CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS
The Cambridge examinations are the most widely known English examinations in Switzerland. Worldwide, between one and two million candidates a year take the Cambridge exams. They take these exams to further their education, improve their career prospects, prepare for travel or stays abroad or because they want to be able to demonstrate their achievement in that language by means of an internationally recognized certificate. These exams a recognized worldwide by universities, employers and educational institutions as a qualification.

How are the tests conducted?
The examinations are organized in written and oral sections, which are weighted differently. In the oral section, aural understanding and oral expression are tested, whereas the written portion tests reading comprehension and written expression.

When are the tests conducted?
Cambridge tests take place twice a year in June and December; the FCE test is also offered in March.

First Certificate in English (FCE)
The First Certificate in English is a middle level test which requires competence in all language abilities. The certificate is recognized in trade, industry and schools worldwide.

Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
The “Advanced Certificate in English” in an advanced level test introduced in 1991. The CAE is ideal for you if you require practice-related English specifically for academic or career-related purposes or if you have already completed the middle range.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
The “Certificate of Proficiency in English“ is a certificate of language ability at an advanced level and entitles the holder to take university courses and to teach the language. This certificate is designed specifically for academic purposes and for trainee teachers of English.


BUSINESS ENGLISH CERTIFICATES (BEC)
The Business English Certificates are intended for students for students who require knowledge of English for international business. The examinations test aural ability, oral expression, reading understanding and written expression – with a focus on commerce.

BEC Preliminary
The BEC Preliminary is the easiest of the three BEC examinations and corresponds to the B1 level of the Council of Europe’s common frame of reference for languages.

BEC Vantage
The BEC Vantage is the middle level of the three BEC examinations and corresponds to the B2 level of the Council of Europe’s common frame of reference for languages.

BEC Higher
The BEC Higher is the highest of the three BEC examinations and corresponds to the C1 level of the Council of Europe’s common frame of reference for languages.


TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an American test that must be passed before students can enroll at a university or college in the USA or Canada. The test is a multiple choice test consisting of the following sections: aural comprehension, language structure/grammar and reading comprehension/vocabulary and written section (no oral test). The test result is given in point form and candidates thus receive their individual point score rather than a specific examination result. Taking the TOEFL test is accordingly only worthwhile for students who are seriously intending to study at a North American university. Otherwise a Cambridge diploma is more useful as evidence of English language knowledge.

You can take the TOEFL test virtually weekly. The maximum point score is 667, or 300 points in the new, computer-based version.