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Take a test
Lee Knapp on the benefits of professional English exams
Instructions for candidates:
Please read the following statements carefully and tick which one best describes you.
A. I am ambitious
B. I plan to succeed in a multinational company
C. I have a good working knowledge of general English
D. All three
For those who of you who answered D, have you considered a professional English exam?
To succeed in the international world of business, more and more students are finding that holding a professional English certificate opens up a world of opportunities in the business environment. In fact, a professional English certificate can be just what you need to succeed in a multinational company.
Proving your English language ability is the first step on the road to success in a multinational organisation. But how can you achieve this?
Today's professional English tests involve real life-situations to assist with your learning. Whether you're interested in working in a legal, financial or a business environment, you will find there is a suitable test available. If you consider the Cambridge ESOL range for example, you will find a large choice of professional English exams to cover differing needs in the business community.
So what advantages do the Cambridge ESOL exams offer? They are aligned to the Council of Europe's Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR is a set of descriptions of abilities which can be used to set clear targets for language learning and is an accepted way of measuring language ability worldwide.
What options are available? Cambridge's World of Work range includes: Business English Certificates (BEC), Business Language Testing Service (BULATS), The International Legal English Certificate (ILEC) and International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE). More detail on the individual exams including where to take them, can be found in the "At a glance" sections.
The exams have been developed by experienced language training professionals and offer an accurate way of assessing English language ability for use in the work place. ICFE was developed in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). BULATS can also boast of having backing from experienced language professionals - it was developed and is jointly run by Cambridge ESOL, the Alliance Française (France), Goethe-Institut (Germany) and the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain).
Another advantage that cannot be overlooked is the fact that Cambridge's exams are recognised by thousands of employers, government agencies, and professional bodies on a worldwide scale. To use the example of BEC, organisations such as Sony Ericsson and Vodafone are just two of the hundreds of organisations that use the test in their global network of offices.
The tests are becoming an increasingly popular choice for young professionals on a worldwide scale. Countries such as China and India have seen a boom in popularity for business language testing in recent times. Anna University - in India's Coimbatore region - saw 19,000 students take BULATS earlier the year.
There is certainly no question of the credibility of the tests. Candidates can have confidence that they are a fair and accurate representation of language ability. This is made possible by Cambridge's dedicated research team - the largest of any UK-based provider of English language assessment. An extensive range of support material is also available for candidates such as downloadable study materials and independently produced course books.
So if you're looking for that competitive edge in a global multinational company - taking a professional English exam could be the first step to success.
AT A GLANCE
The International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)
What is ILEC?
ILEC is a high level language qualification for lawyers and is essential for those wanting to use English in a legal working environment. It is also suitable for students studying law which includes significant English language content.
What will the test involve?
It assesses English language ability at Levels B2 and C1 of the CEFR. The four separate papers test reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Where can I find out more?
www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/professional-english/ilec.html
BULATS
Which languages is it available in?
English, French, German and Spanish
Where can I find out more?
International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)
What is International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)?
ICFE is an exam aimed at those wishing to succeed in the international business community. Holders of an ICFE certificate will be able to confidently communicate with finance professionals in an English speaking environment.
What will the test involve?
The test involves four papers (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and covers topics that finance professionals would expect to encounter such as investment banking and financial reporting.
Where can I find out more?
www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/professional-english/icfe.html
More information
www.cambridgeesol.org/ or contact ESOL Helpdesk@CambridgeESOL.org