adapted literature is boring. Useful, but unbearable. Learning grammar is generally a nightmare. But grammar in language is like formulas in mathematics. Once you have learned them, you can move on and take on new heights. No - it will only get worse, and with every step there is less and less chance of getting to the top.
■ Use all available resources. In the pursuit of knowledge, all means are good: interactive Internet resources, comics, video games, pulp literature, beauty blogs - whatever.
The more interesting the topic is for you, the easier it will be for you to complete the training. Also, try to find or organize a conversation club (you can even create a group on WhatsApp) and discuss topics that concern you there. No, it’s not what books you liked that you read this year, but what qualities infuriate you in your partner, why you are still offended by your mother, and when the stadium on Krestovsky Island will finally be completed. When a person is interested in a subject, he will find a way to say it.
■ Read books. Starting from the Intermediate level, you can safely read:
Books by Sophie Kinsella;
Her own works under the name Madeline Wickham;
Bridget Jones series;
Jane Austen;
Somerset Maugham.
Choose books by modern authors that do not have a twisted detective plot, complex allegory, excessive philosophizing, or a large amount of special vocabulary. You need a simple narrative text: she wanted to marry him, and he wanted to become an astronaut. And so on for three hundred pages. You will get used to modern British/American/other English, learn new words willy-nilly, and at the same time you will not get confused in the twists and turns of the plot and the high feelings of the main character.
■ Watch movies and TV series:
Any action films, especially with subtitles - there is little dialogue, the video sequence is beautiful;
Comedies in the spirit of “Home Alone”, “We Are the Millers”, “Beethoven” - no discussions about Nietzsche’s philosophy, a simple and understandable plot, a lot of everyday vocabulary;
Melodramas of the “Eat, Pray, Love” format;
TV series “Sex and the City”, “Friends”, “The Simpsons”, etc.
Learning a language is a long and difficult journey. And he is also very interesting. In addition to knowing the language, you will receive a pleasant bonus - you will begin to understand how native speakers think. And it will open up another world for you. And if you lack motivation, just remember that you have no choice. A modern person must know English. And period.
In order to get a job in an international company or organization engaged in foreign economic activity, it is necessary. Today, the most common and in demand are English, German, French, and Chinese.
Language skills on resume
In order to get a job in an international company, you must indicate your level of proficiency in a particular language when filling out your resume. To do this, specify the level in a separate section. Most often, standard options are used, from which you need to choose the most suitable one.
Russified classification:
- base,
- "I own it freely"
- “I am fluent.”
- Beginner,
- Advanced,
- Basic
- Elementary level
- Upper-Intermediate.
How should I indicate my level of language proficiency on my resume?
Naturally, you must indicate your real one in your resume. Another question is how to define it correctly.
For example, Intermediate assumes that a person can not only clearly and clearly express his thoughts and understand the interlocutor, but also write informational articles, conduct business correspondence, fill out declarations and other important documents.
To use the language, you can use one of the following methods:
- When completing training, the level of knowledge is usually indicated, which must be shown by the student.
- Take the online test.
- To confirm the level, starting from Intermediate and higher, the following relevant tests must be taken.
Levels of language knowledge (Russified classification)
At the moment, there is the most accurate and official classification of different levels of English proficiency.
According to it, they are divided into those listed below, which we will now examine in more detail: 
- Advanced is the highest level of English proficiency. Moreover, both oral speech and writing are taken into account.
- Upper-intermediate(in modern texts it can be achieved by typing from 550 to 600 points). At the same time, a person at this level can calmly communicate, watch movies and fully understand them. With this level of language knowledge, it is possible to freely find a job in any company - both large and relatively small organizations.
- Intermediate— in order to get this level you need to score from 400 to 550 points on the TOEFL text. This indicates that a person can communicate as competently and freely on certain topics as possible. Knows all the basic rules and features of the English language. Can conduct business negotiations at the proper level.
- Pre-intermediate represents the level of knowledge of a person who can freely perceive what is said (read) and delve into the essence.
- Elementary is an elementary or basic level of knowledge of the English language. Knowing English at this level, a person can quickly read various languages, as well as the most. In addition to this, knowledge of the most basic and simple grammatical and spelling structures must also be present.
- Beginner- Beginner level of English proficiency. It represents the simplest level of language proficiency. A person receives the most basic level at school. A person with these English language skills can still speak on various topics.
Level of language proficiency according to the European scale
Most countries in the world have adopted the Common European System (CEFR), which is used to determine the level of English language proficiency. Thanks to this scale, standards have been established that are used throughout the world for the most comprehensive definition of language competence.
This system is used to recognize their qualifications, which have been obtained in a wide variety of educational systems and have a direct impact on academic and labor migration not only in European countries, but throughout the world.
This rating scale can be used for any language. This is due to the fact that the ALTE association developed and implemented a special formula “Sai Mo”. The division is made into general educational and working aspects.
According to the pan-European scale, the level of foreign language proficiency is divided into the following:
- A1 - initial - Breakshowge.
- A2 - level 1 (Pre-intermediate and Elementary).
- B1 - Intermediate.
- B2 - Upper-intermediate.
- C1 - Advanced.
- C2 - “Profi”
Each level is confirmed by passing the corresponding exam (Cambridge).
Valuable addition to your resume:
When filling out your resume, you must indicate not only your level of English proficiency, but also the availability of an appropriate certificate, as well as information about passing certain exams: B1, B2, C1 and C2.
It is also a good idea to include the full name of the detailed institution.
Certificates confirming the level of English language
International certificates are issued to candidates and serve as documentary evidence of their level of knowledge of the English language.
They are divided:
- . This certificate is recognized in almost 130 countries around the world. First of all, these are most countries of the European continent, as well as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA. This certificate is issued for two years, after which it must be reconfirmed.
- TOEFL. It is necessary for applicants when entering educational institutions where the MBA program is taught, as well as when finding employment. This certificate is recognized in Canada and the USA (over 2400 colleges), The TOEFL Certificate is recognized in 150 countries. Its validity period is 2 years.
- GMAT. This international certificate is required for admission to Western universities, business schools, educational institutions where MBA programs are taught, as well as for employment in large international companies. The validity period of this certificate is currently 5 years.
- GRE. This international certificate is required for admission to graduate school at most American universities. Its validity period is 5 years.
- TOEIK.This certificate is required for applicants and students, including linguistic universities. Often, a TOEIK certificate is required when applying for a job in a variety of English-speaking companies. Validity period: 2 years. But you can take it for five years at once. But for this, you need to pay 50 dollars (standard fee).
Exams confirming language skills and level of English (international scale)
Today, the most common throughout the world are the Cambridge tests (which are taken annually by tens of millions of people from different regions of the globe - Cambridge SOP).
This system is developed for various levels of English proficiency and makes it possible to obtain a preliminary assessment of your own knowledge. Each test confirms the level of knowledge and makes an assessment.
CAM (pr SEFR for Intermediate) with outputs to Elementary (A1 and A2), PET (Intermediate B1), FSE - Upper-intermediate (B2), - Advanced (C1), CPE - Pre-intermediate (C2). In addition, there are a number of others - highly specialized exams.
English proficiency test
A huge number of different tests have now appeared on the Internet, which make it possible to test your level of language knowledge. But here it is important to remember that not all of them are reliable, since most of them are just dummies that have nothing to do with official tests and calculation criteria.
It’s easier to call them simulators or applications. The most popular and popular is http://www.cambridgeenglish.org.ru/test-your-english/. This is due to the fact that it was released by Cambridge specialists and all the data obtained in it is reliable.