The London Tests of English are international English language exams for speakers of English as a foreign language (EFL).
The London Tests of English were originally developed by the University of London Schools Examination Board in 1982. The Examination Board merged with Business & Technological Council (BTEC) in 1996 to become Edexcel, the largest examining body of academic and vocational in the UK. The exams are accredited by QCA, the Qualification and Curriculum Authority.
There are six levels which are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The Framework was developed by the Council of Europe to enable language learners, teachers, universities or potential employers to compare and relate language qualifications by level.
The London Tests of English consist of two parts: a written paper and an oral exam. The written paper tests listening, reading comprehension and writing skills and it is marked by external examiners in the UK. The oral exam is assessed by trained local examiners and is sent to the UK for moderation.
These exams are:
• Motivating & help build confidence
The London Tests of English are scenario-based English language assessments designed to allow students the freedom to express themselves, show what they can do and how well they can use English as speakers of other languages.
• Authentic & relevant
The emphasis for our students is on real-life situations that learners will meet, not on how well they remember formal vocabulary and structures. For this reason, tests use real-life scenarios rather than grammatical exercises, and focus on a student’s ability to both understand and communicate proficiently.
• Flexible & communicative
The tasks set at each level are similar to the tasks used in modern communicative course books and a variety of teaching materials and approaches can be used to prepare for the tests.
• Comprehensive & integrate all four skills
There is a single paper which tests listening and reading comprehension and extended writing and an oral test which is taken before the written exam paper. The communicative nature of the tests enables them to be shorter for candidates, without compromising the quality of the achievement.
• Assess & certificate
The tests are prepared and marked by teams of professionals and successful candidates receive a certificate of attainment from the largest examining body in the UK, Edexcel, a Pearson company.
• Provide constructive feedback & ease of administration
Using online marking system (e-Pen) and web-based test centre service system (Edexcel Online), able edexcel to provide fast and helpful feedback on individual performance of students in the exams.
ACCREDITATION
London Tests of English have been formally accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). The QCA is the British regulatory body that monitors qualifications in schools, colleges and in the workplace.
CERTIFICATION
The Tests are prepared and marked by teams of professionals and successful candidates receive a certificate of attainment from Edexcel. In some countries the oral interview is assessed by locally trained assessors, whereas in other countries they are entirely graded in London. The exams are taken in over 45 countries around the world.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Levels 4 and 5 of the London Tests of English are accepted for entrance to universities in the UK and by a variety of international companies.
The following institutions are the British universities and colleges which have
agreed to recognise the London Tests of English as evidence of English
language competency for admission.
