ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½

Chartered Institute
of Linguists

Certified English speaking test from ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½

Become a ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ CertifiedÌýEnglish Speaker


The Certified English speaking testÌýfrom the ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ (ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½)Ìýoffers advanced speakers of English as a second or additional language theÌýopportunity to prove theirÌýEnglish skills according to international standards: the Ìý(CEFR)Ìýand ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½'s own Language Level Frameworks.

Successful candidatesÌýwith outstanding English speaking skills can attain C1 or above according to the CEFR framework and ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½'s "gold standard" designation ofÌýÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Professional English Speaker, qualifying them for immediate entry to ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½'s first professional grade,ÌýAssociate (ACIL).Ìý

ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½'s Certified EnglishÌýis for adults who want to prove to themselves or to employers their high standard of English speaking skills. ÌýThis can unlock greater confidence and career opportunities for the successful candidate. ÌýEmployers and other interested parties will understand that, if you are successful, youÌýcan be entrusted with important liaison, representation, presentation and negotiation roles which depend on excellent English communication skills.Ìý

If you are interested in language level assessments in a language other than English, visit the ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Language Level AssessmentÌýpages here.Ìý


    What is the Certified English speakingÌýtest?


    It is aÌýtest of your English speaking capabilities with a focus onÌýthe speaking interaction skills that are so important for interpersonal communication.

    The testÌýprovides those with proficient spoken English a formal opportunityÌýto achieve recognition, certification and validation of their skills through ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½, the UK’s international Chartered body for linguists.

    If you demonstrate outstanding spoken English at the C1 or above level of the CEFR, you will be awarded the 'gold standard' ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Professional English Speaker designation along with a certificate confirming your skills.

    If you demonstrate a high level of spoken English competence at the B2 level of the CEFR, you will be granted the ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Working English Speaker designation along with a certificate confirming your skills.

    Upon receiving either designation, you will have the opportunity to join ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½: at the Associate (ACIL) member grade for Professional English Speakers with a 30% discount on your first year's membership, or at the Career Affiliate member grade for Working English Speakers.

    Based on ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½'s extensive language testing activities, we believe the surest way to assessÌýhigh-level English speaking interaction skills is with an expertÌýhuman assessor, who can evaluate how you speak, listen, engage and react - as you would in a real professional or working situation.

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Certified English tests your speaking and communicative skillsÌýin a real world context with a real world assessor, so you can be confident of a realistic confirmation of your level of spoken English. There are no multiple choice questions based on a recording or video, andÌýyour speaking skills will not be assessed through AI or recorded messages. This is a test of human-to-human interaction,Ìýso success demonstrates your speaking skills to any employer, client, partner or stakeholder leading to enhanced career prospects in any international setting.


    Who is it for?


    The test is for over 18 year olds who haveÌýa high level of spoken EnglishÌýand want to prove their high standard of English speaking skills to themselves or to others, particularlyÌýemployers and clients.

    To attain the 'goldÌýstandard' ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Professional English Speaker designation you must demonstrate a level of spoken English language use which evidencesÌýthe ability to:Ìý

    • Communicate with ease inÌýprofessional, businessÌýor academic settings

    • Confidently participateÌýin workplace meetings and discussions

    • Articulate complex ideas clearlyÌýwhen speaking or presenting

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ÌýProfessional English Speaker is the highest standard:Ìýthe equivalent of C1 or aboveÌýaccording to the CEFR and meets the followingÌýÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½Ìýstandard descriptors:

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Professional English Speaker, C1 CEFR, Certified EnglishYou can attain theÌýWorking English SpeakerÌýdesignation by demonstrating the ability to:Ìý

    • Express opinions and present arguments effectively in one-to-oneÌýcommunication

    • Respond effectively to most requests for explanationÌýand questions from others
    • Participate actively and effectively in meetings, conveyingÌýyour intended message

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ÌýWorkingÌýEnglish SpeakerÌýisÌýthe equivalent of B2 according to the CEFR andÌýmeetsÌýthe followingÌýÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½Ìýstandard descriptors:ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Working English Speaker standard and B2 CEFR, Certified English

    If you do not meet either the Professional orÌýWorking English Speaker standard,Ìýyou may still obtain a Limited Working EnglishÌýgrade if you score B1Ìýin spoken English language useÌýaccording to the CEFR andÌýmeetÌýthe standards for theÌýÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Limited Working English Speaker grade:

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Limited Working English, B1 CEFR

    We do not recommendÌýyou take the ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Certified English speakingÌýtest unless you feel reasonably confident ofÌýmeetingÌýthe descriptors for at least the ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Limited Working English gradeÌý(B1Ìýaccording to the CEFR). If you are not likely to be at this level youÌýmay struggle to follow the test format.Ìý

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ is the UK's Royal Charter professional body for linguists and those who work with their languages. As such,ÌýtheÌýEnglish speaking test:

    • Is only available for those who areÌý18 years or over.
    • Is not available for speakers of English as their first language, it is for bilingual, multilingual andÌýgood speakers of English as a second or additional language.ÌýÌý

    ÎÞÓÇ´«Ã½ Certified English is not designed for, or valid as, an immigration test or an English for Academic Purposes test for University entry,Ìýit is a certified assessment ofÌýprofessional and working level English speaking skills.Ìý