Cambridge Examinations

As an official language testing centre Oxford Language Services can enter you for examinations set by the Cambridge Examination Board through the British Council. Learn with us and then prove your development by obtaining one of these prestigious certificates.

General English Examinations:

KET (Key English Test) –Council of Europe Framework level A2

KET tests the most basic communication needs in everyday situations and is suitable for students aged thirteen and over and adults. It is an elementary level exam and can be achieved after approximately 200 hours of learning.

PET (Preliminary English Test) - Council of Europe Framework level B1

This is a pre-intermediate level exam that tests the language skills needed for social and work–related situations in an English-speaking environment. About 380 hours of study are required to reach this level.

FCE (First Certificate in English) - Council of Europe Framework level B2

This is an intermediate level exam, requiring competence in all the language skills. It offers an upper-intermediate language qualification for people wishing to work or study in an English speaking country or organisation or to cope easily as a tourist in an English speaking country. FCE is the most widely taken exam and has the most widespread recognition. It is taken for employment and study purposes and it usually requires 500 – 600 hours of learning.

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) - Council of Europe Framework level C1

This exam indicates an advanced level of competence in English, suitable for those who require English for professional or study purposes. It is recognised by the majority of UK universities for English language entrance requirements.

CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) - Council of Europe Framework level C2

CPE is a very advanced level exam approaching a standard of English similar to that of an educated native speaker. As such it fulfils entry requirements for university study in English language and is recognised by UK universities, many universities in other English-speaking countries and by other professional bodies world-wide .

Business English Examinations:

The three BEC exams test English language ability used in international business.

BEC certificates are internationally recognised qualifications that can help you show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.

BEC Preliminary - Council of Europe Framework level B1

BEC Preliminary (same level as PET ) is suitable for people in the work force who have started learning English later in life. It is also designed to encourage development towards BEC Vantage.

BEC Vantage - Council of Europe Framework level B2

BEC Vantage (same level as FCE ) is aimed at people working or preparing to work in a range of business fields, from general office work to production and financial services.

BEC Higher - Council of Europe Framework level C1

Learners at BEC Higher level (same level as the CAE ) will be expected to use English regularly in their jobs and to engage in extended conversation, contribute effectively to meetings and seminars, write reports, understand most correspondence, articles and other materials, use the telephone for most purposes and negotiate successfully in most situations.