Cambridge ESOL has an unrivalled international reputation. Recognition for our qualifications has grown in 2007, as a result of our expertise, the quality of our qualifications and the projects we are involved in around the world.

Continuing growth in China

The Cambridge Young Learners English tests (YLE) have been available in China for 10 years and more than
1.5 million children have taken the test during that time. Cambridge ESOL continued working with the National Examinations and Education Authority and with the various provincial education and examination authorities around the country throughout 2007. This has had a significant impact on the learning of English across China and YLE is a highly valued test.

China has also seen a significant growth in the number of candidates taking the Business English Certificate (BEC). BEC has seen a steady growth of 25% year-on-year over the past three years, thanks to an increasing demand for language skills in international business.

IELTS recognition

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is now recognised in more than 120 countries and is used by over 4,000 universities, colleges, immigration authorities and professional bodies throughout the English-speaking world. The number of candidates taking the test reached over 930,000 in the last year. Almost all higher education institutions in Australia, New Zealand and the UK accept IELTS scores, and it is also recognised by immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the US.

Recognition for IELTS in the US saw particularly strong growth in 2007. Around 1,400 US universities and faculties now recognise an IELTS score in their application process, including Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Princeton and Yale. Some institutions like the Duke University Graduate School in the US are making IELTS their ‘preferred’ test.

Professional bodies representing major US employers have also seen the potential of IELTS for overseas recruitment, including the International Commission on Healthcare Professionals (ICHP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and many individual state boards of nursing.

Recognition for our qualifications has grown steadily over the past year. Uptake and recognition growth has been especially strong in countries with rapidly developing economies, such as China and India