Which exam is right for my students?

Jennifer Manning
A student writing on papers on a school desk

A guide to the ɫèAV assessment suite

Are you stuck on which English exam or test to offer your students? You’re not alone – there are lots of different assessments to choose from and it’s often hard to see how they are different and why you should select one over another.

We’re bringing it all together in this handy guide to help you decide which English language assessment is right for your students.

Exams for young learners

Language exams can be quite daunting for your younger students, especially if they’re taking them for the first time. That’s why we think it’s important to ensure what they have to do is interesting, fun, and motivating.

English Benchmark and ɫèAV English International Certificate Young Learners exams are designed with this in mind, so let’s take a closer look at them both.

English Benchmark

Who it's for:ÌýThis assessment is aimed at young learners aged between 6 and 13, and who have Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels between pre-A1 and B1. English Benchmark is a great tool for teachers who want a simple way to assess the English abilities of their classes at any stage of the year.

With individual reports produced quickly after completion, parents and teachers can quickly see where their children are on the Global Scale of English (GSE) or CEFR. This can help assess their readiness for the next step, such as the ɫèAV English International Certificate Young Learners exam.

What it tests:ÌýEnglish Benchmark aims to assess a student’s competence in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing (with the exception of Level 1, which does not test writing). It covers five different ability levels, with three tests per level.

ɫèAV English International Certificate Young Learners

Who it's for:ÌýThis test is for young learners who are again aged between 6 and 13, and whose CEFR levels range from pre-A1 to A2. It is available in over 40 territories worldwide, and at different times of the year.

Upon completion, the learners will be able to take pride in receiving an official certificate from , the UK’s largest governing body for academic qualifications.

What it tests:ÌýInternational Certificate Young LearnersÌýfocuses again on integrating all four of the main skills and these are divided over four ability levels – Firstwords (Level 1), Springboard (Level 2), Quickmarch (Level 3), Breakthrough (Level 4). It focuses on completing realistic communicative tasks throughout, giving them a great first experience of official assessment.Ìý

Spread out over two separate written and speaking parts; the learners are encouraged to talk effectively about their own lives, rather than simply reciting grammatical or vocabulary structures. This includes activities such as board games and picture matching.

Exams for adults

There are many reasons why your students may need to take a language exam. Some adults need proof of their level for work or university, companies may wish to analyze the abilities of their staff, or individuals may be keen on pursuing a personal goal.

Whatever the motivation, choosing the correct assessment is crucial.ÌýBy checking out the summaries below of all our assessment options for adults, you’ll be sure you’ve picked the best one.

ɫèAV English International Certificate

Who it's for:ÌýɫèAV English International Certificate (PEIC) is designed for adults of any level who use English in a variety of daily activities, such as with work, at university or socially. As a result, we’ve ensured that the content of PEIC is suitable for learners in any part of the world, age-appropriate, and available at various times of the year.

With its widely recognized Ofqual accreditation, PEIC is excellent for those needing a general English certificate for their work or higher-educational institutions.

What it tests:ÌýThroughout the six-level options, ranging from A1 (beginner) to Level 5 C2 (proficiency), authentic materials regarding specific themes are frequently used to assess all four key skills.

Learners will complete tasks related to note completion, letter or email writing, and speaking role plays, along with defending a point of view at higher levels. This reinforces the PEIC as an exam which best suits those who complete everyday tasks in English.

PTE Academic

Who it's for:ÌýIf your learners are looking for reliable, unbiased proof of their English level for immigration or studying abroad, then the ɫèAV Test of English Academic is perfect for them. by governments for their visa application processes, and multiple leading universities such as Harvard University in the USA, PTE Academic can be .

In addition, the exam is 100% computer-based, can be accessed over 360 days of the year, and can be booked only 24 hours in advance. This suits students and professionals who require more flexibility and benefit from the results being available after only 5 business days.

What it tests:ÌýPTE Academic uses the latest Artificial Intelligence software. This means students can be confident that they’re given an unbiased grade for the four main skills they are tested on. The initial speaking and writing sections assess your learner’s abilities to produce responses to questions and scenarios using academic English.

This theme continues through the subsequent listening and reading sections, where candidates complete various tasks such as interpreting information, reordering paragraphs, and summarizing a spoken text.

Versant tests

Who it's for:ÌýɫèAV’s Versant tests are designed for businesses that require a simple, quick and reliable way to assess the English competence of their current or prospective staff. Furthermore, they suit educational institutes that require an efficient way to evaluate the English capabilities of their students before, during, or after their courses.

What it tests:ÌýThe suite of four different English exams is tailored to suit different requirements, depending on the client's needs. Ranging from 17 to 50 minutes in length, the skills tested will vary from a specific written (Versant Writing Test) or spoken focus (Versant English Test), to the Versant English Placement Test and Versant 4 Skills Essential which integrate all four skills.

Speaking tests are also available in additional languages including Arabic, Dutch, French, and Spanish for dual language programs.

All Versant tests are fully automated, and available online or offline throughout the year. This means that you’ll be able to access the results immediately afterwards.

Level test

Who's it for: Level Test is designed for educators and learners aged 14 and above who are seeking to determine their proficiency level in English, particularly for those interested in assessing their general international English skills. It is suitable for both American and British English users.

What it tests: Level Test assesses the speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills of individuals. It provides detailed insights into learners' abilities, allowing educators to accurately place them in the appropriate class level (ranging from A1 to C2 on the CEFR scale) and make personalized learning recommendations.

The test is adaptable to individual responses, ensuring it challenges learners appropriately without being too easy or too difficult.

Learn more about our tests and other courseware

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • A woman/teacher teaching her students in the classroom.

    Top tips for writing a winning English Teacher Awards 2024 nomination

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    We are celebrating teaching excellence around the world through the ɫèAV English Teacher Awards 2024.Ìý

    Open to all types of English language educator, the 15 lucky global winners will take home thousands of pounds of prizes, from trips to conferences to the latest language learning software for their school.Ìý

    Nominating an educator for the ɫèAV English Teacher Awards is simple. All applications are made via the awards entry page, and you have 600-1000 words to tell us how your nominee builds learners’ confidence to be themselves in English.Ìý

    Here are our top tips to make the most of every word and ensure your entry is top of the class.Ìý

    Application tips

    1. Make it category specificÌý

    One of the core judging criteria is how well an application matches the category description.Ìý

    Educators can be nominated in one of five different categories:Ìý

    1. Teaching Young Minds English
    2. Empowering Teen Confidence in English
    3. Cultivating Lifelong Learners in EnglishÌý
    4. Innovation in English Language TeachingÌý
    5. Rising Stars of English Language TeachingÌý

    Tailoring your answer to the category description will make sure our judges understand exactly why your nominee is the perfect winner.Ìý

    For a detailed description of each of the categories, take a look at our recent blog post.

    2. Focus on confidence

    Learning a language isn’t just about knowing the vocabulary or understanding the grammar; it’s about having the confidence to go out there and use your newfound skills to unlock a world of opportunities.Ìý

    But feeling confident in something you’re still learning is hard. Anyone that’s learnt a language has experienced those dips in motivation and confidence when you come across a topic that doesn’t come naturally to you.Ìý

    That’s where a great teacher can make all the difference. The right support and encouragement combined with innovative teaching techniques can help learners protect and even build their confidence in challenging moments.Ìý

    That confidence is what transforms language learning from just communicating to feeling able to really be yourself in English. And when you’re able to do that, great opportunities come your way.Ìý

    Our judges are looking for nominations that understand the connection between confidence and self-expression and the impact that can have on learners’ lives.Ìý

    3. Demonstrate your impact

    Including relevant data and examples in your application will help judges understand the impact your nominee has had.Ìý

    This might include data such as internal or external test results, as well as how those results have changed during that teacher’s tenure.Ìý

    Evidence doesn’t have to mean numbers. Judges also welcome anecdotes and examples that describe the impact an educator has had on learners’ confidence.Ìý

    The judging process

    Nominations can be submitted between 15th August and midnight (CST) on 1st November 2024.Ìý

    After that date, all entries will be reviewed and a shortlist submitted to our expert judges.Ìý

    There are two to three judges for each category who will independently review and shortlist nominees before collectively awarding a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in their category.Ìý

    Shortlisted entries will be contacted by our team and announced at the ɫèAV Teacher Awards ceremony on November 21st 2024.Ìý

    Meet the judges

    From Argentina to Algeria, Italy to Germany, ɫèAV English Teacher Award 2024 judges come from all over the world.Ìý

    Many have years of ELT teaching experience, as well as expertise from academia and business.Ìý

    Here are just three of our expert judges:Ìý

    • Belgin Elmas: Head of the English Language Teaching Department at TED University in Ankara, Belgin is a professor with more than 34 years of teaching experience.Ìý
    • Dr Silvia Minardi: President of Lingua e Nuova Didattica and Vice President of Aermigo. Dr Minardi has extensive experience in CLIL training, collaborating with the ECML and the Council of Europe.
    • Dr Renata Condi: An experienced teacher, development professional, and course book author, Dr Condi holds a PhD and MA in Applied Linguistics and an MBA in School Management.Ìý

    The prizes

    With a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in each of the five categories, there are 15 chances for educators and their schools to win.Ìý

    Gold winners will receive a trip to a regional professional conference, including flight and hotel, as well as up to £500 in credit for professional development.Ìý

    Their school will win annual licenses to top language learning app, Mondly by ɫèAV as well as a course, assessment, and certification bundle valued at £1000Ìý

    Silver and Bronze winners will take home top prizes too, with £250 in credit towards their professional development and up to 500 Mondly by ɫèAV licenses for their school to continue their good work building learners’ confidence in English.Ìý

  • Childten sat at a desk staring up at a tablet

    Embracing AI for the new school year

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Back-to-school season is the perfect time to introduce something new into your teaching toolkit. With advancements in technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important for educators to incorporate into their workflow and beneficial for students. Here are some practical ways AI can enhance your classroom experience this new school year.

    AI saves valuable time

    One of the biggest challenges teachers face is finding the time to plan and create engaging lessons. AI can maximize your time by generating word sets, images and activities. Imagine having a virtual assistant that can suggest fresh ideas for your lessons, create tailored resources and even develop entire lesson plans. By automating these time-consuming tasks, AI allows you to focus more on teaching and interacting with your students.

    How AI can help

    • Lesson planning: Generate detailed lesson plans and activities.
    • Lesson inspiration: Get new and creative ideas for classroom activities.
    • Resource creation: Develop word sets, images and other teaching materials.

    As you prepare for the upcoming school year, consider how integrating AI tools can elevate your teaching practice, making your lessons more engaging while freeing up precious time for interactions with your students.

    Personalized learning and targeted feedback

    Every student learns differently, and tailoring lessons to meet individual needs can be challenging. AI can help by providing personalized learning experiences and targeted feedback. Using data-driven insights, AI tools can identify areas where learners are struggling and offer customized recommendations to help them improve. This not only enhances the learning experience but also ensures that no student is left behind.

    Benefits of AI in personalization

    • Personalized lessons: Adapt lessons to suit individual learning styles.
    • Targeted feedback: Provide specific feedback to help students improve.

    Creating an inclusive classroom

    ÌýAI can play an important role in creating an inclusive classroom environment. AI can generate visuals, audio, videos and text, or a combination of all four, catering to different learning preferences. This ensures that all learners, regardless of their learning styles or abilities, have access to the same educational content.

    AI in inclusion

    • Multimodal content: Use various formats to cater to different learning preferences.
    • Accessibility: Ensure that all students can engage with the material.

    Supporting independent learning

    Encouraging students to take charge of their own learning is essential for their development. AI can support independent learning by providing platforms that facilitate self-study at home. These platforms offer a range of resources and tools that help students learn at their own pace, making education more flexible and accessible.ÌýExplore how supports independent learning with immersive AI-powered conversations.

    AI tools for self-study

    • Independent learning: Foster a culture of self-directed learning.
    • Self-study resources: Provide tools and platforms for students to use at home.

    Integrating AI into your teaching practice can revolutionize the way you educate and engage with your students. From saving time on lesson planning to creating an inclusive classroom and supporting independent learning, the benefits are significant.

    Want more AI tips and tricks for the classroom? Join us on the page for the next video in our series.

  • A smiley woman and one of her friends/students working in a cafe.

    English Teacher Awards 2024: Understanding the categories

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Teachers shape every aspect of our learning experience, especially when it comes to language learning. Great teachers give learners not only the skills but the confidence to go out in the world, start speaking up and discovering new opportunities.Ìý

    We’re celebrating those exceptional educators with the ɫèAV English Teacher Awards 2024.Ìý

    With five different categories and a Gold, Silver and Bronze winner in each, there are 15 chances to take home thousands of pounds worth of top prizes for the winning teachers and their schools.Ìý

    Find out more about who can enter and the different categories in this article.Ìý