Cambridge & European Certificates
Cambridge B2, C1 and C2, Linguaskill, telc, LanguageCert, the Oxford Test of English and Trinity: level-based certificates that are well known in Germany and across Europe.
These certificates show your English level on the CEFR scale, from A1 to C2. Employers, schools and universities in Europe know them well, and some of them never expire. Compare them here, then go to the preparation pages for your certificate.
The Certificates at a Glance
The main differences in one table.
| Certificate | Levels | How you take it | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge English | B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency | One exam per level, at a test centre, on paper or computer | The certificate does not expire |
| Linguaskill | A1 to C1 and above | Online, adaptive; choose the modules you need | From Cambridge; popular with employers and universities |
| telc English | A1 to C1, one exam per level | At a test centre, on paper | Run from Germany; well known to German employers |
| LanguageCert | A1 to C2 | Test centre or online from home; written and spoken exams | UK awarding body; flexible dates |
| Oxford Test of English | Up to B2; an Advanced version goes higher | Computer-based, four modules | From Oxford University Press; take modules again separately |
| Trinity College London | Pre-A1 to C2 | ISE (all four skills) or GESE (speaking and listening) | Speaking is a conversation with an examiner |
Formats, levels and fees change. Always check the official website before you book.
Prepare for Your Certificate
Each certificate has its own guide, training plan and exercises.
1Cambridge English B2, C1, C2
Cambridge English Qualifications test one level each: B2 First (upper intermediate), C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. They are among the best-known certificates in Europe, and the certificate is valid for life.
2Linguaskill
A quick online test from Cambridge. It adapts to your answers and reports your CEFR level for each skill. Companies use it to check employees' English; some universities accept it for admission.
3telc English
telc exams come from Frankfurt and are widely used in Germany, at adult education centres and by employers. There is one exam for each level, including versions for business English.
4LanguageCert International ESOL
A UK certificate available at every CEFR level. The written exam (listening, reading, writing) and the spoken exam are separate, and both can be taken online from home.
5Oxford Test of English
A computer-based test from Oxford University Press with four modules: speaking, listening, reading and writing. You can retake a single module instead of the whole test.
6Trinity College London
Trinity offers two exam types: ISE tests all four skills, and GESE tests speaking and listening in a one-to-one conversation with an examiner. Some ISE levels are also accepted for UK visas.
How to Choose the Right Certificate
A level-based certificate only helps if it matches both your level and your goal.
?Four Questions to Ask
- Level Which CEFR level do you have now, and which do you need?
- Acceptance Does your employer, school or university name a certificate?
- Validity Do you want a certificate for life, or is a recent result enough?
- Format Paper or computer, test centre or home, speaking with a person or a machine?
Prove your level with the right certificate.
Find your level, choose the certificate your goal needs, and practise with its exam format.
Level. Acceptance. Validity. Practice.
Questions? Get in touch