The latest in assessments

Backed by our research, you can be confident that our assessments are of the highest quality. You also know that they're fair, and are reliable.​

We offer the latest in assessments that are authentic to real-life English. They align with the CEFR and accurately identify the progress that learners make.

Assessing real-life language

A good language test can influence university admission and employment. It can also have a positive impact on the classroom. Our research has shown that teaching communicative competence in English encourages students to use target language more often in their learning. This prepares them for using it in real-life situations. It can also improve their motivation. Tests of communicative competence encourage and respond to this.

Many tasks resemble real-life situations and using English outside the classroom. Others are designed to trigger the processes required when reacting to visual, audio, or conversation stimuli. These support language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

By using authentic tasks, our language tests can help students develop the skills they need to use English in real-world situations. We've found that this can make them more confident and motivated learners. In turn, this can lead to better outcomes in the classroom and beyond.

Fit for purpose – different tests for different learners or test-takers

Language learning is a journey. This is one of many reasons why we align our assessments with the CEFR scales. These define what learners can do at a particular stage of learning a language, allowing us to efficiently target tests to specific levels of proficiency. They also enable progression to the next level.

We research language abilities required for particular professions. This means we can design tests to assess certain skills for professional registration. For example, our Linguaskill Business English test assesses the language skills required for a variety of workplace roles.

We want our assessments to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, background, or learning style. That's why we offer a variety of assessments at different levels and in appropriate formats.

Test accommodations for different needs

Where and how a test is presented is an important consideration for test providers. Failing to recognise the differing access needs of test-takers could affect test fairness. We strive to allow students with disabilities, special education needs, and injuries access to tests without reducing the fairness and validity of the assessment.

We have compared results from special and standard test requirements to investigate the impact of test accommodations. We found that neither had an unfair advantage. In fact, test accommodations allowed for a level playing field for the students.

Digital assessments

Technology has opened up new opportunities for language testing. This enables innovative formats, breaking down geographical boundaries and content which reflects modern communication.

Advances in technology enable some assessments to be taken on mobile devices. AI also enables tools like Write&Improve to provide instant, actionable feedback on learners' writing.

Our research continues to investigate digital technology and AI within learning and assessment while considering newer ethical issues and cheating.

Alignment with international frameworks

We align our qualifications with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and other international frameworks.

This serves three purposes. First, it lets us define levels of language proficiency and create a clear pathway for improvement. Second, it creates a universal reference point for language learners. Third, it helps employers and educational institutions interpret our qualifications, and measure them against others.

Over the last thirty years we have helped to develop the CEFR alongside a wide range of language experts and teaching practitioners. By aligning with the CEFR, you can be confident that our tests are fair and reliable.

Cambridge English Scale

The Cambridge English Scale was developed to provide a clear and comprehensive way to report test scores. Each qualification is measured against a CEFR level, and a score is also given for each part of the test.

Candidates receive CEFR and Cambridge English Scale scores in their statement of results. This can help them understand their strengths and where they need to improve to move up a level.

We're committed to quality

Our commitment to quality is underpinned by our Principles of Good Practice. We use these principles to make sure our research and assessments meet international standards. For example ISO 9001 and the ALTE Q-Mark. We provide data for users so they can personally evaluate our exam reliability.

We're committed to quality in everything we do. We have a rigorous management system. This oversees the design, development, and delivery of our examinations, assessment services, and teaching qualifications. We regularly audit our departments, analyse risks, and define tightly controlled processes for test development. This makes sure that our products are consistently fit for purpose.