Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is a department of the world-famous and historic University of Cambridge. Attaining one of its certificates is an achievement and a reward in itself. However, there are many other benefits to taking a Cambridge Exam:

• it is valid for life, you never need to take the exam again
• it is truly international, recognised around the world for business and study purposes
• hundreds of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise them as proof of proficiency in English
• the skills you learn will give you the confidence to use English in real situations.

For more details on Cambridge ESOL Exam Certificates see www.cambridgeesol.org

There are 3 levels of exam:

FCE (first certificate)

This internationally recognised exam is designed to test English at upper intermediate level and is for students who wish to use English for work or study.

CAE (advanced cerfiticate)

This exam is designed to test English at advanced level and is for students who wish to use English for academic, business or social purposes. The exam preparation course will help you improve and focus on using English for business, using English confidently and flexibly and producing well-structured pieces of writing on a variety of complex issues.

CPE (proficiency certificate)

This exam is the most advanced of the Cambridge English Exams. It is designed to test English at a highly proficient level and is for students who wish to use English for professional or academic purposes. This exam preparation course will help you improve and focus on using English to advise and comment on a wide range of complex and sensitive issues and to understand the finer points of documents, correspondence and reports.

In all cases you will prepare for the 5 areas of the exam: reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. The exam preparation lessons will run alongside a General English course so you can combine intensive English learning with the skills necessary to pass the exam. The school you study with will help enrol you for the exam and if they are not a test centre themselves, they will tell you the nearest centre. The exam fee is not included in the course fee (unless stated otherwise) and should be paid locally. Exams are usually held two or three times per year in March, June and December. Courses are usually for 10 or 12 weeks leading up to an exam date.