Oxford House is a Cambridge ESOL exam preparation centre.
We can incorporate preparation for the official Cambridge English exams into any of ourbusiness English courses or private classes. If you would like to offer your employees the opportunity to take the Cambridge FCE, CAE or CPE English exam, contact the Director of Studies and your employees’ teacher will prepare a course of study to prepare them for the exam.
Cambridge ESOL is a department of the Cambridge University in England. The Cambridge ESOL exams are related to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and are recognized by educational institutions and companies world-wide. The Cambridge ESOL exams are based on real-life situations and are ideal if you intend to work, study or travel abroad or take on a career that requires language skills (business, medicine, engineering). The FCE, CAE and CPE consist of five parts: speaking, listening, English in use (grammar and vocabulary), reading and writing. Candidates develop their English skills in all these areas. Once they have passed the exam, the candidates receive a certificate from the Cambridge University ESOL Exams, as well as a summary of the results of the five parts.
The FCE is a Cambridge ESOL exam of intermediate level, level B2 of the CEFR. It’s for students whose knowledge of English is adequate for every day situations, including work and study situations. The FCE indicates that the candidate can handle administrative, secretarial and management jobs in different sectors. The more advanced candidates have broad vocabulary and can apply correct register and style in different situations. They can handle every day written communications, as well as communicate on the phone, and their English is good enough to follow certain types of training, textbooks and simple articles. Furthermore, the FCE is useful preparation for students hoping to take the more advanced certificate, such as the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) or the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency In English).
Official page of the FCE (First Certificate of English)
The CAE is the second highest of the Cambridge ESOL exams, and corresponds to level C1 of the CEFR. It is for students who have a level of English which is sufficient for most tasks, including social and educational situations. Though the level is not as high as what is required for the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English), the CAE recognizes the ability of being able to speak English confidently. The more advanced candidates can defend themselves in meetings and discussions, can express their opinions with clarity, and can understand and create various types of texts, including business letters and reports. Furthermore, the CAE is useful preparation if you are aiming for the CPE.
Official page of the CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)
The CPE represents the highest of all the Cambridge ESOL exams, equivalent to level C2 of the CEFR. It’s for those students whose knowledge of English is sufficient for any English speaking context, and whose level reaches that of a native. The CPE shows that the candidate has advanced beyond a good level of vocabulary and grammar, and is able to use the language in real contexts. Getting the CPE is a significant personal achievement.
Official page of the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)