In addition to updating the technologies used for assessments, Cambridge ESOL also regularly introduces new qualifications and reviews existing examinations and tests. This ensures that they remain up to date and continue to meet the needs of candidates and the universities, employers and other organisations that recognise them.

Review of FCE/CAE

Over the last four years, Cambridge ESOL has carried out a thorough review of the FCE and CAE examinations, two of the world’s best known and most widely recognised qualifications for learners of English. Our specialist exam development and research teams, working closely with external consultants and senior examiners, looked at possible improvements in every aspect of the exams, and carried out consultation with exam centres, teachers and learners around the world. As a result of this review, a number of improvements to the exams will be introduced in December 2008:

• the tests will focus on a wider range of skills and functions
• some components of the exams will include new and/or improved task types
• some components will be more standardised in content, making it more straightforward for students to prepare for the exams
• the overall length of the exams will be reduced by approximately an hour.
  

Teaching Knowledge Test – KAL/CLIL

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is growing in popularity. CLIL refers to teachers who teach non-language subjects in a second language. It aims to integrate language learning across disciplines.

Cambridge ESOL is currently working on integrating a new CLIL module into the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT). In addition, the Knowledge About Language test (KAL) has been created to test knowledge of the structures and concepts based within the framework of English. Both modules were developed and tested throughout 2007 and will be available in 2008.

Cambridge ESOL for Work

The new Cambridge ESOL for Work qualifications were launched in November 2007, in response to a government scheme to introduce new qualifications for learners of English wishing to work in the UK. In order to ensure relevance and reliability, we are basing our ESOL for Work provision on well established, work-related tests which have already been taken by hundreds of thousands of successful candidates around the world.

The assessments measure candidates’ language proficiency in terms of the English they need to use and understand in the workplace. Cambridge ESOL for Work has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in the UK.

BULATS online

Cambridge ESOL developed an online version of the Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) in 2007. Based on the existing qualification it will offer more flexibility and ease of use to test takers. The existing computer-based and ‘paper-and-pen’ BULATS tests continue to flourish – for example, 2007 saw significant growth in the use of BULATS in the civil service and financial sector in Taiwan. The introduction of BULATS online in 2008 will make language testing more accessible for employers worldwide.

International Certificate in Financial English

Cambridge ESOL has also developed an English qualification for people working in or studying accounting or finance. The International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE) was developed in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the first exams took place in May 2007.

Candidate results

In August 2007 over 100 course providers accessed their candidates’ results via the New Course Providers’ Results Online website. Following feedback, enhancements were made and a second larger pilot ran for the November/December exam sessions. It is hoped to make the service generally available in 2008.

IELTS half bands

In July 2007, a change to the IELTS Band Scores was implemented to make the scoring more informative. Scores for each part of the test are still reported on the scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking tests are reported in whole or half bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening tests.

There are three main benefits:

• recognising organisations are able to set their requirements for admission and recruitment more precisely, based on more detailed information about the test taker’s performance in each of the four skills
• the Test Report Form gives test takers more precise information on their strengths and weaknesses
• IELTS scores are now easier to understand because test taker performance in all skills is reported in the same way.

This is the latest in a series of enhancements to IELTS, based on continual consultation with test takers, teachers, recognising organisations and other stakeholders around the world.

Modular DELTA

One of the major research projects undertaken in 2007 looked into the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA). DELTA is Cambridge ESOL’s flagship teaching qualification and has set the standard for the profession since its introduction.

Following a comprehensive review, we are introducing a modular DELTA syllabus, which will replace the current syllabus from September 2008.

The DELTA review process involved:

• consultation with centres and current DELTA providers through an information-gathering questionnaire
• consideration of feedback received from DELTA candidates
• commissioning of reports by expert ELT consultants to identify areas for revision and development
• setting up of working groups to explore areas for revision and development in the light of feedback received.

The review highlighted a demand for more flexible qualification options to take account of the widely diverse needs of teachers around the world, and their preferences for undertaking professional development in a flexible, more tailored way with fewer time constraints. The modular framework will make DELTA much more accessible and open up possibilities for more creative ways of developing as a professional teacher.