Stages of Knowledge
International exams in major European languages are strictly tied to the so-called levels of language competence. Therefore, preparation for a chosen exam usually begins with determining how well the course participants already know the foreign language.
"The main classification of language competence is the 'Council of Europe Scale' – CEF (Common European Framework) – which establishes uniform standards applied in all European countries in the process of teaching foreign (specifically European) languages and in assessing students' knowledge. This approach greatly simplifies labor and educational migration, as it allows for quick and nearly error-free determination of language proficiency," says Evgeny Dmitriev, dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the International Independent University of Environmental and Political Sciences (MNEPU).
According to CEF, language knowledge is defined by six levels (from lowest A1 to highest C2) using the "can do" formula – a set of competencies and skills that a person can demonstrate during special testing. In more detail, the Council of Europe scale looks like this: A1 Breakthrough (survival level), A2 Waystage (elementary level), B1 Threshold (threshold level), B2 Vantage or Independent User (independent user level), C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or Competent User (professional level), C2 Mastery or Good User (mastery level).
In addition, there is also an "International Scale of Levels," which, when aligned with CEF stages, appears as follows: lowest level – Beginner, A1 – Elementary, A2 – Pre-Intermediate, B1 – Intermediate, B2 – Upper-Intermediate, C1 – Advanced, C2 – Proficiency.
The Language of Foggy Albion
Since English is today the informal language of international communication, there are quite many exams for it, and they all fall into two types: Cambridge (Cambridge ESOL) and alternative. "Today, the most common exams in the Cambridge series are the FCE (First Certificate in English), which is taken when hiring foreigners, and CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), which is required for foreigners entering colleges and universities in the UK. The most popular alternative exams are GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), required for MBA education in business schools in the US and several other countries; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language – an exam for admission to universities in the US and Canada); and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), a certificate of which is needed for admission to universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as for employment in these countries," notes Evgeny Dmitriev.
The main feature of Cambridge exams is that they cover a wide range of vocabulary on general and specialized subjects and are valid indefinitely (i.e., they do not require retaking). Exams in this series are held two to three times a year – usually in March, June, and December. However, registration must be done in advance (approximately three months before the exam) and only at language centers that have official authorization signed by the University of Cambridge.
"Cambridge ESOL exams test four main skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There are five groups of exams: children's, general, business, professional, and teaching," says Olesya Karaseva, PR manager at VKS-International House. "Among them, children's exams assess the knowledge of schoolchildren aged 7 to 12. General exams are designed to test everyday vocabulary (these include KET – Key English Test, PET – Preliminary English Test, FCE – First Certificate in English, CAE – Certificate in Advanced English, CPE – Certificate of Proficiency in English). Business English exams are developed to determine proficiency in strictly business vocabulary (these are BEC Preliminary – Business English Certificate Preliminary, BEC Vantage – Business English Certificate Vantage, and BEC Higher – Business English Certificate Higher). The teaching exam TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) tests knowledge of language teaching methodology. Professional exams only determine linguistic knowledge, without assessing professional skill level. Among them, ILEC (International Legal English Certificate) is an exam for lawyers, and ICFE (International Certificate in Financial English) is an exam for financial workers."
As mentioned earlier, international exams are tied to the language competence scale. "Thus, for the key KET exam, people with a language level of at least A2 are admitted (those who understand the meaning of instructions, signs, notices, and can request and give information at the most basic level). The preparatory PET test corresponds to level B1 (intermediate level, where a person reads, writes, and speaks everyday English). It is important to note that KET and PET do not imply any official recognition. In fact, they can be considered a 'certificate for yourself', as the level they confirm is quite low," says Galina Ogorodnikova, methodologist at Runov School Moscow.
FCE is designed for independent users at level B2, who have a large vocabulary, can use complex language structures, and feel comfortable in various life situations. This exam is widely recognized in trade and industry, secretarial work, and catering, and it is also recognized by some Western universities.
The CAE exam is taken by people with professional language skills at level C1. The certificate is required for those who use the language for professional or academic purposes; it is recognized by most British universities as well as employers as evidence of proficiency in modern English at a level sufficient for negotiations, presentations, and correspondence with foreign partners. As for the CPE, only those who are fluent in English (at level C2) attempt it. CPE is widely recognized in the business world and among the vast majority of Western educational institutions, according to Runov School Moscow.
More about the alternative
Like Cambridge ESOL, the alternative group exams test language knowledge and skills in various areas of life, but unlike them, they have a limited validity period. According to statistics from VKS MBA Centre, the most popular alternative exams are IELTS and TOEFL, which are recognized by many universities, professional and government organizations. GMAT and GRE are more specialized. The GMAT exam is for those applying to business schools for MBA programs. GRE is a test required for admission to graduate school in the US, i.e., for master's programs at universities,” explains VKS-International House.
TOEFL (Test of American English for non-native speakers) can be taken starting from level B2, and its certificate must be renewed every two years. “Like other exams at this level, TOEFL is a serious test that assesses not only memory but also the degree of language proficiency. The test checks listening skills — comprehending a serious text (e.g., on architecture, biology, or physics) by ear. This text must be listened to, understood, and then answer questions. A similar task is performed after reading (rather than listening to) a similar text. Another difficult aspect of the TOEFL exam is writing an essay on a given topic that requires reflection and expression of personal judgments. It should be emphasized that this essay must be not only grammatically correct but also stylistically correct,” explains Svetlana Voronina, director of the Linguistic Center “LS”. “Only a person who is fluent in literary English can achieve the maximum score on TOEFL.”
The IELTS exam comes in two modules: Academic and General. It is also taken starting from level B2, and its certificate, like the TOEFL certificate, is valid for only two years. The Academic module of IELTS is taken by candidates wishing to enter universities in English-speaking countries, while the General module is an important criterion for competitive selection among citizens moving to another country for permanent residence.
As for GMAT (valid for five years), it not only tests language knowledge (like TOEFL and IELTS) but also reveals the logical and analytical abilities of examinees. According to Galina Ogorodnikova, this test requires a very high level of foreign language proficiency, which can be acquired during the preparation and taking of the CAE exam.
Speaking the same language as Goethe
International exams in German are significantly fewer than in English, but understanding them is no less difficult. For example, the ZD (Zertifikat Deutsch) exam, conducted by the Goethe Cultural Center at the German Embassy, is open to people with a language level of at least B1. The ZD certificate is international and is recognized for employment in all German-speaking countries. The ZD exam is conducted in two stages, consisting of a written and an oral part.
“The more difficult ZMP (Zentrale Mittelstufenprufung) exam is recognized in Germany as an entrance exam for technical colleges and so-called Studienkollegs (similar to technical lyceums). ZMP takes place in two stages, necessarily on different days: first, examinees are tested on writing, reading, and listening, then (on the second day) on speaking,” explains Maria Efimova, PR manager at VKS-International House. “The results of ZD and ZMP are assessed on a four-point scale: ‘very good’ (sehr gut), ‘good’ (gut), ‘satisfactory’ (befiedigend), and ‘passed’ (ausreichend).”
To enter higher education institutions in Germany, a certificate of passing the ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenprufung) is required — an exam that requires even deeper knowledge of grammar than ZD and ZMP. Moreover, the ZOP tests are designed so that out of all four suggested answers, all may be grammatically correct, but logically only one. To choose the correct answer, one must sense which option a German would choose. Mechanical memorization is insufficient for success on this exam; a good knowledge of the country's culture, traditions, and history is also necessary. The results of ZOP are assessed on a three-point scale: “very good” (sehr gut), “good” (gut), and “satisfactory” (befiedigend).
Another exam — the KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom) — is in many ways similar to ZOP, but unlike it, it is not oriented toward everyday language but rather tests proficiency in literary language. KDS tasks involve filling in gaps in a literary text and paraphrasing complex literary phrases. Additionally, the KDS program includes a classic dictation of approximately 150 words. Results are assessed using the same system as for ZOP.
The last and most difficult exam, the GDS (Grosses Deutsches Sprachdiplom), if passed successfully, certifies proficiency in German at the native speaker level. This diploma allows teaching the language in European Union countries. The exam consists of five parts: reading, writing, speaking, language structure, and dictation. The candidate must successfully write an essay, analyze a text, complete tasks aimed at the ability to correctly express their thoughts, and also answer questions on one of the suggested topics (for example, 'German Literature', 'Economics', 'Science').
In fact, all German language exams have no expiration date, but both employers and educational institutions may require certificate renewal (if the exams were taken more than two years ago).
Group of Romance comrades
Proficiency in Spanish is tested by the DELE exam (Diplomas de Espaсol como Lengua Extranjera), which is conducted in many countries around the world as part of the work to spread Spanish language and culture carried out by the Instituto Cervantes in the city of Alcalб de Henares with the assistance of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Spain. The exam is divided into three levels: Diploma de Espaсol Nivel Inicial, the diploma for which certifies proficiency at a basic everyday level; Diploma de Espaсol Nivel Intermedio allows studying in Spanish universities; Diploma de Espaсol Nivel Superior certifies proficiency at the native speaker level. All DELE exams include five types of tests and corresponding exercises. To pass the exam, you must obtain a score of Apto (pass). If at least one type of exercise or test receives No Apto (fail), the entire exam is considered failed. Therefore, an error in determining the level Nivel Inicial, Nivel Intermedio, or Nivel Superior can cost examinees about six months of waiting.
The international exams DALF (Diplфme Approfondi de Langue Franзaise) and DELF (Diplфme d'Йtudes en Langue Franзaise) are the main ones for French language, officially recognized by both the French Ministry of Education and the Council of Europe. These exams differ from each other only in level of difficulty. The DELF exam is a general language test that implies a basic level of proficiency, while the DALF is a more difficult exam aimed at an advanced level.
International exams in Italian are represented by two systems: CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) and CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera), of which CILS is the most popular. This exam has four levels, each of which is independent and complete. The first level only assesses the examinee's ability to communicate in everyday situations and is not recognized by educational institutions in Italy. The second allows certificate holders to apply to Italian universities without a special entrance language test. The third and fourth provide additional points when applying to Italian universities, and the fourth also allows studying the methodology of teaching Italian as a foreign language and teaching language to students with knowledge at the second level.
Like German language certificates, international exams in French, Spanish, and Italian have no expiration date but require periodic upgrading.
Training before the battle
In order to begin the process of preparing for an international exam, it is necessary to undergo general and then specialized testing. As for the classes themselves, they should only be conducted by experienced teachers who not only know the foreign language but are also well acquainted with test formats, the specifics of exam requirements, and the latest changes in the structure and process of taking exams. «The work of such teachers is constantly supervised by academic directors, who regularly conduct trainings and seminars. After completing the preparatory course, the teacher gives recommendations to students about taking the exam. Usually, the learning process for students takes from two to nine months,» explains Olesya Karaseva, PR manager of VKS-International House. «Exams are conducted only under the guidance of specially trained examiners who have a certificate confirming their language proficiency level, work experience in education, as well as a teaching qualification certificate.»
Even those who speak a foreign language at a fairly high level may experience difficulties when taking international exams due to the unusual format of the tests. «Psychological preparation is important for successfully passing the exam. To pass the test, you need to familiarize yourself with the sections of the upcoming exam and practice completing tasks within a time limit,» believes Svetlana Voronina.
As for language preparation itself, people with an intermediate level of foreign language proficiency usually do not find this process difficult. «Successful senior-year students, and even more so graduates of language universities, can easily prepare for an international exam. The fact is that classical university education covers all aspects of speech activity, much more broadly than international exams require. Therefore, taking FCE, CAE, TOEFL, IELTS is easy for our graduates,» believes Evgeniy Dmitriev.
Is it worth the candle
Most often, international exams are taken by people who face emigration or study abroad. However, there are also common cases where certificates are obtained to get a high-paying job in a branch of a foreign company or in an organization that requires knowledge of a foreign language. Exams are also taken simply to assess one's level.
According to Tatiana Dolyakova, General Director of the recruitment agency Penny Lane Personnel, it makes no sense to hope that a certificate of successful passing of an international exam will greatly influence employers' decisions. 'In reputable companies where good language skills are required, attention is paid not to the ability to pass exams, but to real knowledge. Most often, HR specialists assess the language level of candidates via special tests (which are directly related to the specifics of a particular company's work) or during a live interview in the required foreign language,' Tatiana Dolyakova believes.
Evgeny Dmitriev agrees with this: 'Companies where hiring rules require a certificate of passing one or another international exam are quite rare here. Mostly, translation skills and good knowledge of the language are of great importance. Therefore, the advisability of taking an international exam for those who do not plan to move abroad depends only on the person's desire: perhaps someone would like to have such a certificate for prestige or to boost self-esteem.'
Experts are unanimous that taking international exams to assess one's knowledge makes no sense, just as there is no particular point in going through this labor-intensive and expensive procedure for self-affirmation. 'Exams are certainly necessary. And it is wonderful that today citizens have the opportunity to take them without leaving their country. However, doing it just for the sake of having it should only be done if the process of taking exams brings pleasure. Otherwise, it is completely pointless. Assessing your level of foreign language proficiency is not difficult at all. For this, it is enough to talk to a foreigner, watch a foreign film, or read a book in the language being studied, the result will be immediately obvious,' believe the "LS" linguistic center.
Student motives
There is an opinion that having an international certificate can be useful for students of language and even non-language universities for 'retaking' a foreign language exam. However, practice shows that this happens extremely rarely. 'The friendly attitude of teachers towards students does not depend on whether they have taken international exams or not. We are always happy to see students who strive for knowledge and do not shy away from difficulties, but there can be no talk of 'retaking' any disciplines based on the results of international exams in domestic universities. Our students must complete a certain number of hours set by the State Standard and a certain training program, different from the program of preparation for the international exam,' believes Evgeny Dmitriev.
Nevertheless, as an idea for the future - the possibility of 'retaking' is viewed positively by experts, especially when it comes to educational institutions where a foreign language is studied as an elective. 'Students who have passed a serious international exam should, of course, be encouraged. And if they have, for example, a TOEFL certificate with a good score, then we can talk about exemption from tests, especially if the program does not involve deep study of the language, which is often the case in technical colleges and universities. Most likely, today this is not done simply due to the lack of such a tradition,' shares her opinion Svetlana Voronina.
Elena KHOTULEVA.
