Examination Courses English Courses with Internationally Recognised Qualifications

It is always valuable to take an internationally-recognised examination. This can help you in your work, study and career development. We offer a range of examinations at different levels to meet the needs of our students.

English in Chester knows the importance of internationally recognised examinations to prove your language level for work, study or career development. Our aim is to help you to gain a relevant and useful qualification in English.

We specialise in preparation for the Cambridge English B2 First and C1 Advanced examinations. B2 First is an upper-intermediate level qualification. It proves you can use everyday written and spoken English for work or study purposes. A C1 Advanced pass shows that you are a high achiever in your use of all English language skills. We also offer General English with IELTS Preparation.

The chart below gives you information about some of the examinations that we offer at English in Chester.

English in Chester Level	Common European Framework (CEFR)	CEFR Summary (for start of stage)	Cambridge Examinations / Available exam dates	IELTS (exam dates monthly)	Can do statements
False beginner to low elementary	A1 (Breakthrough)	You can understand and use very basic phrases. You can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live and who you know.			View Students have completed this stage if they can do these things... Can understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic. Can understand basic notices, instructions or information. Can complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places.
Elementary to Pre-Intermediate	A2 (Waystage)	You can understand basic sentences and frequently used expressions. You can communicate in simple situations.	A2 Key Not available at English in Chester.		View Students have completed this stage if they can do these things... Can express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context. Can understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters. Can complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information.
Intermediate	B1 (Threshold)	You can make effective and independent use of the language in familiar situations although there are still lapses in communication.	B1 Preliminary Not available at English in Chester.	4.0 to 5.0	View Students have completed this stage if they can do these things... Can express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements. Can understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area. Can write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters.
Upper-Intermediate	B2 (Vantage)	Your use of language is consistent and usually appropriate but lapses in fluency and accuracy still occur in complex situations.	B2 First March, June, July, August, December	5.0 to 6.5	View Students have completed this stage if they can do these things... Can follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics. Can scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice. Can make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests.
Advanced	C1 (Effective Proficiency)	You have a good command of the language. It is fluent, accurate and well-organised with only a few uncertainties in complex and difficult situations.	C1 Advanced June, July, August, December	6.5 to 8.0	View Students have completed this stage if they can do these things... Can contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions. Can read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence. Can prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate.
Advanced English in Chester only offer 1:1 classes at this level.	C2 (Mastery)	You have an excellent command of the language and can tackle the most difficult tasks.	C2 Proficiency Not available at English in Chester.	8.0 to 9.0	View Students have completed this stage if they can do these things... Can advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions. Can understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts. Can write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy.

English in Chester is a Cambridge Exam centre and accepts external students for B2 First and C1 Advanced examinations. If you are an external student click here to download the registration form.

Cambridge Assessment English - Authorised Exam Centre