Ensuring quality and fairness

Our systems and processes for designing, developing and delivering examinations and assessment services are certified as meeting the internationally recognised ISO 9001 standard for quality management.

In developing our exams we refer continually to two independent and international frameworks for describing language ability:

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• ALTE Can Do statements

Together they make it easy for people to understand their level of ability and the kind of exam that they need.

We work closely with key organisations to further advance knowledge about language learning and assessment and to develop international standards that are transparent to all:

• Council of Europe – all of our exams are developed using the principles and approaches of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – an internationally recognised system for describing language ability.
• ALTE – we work closely with testing organisations, schools and academics throughout the world to support the development of language testing, in theory and practice.
• English Profile – we collaborate with respected partners on this long-term research project to develop the CEFR for the English language.

Because Cambridge English is a department of a not-for-profit organisation, it is perhaps unique in sharing the findings of much of its research with other academics and specialists in the language testing community.

The purpose of all of our reviews is to ensure that all of our exams are relevant, reliable, accurate and meet the needs of test takers. Continuously reviewing and improving our exams means we can take account of:

• changes to teaching practice
• the latest findings in language assessment research
• feedback from schools and centres
• feedback from candidates.