Exam guidance

Many students are interested in taking an English language test to acquire a formal certificate that is recognized by colleges, universities, and employers all around the world. Students who are studying for four weeks or more and have an Intermediate (CEFR B1) level of English or above can take a preparation course.

We will provide you with thorough information about applicable tests and advise you on the best preparation for your needs. We’ll assist you in registering for one of the Cambridge exams or the IELTS exam.

Key facts

Many countries recognize the Cambridge exams, which test all areas of competence: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In Oxford, you may take the examinations in March, June, and December.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used to assess your capacity to follow a course of study in an English-speaking institution of higher education and is accepted all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. It assesses your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in academic settings

There is also an internationally recognized framework, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which describes language ability in terms of levels ranging from A1 for novices to C2 for experts.

CEFR
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
General EnglishGeneral and Academic EnglishGeneral English (US)
Master
C2
CPE
Certificate of Proficiency in English
IELTS
International English Language Testing System
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Effective Operational Proficiency
C1
CAE
Certificate in Advanced English
Vantage
B2
FCE
First Certificate in English
Threshold
B1
PET
Preliminary English Test
Waystage
A2
KET
Key English Test
  
Break-through
A1
 

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an American test that is recognized by institutions in the United States. If you wish, you can take the TOEFL internet-based exam (iBT) in Oxford or London. The exam is held almost every month of the year.

How many hours do I have to study to take an exam?

Students frequently inquire about the number of study hours required to reach a particular examination level. It’s difficult to give a precise response because it depends on a variety of factors, including

  • the student’s language learning background
  • How frequently does the student have lessons?
  • the student’s interests and motives
  • The amount of study/practice done outside of class hours.