Cambridge EFL (English as a Foreign Language) examinations are respected throughout the world, and enormous effort goes into ensuring that the exams are valid and reliable tests of English.  

Before any tasks or questions are included in a live examination, they are pretested on candidates of a suitable level. This helps to ensure that all exam material is at the right level of difficulty and is not biased towards candidates of a particular ethnic background, gender or nationality. In addition, the Cambridge ESOL exams are aimed at testing candidates on what they know rather than what they do not know.

Only when all the material has been checked and Cambridge Assessment is certain that it meets the correct standard is it used in actual question papers. Cambridge Assessment works with thousands of extensively trained examiners to set, administer and mark the exam papers.  

All examiners are accredited by Cambridge ESOL, and they work in teams, led and closely supervised by highly experienced examiners who co-ordinate the examining to ensure that standards remain consistent. Speaking Tests are conducted by locally-based examiners who examine candidates face-to-face. All written exam papers are returned to Cambridge for assessment. As examiners mark the scripts, their work is continuously monitored and checked by senior examiners. 

Before any school or other institution can become an approved Cambridge ESOL centre, it has to meet rigorous selection criteria. Authorised Cambridge ESOL exam centres operate according to clearly defined regulations, and Cambridge Assessment carries out regular centre inspections to ensure that standards are maintained. 

Click here to find your nearest CEFL Centre for full information on course fees, duration, schedule and other details.

Click here for further information on the ESOL exam components, eligibility, fees, registration, final date for receipt of entries and results.