International ESOL - International (No. 8984 )
This is a new ESOL qualification available at six levels benchmarked to the Common European Framework. 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. This qualification replaces the Pitman Qualifications Certificates in ESOL (8961). 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.
Levels and recognition
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 International ESOL?
City & Guilds levels
Former Pitman Qualifications levels
Common European Framework levels
Preliminary
Basic
A1 Breakthrough
Access
Elementary
A2 Waystage
Achiever
B1 Threshold
Communicator
Intermediate
B2 Vantage
Expert
Higher Intermediate
C1 EOP
Mastery
Advanced
C2 Mastery
The most important single change is the introduction of a new level, however there are some revisions to the test format as well.
The main ESOL paper is now divided into three broad sections which cover Listening, Reading and Writing, instead of the previous five - which included English Usage and Reading & Writing. Listening tasks include dialogues and simulated radio broadcasts.
We have also introduced some new tasks in the Reading section, for example a task in which the candidate has to identify which of four short texts contains a particular item of information or performs a particular function. This tests the understanding of how the structure and appearance of texts gives cues as to their purpose and content.
Support available
We have now produced a set of sample papers available on CD - exactly what your students need to practice before sitting an International ESOL exam.
You can order the CD set by fax, post or e-mail. Just send us your full centre details, contact details, number of sets requested and delivery address.
One set of Sample Papers is already available to download from the Sample papers - all levels link below.
A set of course books is available to support the new International ESOL qualification, complete with Teacher’s book and cassettes.
Please take a look at our new 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 newly available Frequently Asked Questions.