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 in English, 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 exam of English skills in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The examinations are task based and are linked to real life scenarios.
There are examinations in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking at six levels.
| 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 into 3 tasks. Each task is heard twice.
Before each audio part, candidates have 2 minutes to read the questions.
The total marks awarding for the Listening part are 31.
| Passing Mark: 16/31 |
The Reading part consists of 31 multiple choice questions (a, b or c) and is divided into 4 tasks, where each task corresponds to a text. The total marks awarded for the Reading part are 31.
Candidates, in all tasks of the Reading part, are asked to answer both questions of reading comprehension and questions of English language use.
| Passing Mark: 12/24 |
The Writing part consists of 2 tasks where for each task the candidates have to produce a writing. For each writing the candidates are given 3-4 optional points of development. The total marks awarded for the Writing part are 24 and are marked according to the Writing Mark Scheme.
The range of words for each task, depending on the level examined, is:
| 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 part consists of 3 tasks where one interlocutor is assigned for each candidate. The total marks awarded for the Speaking part are 33 and are marked according to the Speaking Mark Scheme.
The examination time and the marks awarded for each task, depending on the level examined, are:
| LEVEL | Task 1 | Task 2 | Task 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 |
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