That is why, when choosing a foreign language course, it is worth finding out in advance exactly which certificate will be issued upon completion of the course. Professional English tutors or language school teachers will help you choose the right option and make a decision.
English
In the UK, documents indicating that an applicant has passed exams according to the Cambridge or Oxford methodology are considered a serious guarantee. These certificates are recognized by all universities and colleges in the UK, as well as by employers.
The so-called Oxford exams are The Oxford Written Examination in English as a Foreign Language (written Oxford examination in English as a foreign language) and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages - English for speakers of other languages, developed by the PITMAN institute). The Cambridge certificates include KET (Key English Test) - key test in English, PET (Preliminary English Test) - preliminary test in English, FCE (First Certificate in English) - first certificate in English. All of them are issued at initial stages of training, unlike CAE (Certificate of Advanced English), which confirms a high level of language knowledge. CAE is recognized by most British universities as sufficient for admission to higher education, although some higher education institutions also accept applicants with an FCE certificate. There is also a professional certificate CPE (Certificate of Proficiently English), confirming that its holder has a command of English at the level of a university graduate.
The IELTS certificate (Inter-national English Language Testing System - international system of testing in English), certifying practical language proficiency, is recognized by most universities in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, as well as by universities in other countries where teaching is conducted in English. Obtaining this certificate is preceded by an exam consisting of four parts, each of which is assessed on a nine-point scale. The average score in the IELTS certificate required for admission to an English university ranges from 5.5 to 8 points.
It is noteworthy that in the USA British documents are treated with a fair amount of skepticism. Cambridge certificates and IELTS are accepted overseas only at a few universities; Americans have their own system of language tests - TOEFL.
German
The Goethe Institute conducts the following language tests and, if they are successfully passed, issues certificates and diplomas: ZD (Zertifikat Deutsch - certificate of studying German at the initial level), ZMP (Zentrale Mittelstufenpruefung - certificate of passing exams of medium complexity), which is required for studying at a German school or college, ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenpruefung - certificate of passing an exam of high complexity) will 'let you into' technical institutes and not the most prestigious universities, and will also help you get a job in a German company at home.
For studying at most German universities and working in German-speaking countries, however, KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom - Small German Diploma) or GDS (Grosses Deutsches Sprachdiplom - Large German Diploma) are already required. In addition, there are also several certificates confirming knowledge of the German language in specific professional fields - technical, financial, or legal.
French
The main French language exam is DALF (Diplome approfondi de langue francaise). With this diploma, you can apply to any university without additional testing. But for working in French companies, it is advisable to have a diploma from the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.