Who are Classic IESOL qualifications for?

Classic IESOL qualifications are designed for candidates who are not native speakers of English and who wish to achieve a high quality, internationally recognised qualification in English at CEFR levels A1 – C2. They are the perfect choice for candidates who: are preparing for entry to higher education are preparing for professional employment in the UK or internationally require an externally recognised certification of their proficiency in English.

Classic IESOL qualifications are designed to complement general English language courses, and the exams are available in paper based and online formats.

Why choose Classic IESOL?

The highest quality – Our assessments are valid and reliable. The exam papers are set by our team of experienced assessment specialists, and the exams are assessed externally by the UK based team of markers and moderators.

Flexibility to suit the needs of centres and candidates – We offer on demand examination sessions, available both in the classroom and online, and a flexible examination structure.

Availability – We operate an international network of centres, and our online exams can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

International Recognition – Classic IESOL exams are recognised by a wide range of universities, employers and institutions across the world. And if that’s not enough – We offer a ‘classic’ exam format easily accessible to candidates, prepared speaking tasks, an online certificate verification service and the option to download your e-certificate as many times as you need to, free of charge!

Classic IESOL Qualification Levels & Sample Exams

Classic IESOL qualifications and exams are available at six different levels, which are designed to reference the descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Take our short Placement Test

GA ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATE IN ESOL INTERNATIONAL (ENTRY 1) (CLASSIC A1)

600/5182/6 Candidates can understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs, introduce themselves and ask others questions about personal details and interact in a simple manner.

Classic materials A1 (E1) Sample 1

GA ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATE IN ESOL INTERNATIONAL (ENTRY 2) (CLASSIC A2)

600/7651/3 Candidates can understand frequently used expressions in most intermediate areas, complete routine tasks that involve a direct exchange of information and describe matters of immediate need in simple terms.

GA ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATE IN ESOL INTERNATIONAL (ENTRY 3) (CLASSIC B1)

600/7040/7 Candidates can understand points about family, work, school or leisure, deal with most travel situations, create simple texts on topics of personal interest, and briefly describe experiences, events, dreams, opinions and plans.

GA LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATE IN ESOL INTERNATIONAL (CLASSIC B2)

600/7163/1 Candidates can understand the main ideas of a complex text such as a technical piece related to their field, interact spontaneously without too much strain and produce a detailed text on a wide range of subjects.

GA LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN ESOL INTERNATIONAL (CLASSIC C1)

600/7162/X Candidates can understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations, easily express a range of ideas, effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations and create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.

GA LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN ESOL INTERNATIONAL (CLASSIC C2)

600/7840/6 Candidates can understand almost everything read or heard with ease, summarize information from many sources into a coherent presentation and express themselves using precise meaning in complex scenarios.

ESOL Cadets

Who are ESOL Cadets qualifications for?

The English for Young Learners ESOL Cadets qualifications are designed for learners aged 6 to 13 who are speakers of other languages and are beginning to learn English. Their aim is to reward young learners’ achievements in learning the English language and to motivate and make their early learning experiences fun and enjoyable, giving them the confidence to achieve further success in language learning. All ESOL Cadets exams and support materials have been designed by English language teachers to develop and assess a young learner’s ability to communicate in English. Tasks use child-friendly topics and contexts children experience on a day-to-day basis, such as My Family, Animals, Games and My Favourite Food, etc.

Why choose ESOL Cadets?

  • Fully contextualised exam materials for young learners.
  • We publish sample exam materials, handbooks and support documents.
  • All exam tasks are set, marked and moderated by our UK based team.
  • No assessment ‘windows’ – exams are available on demand.
  • ESOL Cadets exams are also available online, at no extra cost.
  • Results available online, including a breakdown of learner performance per unit.
  • All learners receive a certificate.

 

ESOL Cadets Qualification Levels & Sample Exams

ESOL Cadets qualifications and exams are available at three different levels, which are designed to reference the descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR).

ESOL CADETS STAGE 1

Stage 1 is designed to reflect A0 level, or a Pre-Entry level of English. This level is suitable for Candidates who are just starting out in learning English. This is also sometimes described as ‘Pre-A1’ Level, or ‘Absolute Beginner’.

  • Format: 1 Speaking exam, 2 paper-based exams for Listening, and combined Reading and Writing
  • Total Exam Time: Approx. 50 minutes
  • Availability: International
ESOL CADETS STAGE 2

Stage 2 is approximately the level defined in CEFR as A1. This level is suitable for Candidates who are very basic users of English and can communicate in a simple way. This is also sometimes described as the ‘Breakthrough’ or ‘Beginner’ level.

  • Format: 1 Speaking exam, 2 paper-based exams for Listening, and combined Reading and Writing
  • Total Exam Time: Approx. 1 hour
  • Availability: International
ESOL CADETS STAGE 3

Stage 3 is approximately the level defined in CEFR as A2. This level is suitable for Candidates who are basic users of English and able to begin to express themselves in familiar contexts. This is also sometimes described as the ‘Waystage’ or ‘Elementary’ level.

  • Format: 1 Speaking exam, 2 paper-based exams for Listening, and combined Reading and Writing
  • Total Exam Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 mins
  • Availability: International

GATE – Gatehouse Awards Test of English

The Gatehouse Awards Test of English (GATE) is designed to assess English language proficiency across four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. GATE is non-regulated and available outside of England, and is mapped to the following Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels: B1, B2, C1 and C2. GATE certification opens doors to various opportunities, such as career advancement and professional development. It can also be used to evaluate progress and language proficiency in a range of academic and non-academic contexts. Features of the Gatehouse Awards Test of English (GATE)

  • available online – candidates can take the test from any location in the world
  • available on demand – centres can book the test anytime, with no set exam windows
  • electronic certificates – available to download by centres and candidates the moment the results are issued
  • valid and reliable certification – the test is developed, assessed and quality assured by Gatehouse Awards assessment specialists with years of experience in the field of English language testing

GATE Levels and Preparation Guidance

GATE assessments are available at three different levels, which are designed to reference the B1, B2 and C1 descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR). Candidates can use the ‘GATE Placement Test’ link below to see which GATE level assessment they should take. Sample papers are available for teachers and candidates to practice and prepare for the GATE examinations. The listening, reading and writing components are only available online, and you will need to download SEB software first to access them (you will see the link when you click on your exam). To see the speaking exam format, download the paper based Speaking Examination Booklet Sample (below).

GATE B1

Candidates can understand points about family, work, school or leisure, deal with most travel situations, create simple texts on topics of personal interest, and briefly describe experiences, events, dreams, opinions and plans.

GATE B2

Candidates can understand the main ideas of a complex text such as a technical piece related to their field, interact spontaneously without too much strain and produce a detailed text on a wide range of subjects.

GATE C1

Candidates can understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations, easily express a range of ideas, effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations and create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.

GATE C2

Candidates can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations, in both speech and writing.

TIE IESOL

Who are TIE IESOL qualifications for?

The Test of Interactive English (TIE) is a modern, innovative and friendly International ESOL qualification designed for Candidates who are non-native speakers of the English language. It is an ideal alternative to a traditional four-skills language test.

TIE takes a unique approach to language testing in which speaking, reading, listening and writing skills are considered to be inter-related: receptive language skills support and underlie productive skills – much as they tend to do in real life. TIE exams are available in two forms, Lower TIE (for Candidates who aim to achieve CEFR levels A1-B1), and Higher TIE (CEFR levels B2-C2).

TIE qualifications are designed to complement general English language courses, and the exams are available in paper based and online formats.

Why choose TIE IESOL?
Unique Approach – In TIE, speaking, reading, listening and writing skills are considered to be inter- related and reliant on each other, where receptive language skills support and underlie productive skills, much as they tend to do in real life.

Integrated Exam Format – TIE consists of two units: the speaking exam, with embedded listening, and the written exam, with embedded reading. Innovation – The spoken and written exams incorporate tasks which candidates can prepare before the exam date, choosing topics and texts in which they have a personal interest.

Recognising Achievement – Candidates are awarded the qualification at the level they have achieved on the day of the exam. In other words, candidates can be awarded either a qualification of a lower or a higher level of attainment than the one they had initially aimed for. And if that’s not enough – We offer on demand exam sessions, both paper based and online, an online certificate verification service, and the option to download your e-certificate as many times as you need to, free of charge!

TIE IESOL Qualification Levels; 

The TIE qualifications are available at all six CEFR levels and in two exam formats, Lower TIE (A1, A2 and B1) and Higher TIE (B2, C1 and C2). To
prepare for the TIE exam, Candidates will read a book of their own choice in English, follow a contemporary news story, and carry out an investigation into a topic of personal interest. During the exam, Candidates talk and write about their book, news story and investigation, as well as take part in a series of unprepared tasks in both speaking and writing.

LOWER TIE EXAM

Take this exam if you have studied for one of the following qualifications:

  • GA Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Test of Interactive English) (Entry 1): 603/0084/X
  • GA Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Test of Interactive English) (Entry 2): 603/0085/1
  • GA Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Test of Interactive English) (Entry 3): 603/0086/3
HIGHER TIE EXAM

Take this exam if you have studied for one of the following qualifications:

  • GA Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Test of Interactive English): 603/0087/5
  • GA Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Test of Interactive English): 603/0088/7
  • GA Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Test of Interactive English): 603/0089/9