ALTE promotes excellence in language testing. We are proud to be a founding member and continue to lead in setting standards that benefit learners, teachers and organisations globally.
What is ALTE?
ALTE is a network of language test providers who work together to support the development of language testing and promote fair and accurate assessment of linguistic ability across Europe and beyond.
ALTE is unique in connecting testing organisations, policymakers and researchers to ensure quality for learners. Its courses, conferences and forums are key events for the language testing community and influence policy at national and international levels, including the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
Founded in 1989 by Cambridge and the University of Salamanca, ALTE has over 30 full members, 130 associate members, and numerous individual expert members. Today, ALTE is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England.
ALTE’s work includes:
- setting minimum standards for quality in language testing through a recognised quality auditing system for language tests
- assisting in developing the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and materials for creating and aligning language tests to the CEFR
- providing training and resources for language assessment professionals
- organising international conferences and forums to share best practice
This ensures:
- quality and fairness in language exams
- consistency and transparency through shared standards
- global recognition of qualifications aligned to CEFR levels
Cambridge’s role within ALTE
We have played a leading role in ALTE since its inception. Today, we host the ALTE Secretariat at our head office and continue to guide the development of quality standards in language testing worldwide.
Our involvement includes:
- helping establish ALTE’s quality assurance system, which audits member tests against 18 agreed Minimum Standards (MS)
- contributing to ALTE’s Special Interest Groups and committees
- providing thought leadership through research and collaboration with policymakers and academic bodies
Our collaboration with ALTE has also shaped the development and application of the CEFR, aligning ALTE levels with Cambridge English Qualifications from A2 to C2.
The ALTE Quality Mark (Q-Mark)
ALTE’s quality management system audits members’ tests against 18 agreed standards. Tests that meet these standards receive the Q-Mark, a recognised symbol of quality in language assessment.
Cambridge English exams – including IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications and Linguaskill – have been independently audited and meet the Q-Mark, demonstrating fairness and reliability.