ESOL International Qualifications are designed for learners who are not native speakers of English and who wish to achieve a high quality, internationally recognised qualification at the highest level (Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) Level 3 / Common European Framework (CEF) C2).
The Qualifications are suitable for learners who are preparing for entry to higher education or professional employment in the UK or elsewhere.
The NOCN Computer Based Exams (CBE) ESOL International Qualifications offer a comprehensive English language exam. The skills examined are Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, all task-based and based on real-life scenarios.
Levels available:
| CEFR Level | Listening - Reading - Writing Duration | Speaking Duration |
| A1 Beginner | 1 h & 30 min | 6 mins |
| A2 Improver | 1 h & 30 min | 7 mins |
| B1 Intermediate | 2 h & 35 min | 10 mins |
| B2 Intermediate User | 2 h & 35 min | 10 mins |
| C1 Advanced | 3 h & 10 min | 13.5 mins |
| C2 Proficient | 3 h & 10 min | 13.5 mins |
| Passing Mark: 16/31 |
The Listening Part consists of 31 multiple choice questions (a, b, or c), and is divided in 3 parts. Each part is heard twice.
Before each part, candidates have 2 minutes to read the questions and another 2 minutes at the end to check and transfer their answers on the Answer Sheet.
The topics are based on everyday situations / scenarios.
The total marks awarded for the Listening part are 31.
| Passing Mark: 16/31 |
The Reading unit consists of 4 texts with 31 multiple choice questions (a, b, c).
Candidates are asked to answer clear reading comprehension questions and questions related to error detection (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax), synonyms, opposites or fill in a blank.
The total marks awarded for the Reading part are 31.
| Passing Mark: 12/24 |
The Writing unit consists of 2 parts, where for each part the candidates must write one composition.
For each composition, the candidates are given 3 - 4 optional development points.
The total marks awarded for the Writing part are 24 and are marked according to the Writing Mark Scheme..
This composition is mandatory and is always either a letter or an email. The range of words for each composition, depending on the level being examined, is defined as follows:
| LEVEL | Task 1 | Task 2 |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | 75-100 | 100-125 |
| B2 | 100-150 | 150-200 |
| C1 | 150-200 | 250-300 |
| C2 | 200-250 | 250-300 |
| Passing Mark: 17/33 |
The Speaking unit consists of 3 parts where one interlocutor is assigned for each candidate, and the topics are drawn from everyday situations.
The oral examiner, when necessary, reformulates the question and gives examples to the candidate.
The total marks awarded for the Speaking part are 33 and are marked according to the Speaking Mark Scheme.
The examination duration and the marks awarded for each task, depending on the level examined, are as follows:
| LEVEL | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Marks | Duration | Marks | Duration | Marks | |
| B1 - B2 | 1,5' | 9 | 3,5' | 12 | 5' | 12 |
| C1 - C2 | 3,5' | 9 | 4' | 12 | 6' | 12 |
Respecting your Knowledge
