Frequently Asked Questions

1.How can I register for a place with Cambridge ESOL?

In order for to reserve a place at 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 foreign 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 assessment 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 fee for placement test and the balance of RM25 will be used as part payment of the total course fee.

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

 Cambridge English For Life™ or Cambridge ESOL offers specifically tailored courses that prepare students for all the Cambridge English 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 at 3 levels - Starters, Movers and Flyers - for children aged 7 - 12 of all nationalities, whatever 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 aged 7 - 12. 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?
 
The Cambridge ESOL examinations are known all over the world and are recognized by universities, employers and national education authorities in many countries.

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

 The range of Cambridge ESOL examinations includes specialist examinations in Business English, English for Academic Purposes, as well as test for young learners and a suite of certificates and diploma for language teachers.

  10. What are the exams that I should 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. What's so special about the exams? 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 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 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 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 English 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 English examinations centres. In Malaysia, Cambridge English For Life™ 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? How do you test?

 For all examinations, trained oral examiner visit examinations 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, may I suggest that you come to any one of our 3 schools and speak to a course counsellor. I am sure the counsellor will be able to help you identify your needs.

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

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