Examinations

Esami

CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing, such as teachers or learners, to see the level of different qualifications. It also means that employers and educational institutions can easily compare our qualifications to other exams in their country.

Exam equivalencies

TOEFL* IELTS** CEFR***
115 8.5 C2
94 7.0 C1
46 5.5 B2
32 4.5 B1

* Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

** International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

*** Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

English examinations are a challenge but rewarding. Students are motivated and receive a qualification which confirms their language abilities, and looks good on their CV. The exams can be done on the computer or on paper, and held throughout the year at the official exam centres (in Lugano TESL).

Andrew Bone is very experienced in preparing students for the following exams:

Cambridge English Exam Series

The Cambridge English exams are recognised everywhere in the world, by business, government and academic institutions, as proof of English language level. The exams test all four English language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Please note that, depending on the exam, enrolments must be made 4-5 weeks prior to the exam date. For the precise dates see the official site: Swiss exam centers.

In order of difficulty, the exams are:

KET Key English Test

CEFR level: A2. 3 papers, 2 hours.

Dates in 2024, TESL Lugano:

  • A2 Key for Schools 25.05.24 (inscription by 11.04)
  • A2 Key 15.06.24 (inscription by 07.05)
  • A2 Key & A2 Key for Schools 5.12.24 (inscription by 27.10)
  • (Exam fee: Fr. 225.00).

This is the first of the 5 Cambridge tests, and is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations.

The KET certificate shows that you can:

  • understand and use basic phrases and expressions
  • understand simple written English
  • introduce yourself and answer basic questions about yourself
  • interact with English speakers at a basic level.

Reasons to choose to sit the KET Key English Test:

  • Gain a valuable qualification that is accepted worldwide.
  • Improve your work, study and travel prospects.
  • Show that you have the basic language skills you need to communicate in English.

PET Preliminary English Test

CEFR level: B1. 3 papers, 2 hours 20 mins.

Dates in 2024, TESL Lugano:

  • (PET for Schools) 25.05.24 (inscription by 11.04)
  • (PET) 15.06.24 (inscription by 07.05)
  • (PET + PET for Schools) 5.12.24 (inscription by 27.10)
  • (Exam fee: Fr. 245.00).

The Preliminary (PET) qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.

A Cambridge English PET certificate shows that you can:

  • read simple textbooks and articles in English
  • write letters and emails on everyday subjects
  • take meeting notes
  • show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English.

Reasons to choose to sit the PET Preliminary English Test:

  • Develop your ability to communicate in English for practical tasks and situations.
  • Gain a valuable qualification that is accepted worldwide.
  • Improve your work, study and travel prospects.

FCE First Certificate of English

CEFR level: B2. 4 papers 3.5 hours.

Dates in 2024, TESL Lugano:

  • 15.03.24 (inscription by 07.02)
  • 20.04.24 (inscription by 11.03)
  • 18.05.24 (inscription by 09.04)
  • (For Schools) 25.05.24 (inscription by 16.04)
  • 15.06.24 (inscription by 07.05)
  • 22.08.24 (inscription by 17.07)
  • 14.12.24 (inscription by 06.11)
  • (Exam fee: Fr. 370.00).

An FCE certificate shows that you can:

  • communicate effectively face-to-face, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
  • follow the news
  • write clear, detailed English, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view
  • write letters, reports, stories and lots of other types of text.

Reasons to choose to sit the FCE First Certificate of English exam:

  • Accepted for entry to foundation/pathway/pre-sessional courses in English-speaking countries.
  • Accepted for entry to undergraduate programmes taught in the medium of English in non-English-speaking countries.

CAE Certificate of Advanced English

CEFR level: C1 4 papers 4 hours.

Dates in 2024, TESL Lugano:

  • 16.03.24 (inscription by 07.02)
  • 20.04.24 (inscription by 11.03)
  • 18.05.24 (inscription by 09.04)
  • 15.06.24 (inscription by 07.05)
  • 23.08.24 (inscription by 17.07)
  • 14.12.24 (inscription by 06.11)
  • (Exam fee: Fr. 385.00).

More than 8,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept the CAE as proof of high-level achievement in learning English. Preparing for the Certificate of Advanced English helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries.

CAE Certificate of Advanced English qualification shows that you can:

  • follow an academic course at university level
  • communicate effectively at a managerial and professional level
  • participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
  • express yourself with a high level of fluency.

Reasons to choose to sit the CAE Certificate of Advanced English exam:

  • Monthly test dates available at 2,800 exam centres around the world.
  • Accepted by over 8,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments.
    Opens doors to international travel, work and study.

CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English

CEFR level: C2 4 papers 4 hours.

A Cambridge CPE qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker. Preparing for and passing the exam means you have the level of English that’s needed to study or work in a very senior professional or academic environment, for example on a postgraduate or PhD programme.

The CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English shows that you can:

  • study demanding subjects at the highest level, including postgraduate and PhD programmes
    negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level in international business settings
  • understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
  • talk about complex or sensitive issues, and deal confidently with difficult questions.

Reasons to choose to sit the Proficiency (CPE) exam:

  • This is our highest-level exam. Passing it proves that you have mastered English to an exceptional level.
  • Helps you to develop the English skills needed to succeed in very high level academic or professional environments.

IELTS

The British Council’s International English Language Testing System has two tests: Academic and General Training. ‘IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting one million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system. Visit the IELTS website at www.ielts.org.

The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.

The exam is scored from 0.0 to 9.0. The equivalents in the Cambridge exam series are:

KET (A2 Key English Test): 3.5 – 4.0

PET (B1 Preliminary English Test): 4.0 – 5.5

FCE (B2 First Certificate of English): 5.5 – 7.0

CAE (C1 Certificate of Advanced English): 7.0 – 8.0

Proficiency (C2): 8.0 – 9.0

Milan British Council: for the exam dates see: IELTS Date al British Council Milano

British Council Switzerland – Lugano-Manno: for the exam dates see: IELTS Dates at British Council Lugano

There are four papers: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Academic Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes).

BEC Business English Certificates

Cambridge offers three levels of business certificate in English. These are recognised around the world as a measure of your business English competence.

B1 Business Preliminary

CEFR level: B1. 2 hours 20 minutes. 3 papers.

B1 Business Preliminary is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It helps you to get the practical language skills you need to start doing business in English. With a Cambridge English Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) qualification, you show employers that you have a good knowledge of English for practical, everyday use in business.

A Cambridge English: B1 Business Preliminary certificate shows that you can:

  • talk about business subjects
  • understand charts and graphs
  • write a short business email
  • follow short telephone conversations.

Reasons to choose to sit the BEC Preliminary Test:

  • Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills you can prove.
  • Improve your career opportunities – get the English language skills you need to be successful.
  • Accepted globally by top international companies, as well as education institutions and business schools.

B2 Business Vantage

CEFR level: B2. 2 hours 40 minutes. 4 papers.

B2 Business Vantage is the second of the business Cambridge English qualifications. It shows employers that you’re ready to do business at an international level.

With a Cambridge English Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) qualification, you show employers that you are ready to work successfully in international business. This exam could help you when applying for new jobs, getting a promotion, or developing your career.
There are three exams in the Cambridge English: Business Certificates (BEC) suite of exams. Each one is targeted at a different level and Cambridge English: Business Vantage is the second of these exams. The content for each exam is based on everyday work and business tasks and is designed to develop your business English skills.

A Cambridge English Business Vantage certificate shows that you can:

  • write short business messages and reports
  • read articles from business publications
  • listen to, understand and give your opinions in meetings.

Reasons to choose to sit the Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) exam:

  • Improve your career opportunities – get the English language skills you need to be successful.
  • Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills you can prove.
  • Accepted globally by top international companies, as well as education institutions and business schools.

C1 BEC Business Higher

CEFR level: C1. 3 hours. 4 papers.

C1 Business Higher is the highest level business Cambridge English qualifications. It helps you to get the practical language skills you need to work effectively at a senior level in international business. With a Cambridge English Business Higher (BEC Higher) qualification, you show employers that you have achieved an advanced level of Business English.

A BEC Business Higher certificate shows that you can:

  • communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
  • participate with confidence in workplace meetings and presentations
  • express yourself with a high level of fluency
  • react appropriately in different cultural and social situations.

Reasons to choose to sit the Business Higher (BEC Higher) exam:

  • Improve your career opportunities – get the English language skills you need to be successful.
  • Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills you can prove.
  • Accepted globally by top international companies, as well as education institutions and business schools.

TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language

Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. It is recognized by more than 10,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries, as well as professional associations.

The test may be done over the Internet, or traditionally on paper. The testing centre in Ticino is TASIS Montagnola.