Tell us what you think...
International ESOL - International (No. 8984 )
This is a new, 2009 version of the ESOL qualification available at six levels, benchmarked to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). In the related documents section below you can download detailed reports, demonstrating the qualifications' links to the CEFR and explaining our project work. To help you familiarise with the new, improved version of our International ESOL exam papers, new 2009 Practice Papers are now available for download - please click on the link at the bottom of this page. A set of course books is also available to support the new International ESOL qualification, complete with Teacher's book and CDs. You can dowload an order form for this material at the bottom of this page.
Assessment is by a single exam paper which covers Listening, Reading and Writing.
Testing is on demand, so a centre can choose its own dates.
Levels and recognition
There are six levels linked to the Common European Framework. The upper levels, Expert and Mastery, are recognised by many English speaking universities as evidence of language proficiency for entry purposes. When taken as part of the International ESOL Diploma (9992) it is recognised by the UK Border Agency as an approved English language test.
City & Guilds levels
Common European Framework levels
A1 Preliminary
A1 Breakthrough
A2 Access
A2 Waystage
B1 Achiever
B1 Threshold
B2 Communicator
B2 Vantage
C1 Expert
C1 Effective Operational Proficiency
C2 Mastery
C2 Mastery
Have a look at who recognises our International ESOL and SESOL Qualifications. You can also browse our recognitions search page for information about other qualifications.
What is new about 2009 International ESOL?
International ESOL has undergone a rigorous examination through a CEFR benchmarking project. This has resulted in modifications to all six levels. B1, B2, C1 and C2 are in a new format, recognisable by the changed appearance in the cover sheet.
These changes have been made due to our ongoing improvements of the IEQ suite, in particular our exciting CEFR linking project. This project was undertaken by a dedicated and enthusiastic team. It was led by Professor Barry O'Sullivan of Roehampton University, who guided City & Guilds staff and a professional and prestigious panel of experts from across Europe.
We have updated and revised the following levels:
. Achiever (B1 Threshold)
. Communicator (B2 Vantage)
. Expert (C1 EOP)
. Mastery (C2 Mastery).
This has led to the introduction of new item types, revised word lengths and number of times a question is heard. The changes were made to ensure the items and the papers are correctly assessing whether a candidate is at level. These changes will be introduced to our live papers in October 2009.
Our Preliminary and Access level papers are also being modified. The changes will be introduced in a second phase, scheduled for January 2010.
Support available
Please take a look at our Support Materials booklet providing a full list of City & Guilds resources and a selection of additional course materials by other publishers.
Do you still have questions and want to find out more?
Then please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
