The Cambridge exam suite is one of the most recognized ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualifications in the world. Because of the range of activities in the four key skill areas, it is an excellent way to determine language competency in English. The tests range from an evaluation of basic English to complete fluency. The Preliminary English Test (PET) evaluates the student's ability to communicate and understand simple English. A student who can pass the PET will be comfortable with simple letter writing, note-taking, reading simple magazine or newspaper articles and dealing with everyday situations in an English-speaking country. The tests increase in difficulty; next is the First Certificate in English (FCE), then the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) which is the accepted level for undergraduate students at British and Australian universities. Finally, The Cambridge Exam for Proficiency in English (CPE) examination is necessary for upper-management in English-speaking firms, or post-graduate study at English-speaking universities. The student will have essentially mastered the language, is able to understand complex colloquialisms and communicate opinions on almost every subject.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test is the standard test for entry into U.S. undergraduate courses, and is the most widely accepted test of English for firms and universities around the world. To successfully pass the TOEFL exam students must not only communicate and understand English effectively, but they must possess a range of vocabulary wide enough to expertly argue a case in a seminar or office environment. The student will be able to read complex articles and textbooks, to communicate on a wide range of topics, to argue and reason in the language and write in a clear, concise and comprehensive manner. The TOEFL iBT, exam is taken remotely over the internet, however, it suffers from a high level of fraud so cannot, on its own, constitute evidence of English competency.
Perhaps the best indicator of a person's language competency is the ability to hold a conversation. Depending on the level required, it is possible to tailor the questions and the discussion to the needs or requirements of the firm or school. Questions about politics or literature should be reserved for high-level candidates, while a simple discussion about family and hobbies can identify beginners in English. Regardless of the required level of English, note the grasp of grammar, range of vocabulary, whether any pronunciation variations are prohibitive to communication and how well the candidate deals with idiomatic expressions.
Including a written section is always important for an application or resume that may be written by a non-native English speaker. While candidates might not have a problem communicating verbally, often any problems they have with grammar or gaps in their vocabulary are revealed by a simple written test. Watch for displaced verbs and adjectives as well as incorrect pronoun use, and ensure that the basics of writing etiquette in English are observed.