Cambridge English Qualifications are a graduated series of exams designed to assess competency in English for learners of English as a second or foreign language. The Cambridge English Qualifications are based on the candidate's scoring on the Cambridge English Scale which is a single range of scores used to report results for Cambridge English Language Assessment exams. It was introduced in January 2015, with Cambridge English Scale scores replacing the standardised score and candidate profile used for exams taken pre-2015. The scale aims to provide exam users with more detailed information about their exam performance than was previously available. Each of the qualifications is also aligned with a level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Cambridge English Qualifications are set and administered by

Cambridge Assessment English Cambridge Assessment English or Cambridge English develops and produces Cambridge English Qualifications and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The organisation contributed to the development of the Common European Fram ...

(previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and University of Cambridge ESOL examination).

History

Cambridge Assessment English exams, starting with C2 Proficiency in 1913,

B2 First B2 First, previously known as Cambridge English: First and the First Certificate in English (FCE), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and Univer ...

in 1939, and

B1 Preliminary B1 Preliminary, previously known as Cambridge English: Preliminary and the Preliminary English Test (PET), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment an ...

in 1980, gave learners and teachers different curriculum and examination levels. By the early 1990s, with the addition of

A2 Key A2 Key, previously known as Cambridge English: Key and the Key English Test (KET), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and University of Cambridge ...

and C1 Advanced, Cambridge English exams provided a range of different curriculum and examination levels. The concept of a framework of reference levels for English language learning, teaching and assessment, laid the foundations for the development of the

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated in English as CEFR or CEF or CEFRL, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasing ...

(CEFR). During the mid-1990s, Cambridge Assessment English and other founding members of the newly formed Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) then worked to relate different language qualifications within a shared framework of reference. The ALTE Framework was developed simultaneously alongside the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) published in draft form in 1997. Both frameworks share a common conceptual origin, similar aims and comparable scales of empirically developed descriptors.

The qualifications

Each of the Cambridge English Qualifications focuses on a level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). There are Cambridge English Qualifications for schools, general and higher education, and business.

Research basis

Assessment at different levels gives learners clear goals to work towards during language learning, with each level corresponding to a meaningful improvement in language competency. The study of how learners are motivated was pioneered in the post-war years by

John William Atkinson John William Atkinson (December 31, 1923 – October 27, 2003), also known as Jack Atkinson, was an American psychologist who pioneered the scientific study of human motivation, achievement and behavior. He was a World War II veteran, teacher, ...

at the University of Michigan. In his book ''Motivation and Achievement'', Atkinson argued that motivation is increased when there is an attainable goal in an activity that is highly valued. John Hattie and Helen Timperley of the University of Auckland argue that assessment feedback is most effective when it relates to specific tasks, and focuses on how to improve. They propose that there are three important questions for learners: * What are my goals? * What progress am I making towards them? * What activities are needed to make better progress? Cambridge English Qualifications aim to provide information about the learners’ level in each individual language skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), to enable learners to take action on problem areas and monitor their own progress. This is also designed to allow students to be actively involved in their learning, and gain self-confidence as they move to the next level.Ramaprasad, A., On the definition of feedback. Behavioral Science, 1983. 28: p. 3-13.

References

{{reflist Standardized tests for English language English-language education University of Cambridge examinations

History

The qualifications

Research basis

See also

References