Exams

The University of Cambridge examinations are the most widely recognised standard of English language competence. The examinations are generally given in December, March and June each year.

Cambridge English: First – B2 (commonly known as First Certificate in English – FCE)
Represents a general standard of practical English competence at an upper-intermediate level. In Portugal, it is widely recognised in commerce and industry.

Cambridge English: Advanced – C1 (commonly known as Certificate in Advanced English – CAE)
Indicates a high level of practical English competence for those entering, or already in, the working world. It is recognised by the majority of English universities as fulfilling entrance requirements in the English language.

Cambridge English: Proficiency – C2 (commonly known as Certificate in Proficiency – CPE)
Represents a very high standard of competence in English which is recognised, not only by many British universities, but also by universities in other English-speaking countries for the purpose of matriculation.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL can prepare you or members of your staff for the IELTS diagnostic test. This test consists of 4 modules (Listening, Speaking, Academic Reading and Academic Writing). Candidates are graded on a scale of one to nine (most colleges and universities require a score of 6.0 or higher). IELTS exams are held on a monthly basis. CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL can provide you with dates when the exams are given in Portugal and can help you with your enrolment.

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL prepares its students for the following official French as a Foreign Language Exams authorised by the French Ministry of Education:

DELF B1 (Diploma in French Language Studies)
Level B1 of the Common European Framework for languages certifies the capacity to understand and maintain a conversation, give one’s opinion and deal with unfamiliar day-to-day situations. The user can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

DELF B2 (Diploma of French Language Studies)
Level B2 of the European Common Framework for languages certifies that the user has acquired a degree of independence and a practical and operational knowledge of the French language. The candidate is capable of developing, defending and arguing a particular point of view about different topics. He can interact and feel at ease about giving his opinion about current affairs.

DALF C1 (Diploma in Advanced French Language)
Level C1 of the European Common Framework for languages is equated with the level of an independent user and certifies a deep understanding of the French language. The user can express himself fluently and spontaneously about complex subjects and is also able to produce elaborate discourse in his area of expertise. The DALF is recognised by the majority of French universities as the acceptable linguistic level for their classes.

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL prepares students for the following German exams:

Start Deutsch 1 A1

This exam consists of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking parts and represents the A1 level of the common European framework for languages. Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Start Deutsch 2 A2

Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking are also a part of this exam and it represents level A2 of the Common European Framework for languages. The user can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). S/he can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. S/he can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

ZD Goethe-Zertifikat B1

This exam represents level B1 of the Common European Framework for languages and consists of the following exam parts: Listening, Reading, Letter-writing, Grammar and Vocabulary and Speaking. The user can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. S/he can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. S/he can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. S/he can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Goethe-Zertifikat B2

This exam consists of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking parts and represents level B2 of the Common European Framework for languages, the same level as the FCE in English. The user can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. S/he can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. S/he can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Goethe-Zertifikat C1

This exam consists of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking parts and represents level C1 of the Common European Framework for languages. As this is an advanced level certificate, it is seen as sufficient to enrol in numerous German universities. The user can understand a wide range of demanding longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. S/he can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. S/he can use language flexibly anf effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. S/he can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL prepares students for the following Portuguese exams:

CIPLE A2 (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira)
Tests basic ability to deal with a limited number of predictable everyday communicative situations. Whether in the workspace or studying, holders of the CIPLE are expected to deal with communicative situations requiring very limited use of Portuguese

DEPLE B1 (Diploma Elementar de Português Língua Estrangeira)
The gramatical and lexical structures to be used at this level are those necessary for successful production and comprehension of written and oral texts. Language users are expected to deal with a number of situations in everyday life, in the workplace and while studying which require mostly predictable use of the language.

DIPLE B2 (Diploma Intermédio de Português Língua Estrangeira)
At this level, users gain the independence that allows them to deal with a variety of communicative situations. They have already developed linguistic mechanisms of communication, which allow a certain degree of flexibility. Their understanding of oral and written texts goes beyond mere understanding of factual information. They are able to produce texts of various types. This level allows users to function in situations in which Portuguese is the language of work. However, there may still be difficulties in situations in which Portuguese is simultaneously the language of work and the language of communication. At this level, users may attend courses, including academic ones (e.g. within the framework of exchange programmes between universities).

DAPLE C1 (Diploma Avançado de Português Língua Estrangeira)
Corresponding to level C1 of the Common European Framework of the Council of Europe, the DAPLE represents an advanced level of knowledge of Portuguese. One is able to use the language in a creative and flexible way with the ability to respond appropriately in both predictable and unforeseen situations. This level allows users to work in contexts in which it is only the language of work. This level also allows users to follow academic courses.

DUPLE C2 (Diploma Universitário de Português Língua Estrangeira)
At this level, users have communicative competence which allows them to use the language with much confidence and ease. Users are able to extend their active and passive vocabulary and improve their command of register in both written and oral texts. Candidates can increase the cultural component of their Portuguese as well as follow academic courses and work in situations in which Portuguese is the medium of communication.