Frequently Asked Questions

1.How can I register for Cambridge ESOL?

In order to reserve a place in Cambridge ESOL, you will first need to sit for a Placement Test to determine the level of entry.

 2. What is tested in the Placement Test?

The Placement Test is a language assessment service for individuals and organisations to determine the English language skills of the individuals or employees, job applicants or trainees in a way which is relevant to their work or level of proficiency. The test covers reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary, with optional assessments in speaking and writing. The test results will enable the school to place the student at an appropriate level for optimum benefit.

 3. Will I need to pay for the Placement Test?

 A payment of RM50 will be required of which RM25 will be used as a fee for placement test and the balance of RM25 will be used as part of payment of the total course fee.

4. My English is very weak. Do you think I can manage?

 Al-Ikhlas Cambridge or Cambridge ESOL offers specifically tailored courses that prepare students for all the Cambridge Al-Ikhlas examinations. 

 5. I don't speak English very well. Are there courses that I can follow?

 The Cambridge ESOL courses can be taken by anyone whose first language is not English and are suitable for learners of all nationalities and of almost any age. Cambridge ESOL also offers specifically tailored conversational English courses for students who are weak in the language.

  6. What is Cambridge Young Learners English?

 The Cambridge Young Learners English (YLE) is available in 3 levels - Starters, Movers and Flyers - for children in the age range of 7 - 12 of all nationalities, regardless of their first language.

 7. My English is very poor and I want to learn. But I am working. Can I sit for the Young Learners course?
 
The Young Learners English course is designed for children ranging from 7 – 12 years old. For adults, we recommend that they follow the Key English Test course. Alternatively, working adults can start with the Business English course (BEC - Preliminary). 

 8. Are the Cambridge ESOL exams only recognized for university entrance?
 
They are not only recognised by universities, but also more than 11,000 employers and government bodies around the world recognised Cambridge ESOL examinations.

9. Are the exams only meant for people who wish to further their studies?

 The range of Cambridge ESOL examinations include English language qualifications for learners at all levels and in all contexts (e.g. English for Young Learners, Business English, General English) and a suite of internationally recognised English Language Teaching Awards.

 10. What exams should I sit for if I am thinking of furthering my studies or if I need to prove to my employer that I have the necessary language qualifications?

The Cambridge Main Suite ESOL examinations are amongst the world's best known qualifications for learners of English, taken by hundreds of thousands of candidates each year, either as equivalent English language requirement for university entrance or as formal English language qualification in a job application.

The examinations are available at five levels namely:
Level 5: Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Level 4: Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
Level 3: First Certificate in English (FCE)
Level 2: Preliminary English Test (PET)
Level 1: Key English Test (KET)

Each examination covers the four main language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - and assesses the ability to use a variety of structures and functions in authentic situations.

 11. Why would you recommend that I sit for the exams?

 The examinations are run by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) - one of the world's largest and best known educational assessment agencies.

Assessment of the Cambridge examinations are linked to an international five level scale established by the Association of Language Testers in Europe and used for a wide range of European languages.

12. What do the five levels mean?

  Level 5 is also known as (aka) Upper Advanced Level  is equivalent to the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) in the Cambridge Examinations and successful candidates at this level have:
Fully operational command of the language at a high level in most situations, e.g. argue a case confidently, justifying and making points persuasively.

Level 4 aka Lower Advanced Level is equivalent to the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) in the Cambridge examinations and successful candidates at this level have:
Good operational command of the language in a wide range of real world situations, e.g. can participate effectively in discussions and meetings.

Level 3 aka Upper Intermediate Level  is equivalent to the First Certificate in English (FCE) in the Cambridge examinations and successful candidates at this level have:
Generally effective command of the language in a range of situations, e.g. can make a contribution to discussions on practical matters.

Level 2 aka Lower Intermediate Level is equivalent to the Preliminary English Test (PET) in the Cambridge examinations and successful candidates at this level have:
Limited but effective command of the language in familiar situations, e.g. can take part in a routine meeting on familiar topics, particularly in an exchange of simple factual information.

Level 1 aka Elementary Level is equivalent to the Key English test (KET) in the Cambridge examinations and successful candidates at this level have: 
Basic command of the language needed in a range of familiar situations, e.g. can understand and pass on simple messages.

 13. Are the certificates recognised by overseas universities as language requirement for entrance or would I still need to sit for either TOEFL of IELTS?

 Universities in Britain, North America and throughout the world accept the certificates awarded to successful candidates at Levels 4 and 5 as evidence of an adequate standard of English for admission to undergraduate and post graduate degree courses.
 

14. What would I be tested on?

  The examinations cover all the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. They include a range of tasks, which assess candidates ability to make practical use of the language and to communicate effectively English variety of contexts.

15. When are the exams held?

 With the exception of Young Learners, all Cambridge Al-Ikhlas examinations take place six times a year on fixed dates in March, May, June (twice), November and December.

16. Where can I sit for the exams?

 All Exams may only be taken at authorised Cambridge Al-Ikhlas examinations centres. In Malaysia, Al-Ikhlas Cambridge is the UCLES Authorised EFL Centre. It also houses the Cambridge Local Secretary's Office.

 17. How will I be examined? How are the exams conducted?

 For all examinations, a trained oral examiner visits examination centres to assess the candidates' performance in the speaking test. All other tests are sent to Cambridge and marked by UCLES examiners.

 18. Are the Business English Certificates very high level exams?

 The Business English Certificates provide qualifications for learners who wish to use English in their place of employment as well as for the purpose of international business. The examinations are available at three levels:
BEC Higher, which is equivalent to Level 4
BEC Vantage, which is equivalent to Level 3
BEC Preliminary, which is equivalent to between Level 2
All of which cover the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - and assess the ability to use a full range of structures and language functions in a business context.

19. Where can I find out more about your courses?

  To know more about our courses, come visit any one of our 3 schools and the course counselors here would be happy to help you identify your needs and give you more detailed information.

  20. How different are your certificates from IELTS and TOEFL?

Both IELTS and TOEFL have a validity period of two years. The Cambridge Al-Ikhlas certificates have no expiry date.