Imagine that, in your company, you are in charge of recruiting new employees. You are looking for a person whose level of English, allows fluent verbal and written communication. Among the many applications, you select the most qualified candidates, whose experience and skills meet all your requirements. In the section for language proficiency, one candidate entered proficiency at an advanced level, and another indicated that he had received a Business English Certificate at some specific level. In addition, he attached a scan of this very certificate along with his resume. Which candidate will you choose for this position?
Of course, the situation will not always be as straightforward as in the above example, no candidate rarely has more skills and experience. But in this case, as a recruiter, you should hire or at least invite the second candidate for an interview. Receiving various types of certifications for possessing a particular level of a language, shows us as professional and eager for personal development. In this article, we will show you some certification examples that will help you become a valuable acquisition for the company.
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Best certifications for jobs
Here, we have collected a list of the best and most valuable English language certifications for future company jobs. In addition, you can find here information on their price and the stages they consist of.
1. TOEIC or Test of English for International Communication.
TOEIC is one of the most popular exams around the world, which is designed to confirm the knowledge of English in a working environment. It differs in that it does not focus on general knowledge of the language, but instead tests the ability to use it in a professional field. It is recognized by more than a dozen thousand international companies, but also state institutions and organizations. There are no levels on it that you have to take one at a time, it's the score that shows what level you are at. It consists of two available modules:
- Listening & Reading
This module is required by employers much more often. You can score a maximum of 990 points on the exam. It consists of two parts, for which you can get 495 points each. In both, you have to write a test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Listening takes 45 minutes, and reading takes 75. The TOEIC certificate exists in five colors, which depend on the number of points obtained. - Speaking & Writing
This module is passed on a computer in a specially prepared language lab. The maximum number of points that can be obtained here is 400, with 200 for each part. Speaking requires answering 11 questions in the available 20 minutes, and writing contains 8 tasks with an hour to complete. In this module, depending on points, you get one of nine levels of proficiency.
You can opt for one or both modules, it depends on your needs, desire, and ability. The price of this exam depends on the region, but figures between $70 and $140.
2. BEC (Business English Certificate).
The Cambridge English Business English Certificate is aimed at people who want to certify the level of their English in business applications. It does not focus on general vocabulary, but on that which may be useful in a work environment. It is available in three levels: Preliminary, Vantage, and Higher. The certificate obtained has no expiration date and is considered to be of great value, especially by British and American employers.
The exam consists of 3 or 4 parts, depending on the level. Writing, reading, speaking and listening skills are standards tested. Each level differs in the requirements to be met, the duration of the exam, and the passing threshold. It is possible to take both the paper and computer versions of this exam. The price of this exam varies between $150 and $200, depending on the region and the level of the exam.
3. IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
IELTS is an English language exam that confirms knowledge of English at a specific level. The level is determined by scoring a certain number of points, on a scale of 1 - 9. It consists of a section testing listening comprehension, speaking, wriIELTS is an English language exam ting, and reading with understanding. This exam is required by many reputable employers, so it's worth considering if you want to expand your career options.
The IELTS exam has different versions depending on the purpose for which it is taken: for students who want to study abroad, for employees taking jobs abroad, and for people who want to immigrate to an English-speaking country. The IELTS exam is the most popular in the UK and Canada. As for the required score, you need to find out specifically what level is required by your potential employer. Obviously, the higher, the better. The price varies between $140 and $310 per approach.
4. Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge English tests your ability to speak general English. It can be taken at 5 different levels, but the most sought after by employers is the C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) level. Over 9,000 business organizations, government agencies, and academic institutes around the world recognize the Cambridge C2 certificate and Cambridge C1 certificate as proof of English skills and as a candidate's strength.
This exam consists of four standardized parts to assess reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Cambridge C2 certificate is known and honored all over the world, it can open various doors for you to advance your career. Depending on the scores obtained, you are awarded a grade for this exam - A, B, or C. Prices depend on the location and level of the exam, but range between $150 and $200 per attempt.
5. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
The TOEFL test is one of the most prestigious and modern exams designed to certify the level of English proficiency. It is held entirely on a computer, and the validity of the certificate obtained is two years.
Each person taking the TOEFL test receives his or her computer station and headphones with a microphone. The entire exam lasts 4 hours and consists of listening, speaking, writing, and reading with understanding. A maximum of 30 points can be received for each part, giving us a maximum of 120 points for the entire exam. The cost of taking the exam is $205.
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How to prepare for the exam?
As you know, preparing for the exam is usually a tedious and demanding process, but getting a good score will reward you for this tiring time. You can find many books that can help you prepare for exams at any level. In addition, we recommend taking various tests on your own, reading in English, and even watching TV series and movies in this language. It is also a good idea to write various kinds of essays and other papers required for exams. If you don't feel up to preparing for such an exam on your own, you should think about enrolling in courses that prepare you for specific types of exams. The tutor will direct you and tell you what you should focus on.
Why should you get an English certificate?
Having the best certifications for jobs makes you, as a potential employee, more desirable and qualified to do a specific job. Having one also opens up many more opportunities for work abroad and sets you apart from the competition significantly. Also, don't forget that preparing for it develops you significantly, and you gain a lot of new skills through it, and everyone knows how important personal development is.
We hope that with the certification examples we have given you, you will decide to take any of the exams and open up many new opportunities for yourself.
