International Examinations

International exams

What are these exams and why are they needed?

Every year, millions of applicants take entrance tests to enter the University. Many educational institutions have refused to conduct entrance exams, and accept the results of standardized tests that evaluate certain skills: knowledge of English or any other language, mathematics, and logical thinking skills. This requires international exams, the results of which are accepted by universities around the world.

Examples of exams

IELTS

TOEFL

Cambridge ESOL

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

This is a globally recognized international testing system designed to confirm the level of knowledge of the English language, which is widely used in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Candidates must complete the following modules within 2 hours and 45 minutes: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, which differ depending on which version of the test the candidate passes:

• Academic — for candidates who plan to study in English-language educational institutions.
• General Training is a test format developed for immigration purposes.

The test can be taken in 121 countries in more than 500 certified centers. The test results are expressed on a scale from 0 to 9 points and are valid for two years. IELTS is recognized by more than 6,000 educational institutions, government and professional organizations around the world.

TOEFL

The standardized English proficiency test, which is widely used in the United States and Canada, is intended for those who do not have English as their first language. Test results are recognized in more than 6,000 higher education institutions, as well as business structures and research centers in more than a hundred countries, which makes TOEFL the most common test that confirms English language skills. The maximum possible score is 120 points. It consists of the sum of the points of the sections that test the skills of reading, listening, writing, and the ability to conduct a conversation in English. The test is available in two versions: paper (PBT — paper based test) and Internet (iBT internet based test). The exam lasts about 4.5 hours.

Cambridge ESOL

A line of exams that assess the English language proficiency of foreign citizens. Cambridge exams differ in their level of complexity and purpose. There are General exams, tests for schoolchildren and teenagers, as well as exams to determine the level of knowledge of business English and tests for teachers. In contrast to the IELTS and TOEFL tests, in which the candidate in any case receives a certificate with qualifications and points, the Cambridge exams are quite different. Even before passing the test, the candidate must determine their level of English, and then sign up for the exam.

It is noteworthy that Cambridge certificates have an unlimited validity period. The Bec-Cambridge English: Business Certificate exams are also part of the Cambridge language exams designed to assess the level of business English proficiency. BEC certificates come in three levels:

• Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) CEFR Level B1
• Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) CEFR Level B2
• Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher) CEFR Level C1