Cambridge Assessment English

alpha beta piccadilly is the Authorised Exam Centre in South Tyrol for the Cambridge Assessment English suite of exams.

Cambridge Assessment English, a department of the renowned University of Cambridge, offers the world's leading range of certificates for learners and teachers of English - taken by over 3 million people in 130 countries. The exams test the students' language skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.They help people gain entrance to university or college, improve job prospects or measure progress in English. More than 20,000 employers, universities and government bodies around the world recognise Cambridge Assessment English exams.

Dates and costs

In the exam calendar, you can find all the information you need regarding exam dates, registration deadlines and prices. Enrolments for the accademic year 2023/24 will be open from September 2023.

Enrolments

There are two possibilities:
  1. Candidates can enrol directly on our homepage for their chosen exam date. In this case, the full fee must be paid.
  2. Students of Italian universities and state schools or equivalent institutions can register for exams at a reduced price. To take advantage of this reduction, the enrolment must be made by the school/universities. For further information click here or contact the Cambridge office (reachable only by email).
A 2 Key (KET)
A 2 Key (KET) is at Level A 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. At A2 level, typical users can be expected to understand and use everyday expressions and basic phrases, introduce themselves and answer basic questions about their personal details and interact with English speakers who talk slowly and clearly.

The exam is divided into three parts:
- Reading and Writing (60 minutes)
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Speaking (8-10 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and candidates need to demonstrate they can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions.

Further information and sample papers

We recommend attending one of our specialised preparation courses. For further information, please contact theoktisto@alphabeta.it

Dates and enrolment deadlines
See exam calendar.

Enrolments
There are two possibilities:
  1. Candidates can enroll directly on the online enrolment form. In this case, the full fee must be paid.
  2. Students of Italian universities and state schools or equivalent institutions can register for exams at a reduced price. To take advantage of this reduction, the enrolment must be made by the school/university. A fully completed list of the candidates needs to be sent by the enrolment deadline from the school or university’s official email address ( e.g. from an English teacher or a secretary) to cambridge@alphabeta.it. Click here to download the form for schools and universities. For further information click here or contact the Cambridge office (reachable only by email).
Important: an enrolment is only valid once the payment has been received

Important downloadable documents

 
B 1 Preliminary (PET)
B 1 Preliminary (PET) is at Level B 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. At B 1 level, typical users can be expected to understand the main points of straightforward instructions or public announcements, deal with most of the situations they might meet when travelling as a tourist in an English-speaking country, ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations in a work environment as well as writing letters or making notes on familiar matters.

The exam is divided into fourparts:
- Reading (45minutes)
- Writing (45 minutes)
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Speaking (10-12 minutes)

Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and have to show their ability in spoken English by taking part in conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about their likes and dislikes.

further information and sample papers

We recommend attending one of our specialised preparation courses. For further information, please contact theoktisto@alphabeta.it

Dates and enrolment deadlines
See exam calendar.

Enrolments
There are two possibilities:
  1. Candidates can enroll directly on the online enrolment form. In this case, the full fee must be paid.
  2. Students of Italian universities and state schools or equivalent institutions can register for exams at a reduced price. To take advantage of this reduction, the enrolment must be made by the school/university. A fully completed list of the candidates needs to be sent by the enrolment deadline from the school or university’s official email address ( e.g. from an English teacher or a secretary) to cambridge@alphabeta.it. Click here to download the form for schools and universities. For further information click here or contact the Cambridge office (reachable only by email).
Important: an enrolment is only valid once the payment has been received

Important downloadable documents
B 2 First (FCE)
B 2 First (FCE) is at Level B 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. At B 2 level, typical users can be expected to understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing, keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, express opinions and present arguments, produce clear, detailed writing, express opinions and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.

The exam is divided into four parts:
- Reading and "Use of English" (1 hour and 15 minutes)
- Writing (1 hour and 20 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Speaking (14 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves.

Further information and sample papers

We recommend attending one of our specialised preparation courses. For further information, please contact theoktisto@alphabeta.it

Dates and enrolment deadlines
See exam calendar.

Enrolments
There are two possibilities:
  1. Candidates can enroll directly on the online enrolment form. In this case, the full fee must be paid.
  2. Students of Italian universities and state schools or equivalent institutions can register for exams at a reduced price. To take advantage of this reduction, the enrolment must be made by the school/university. A fully completed list of the candidates needs to be sent by the enrolment deadline from the school or university’s official email address ( e.g. from an English teacher or a secretary) to cambridge@alphabeta.it. Click here to download the form for schools and universities. For further information click here or contact the Cambridge office (reachable only by email).
Important: an enrolment is only valid once the payment has been received

Important downloadable documents
C 1 Advanced (CAE)
C 1 Advanced (CAE) is at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) - an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. At C 1 level, typical users can be expected to read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, understand complex opinions, produce clear, well-structured and detailed pieces of writing, express themselves well with a good degree of fluency as well as using English flexibly for social, professional and academic purposes.

The exam is divided into four parts:
- Reading and "Use of English" (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Speaking (15 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves.

Further information and sample papers

We recommend attending one of our specialised preparation courses. For further information, please contact theoktisto@alphabeta.it

Dates and enrolment deadlines
See exam calendar.

Enrolments
There are two possibilities:
  1. Candidates can enroll directly on the online enrolment form. In this case, the full fee must be paid.
  2. Students of Italian universities and state schools or equivalent institutions can register for exams at a reduced price. To take advantage of this reduction, the enrolment must be made by the school/university. A fully completed list of the candidates needs to be sent by the enrolment deadline from the school or university’s official email address ( e.g. from an English teacher or a secretary) to cambridge@alphabeta.it. Click here to download the form for schools and universities. For further information click here or contact the Cambridge office (reachable only by email).
Important: an enrolment is only valid once the payment has been received

Important downloadable documents
C 2 Proficiency (CPE)
C 2 Proficiency was the first of the Cambridge ESOL exams to be introduced. The langauge level is equivalent to a native speaker with a good educational background. Cambridge English: Proficiency is at Level C 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) - an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. At C 2 level, typical users can be expected to understand with ease virtually everything they hear and read, make accurate and complete notes during a presentation, understand colloquial asides, talk about complex and sensitive issues without awkwardness as well as expressing themselves precisely and fluently.

The exam is divided into four parts:
- Reading (1 hour und 30 minutes)
- Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Speaking (16 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves.

Further information and sample papers

We recommend attending one of our specialised preparation courses. For further information, please contact theoktisto@alphabeta.it

​Dates and enrolment deadlines
See exam calendar.

Enrolments
There are two possibilities:
  1. Candidates can enroll directly on the online enrolment form. In this case, the full fee must be paid.
  2. Students of Italian universities and state schools or equivalent institutions can register for exams at a reduced price. To take advantage of this reduction, the enrolment must be made by the school/university. A fully completed list of the candidates needs to be sent by the enrolment deadline from the school or university’s official email address ( e.g. from an English teacher or a secretary) to cambridge@alphabeta.it. Click here to download the form for schools and universities. For further information click here or contact the Cambridge office (reachable only by email).
Important: an enrolment is only valid once the payment has been received

Important downloadable documents
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Young learners:
The Cambridge Young Learners English Tests (YLE):
- are for children from 7 to 12 years old
- are child friendly in terms of content and layout
- have flexible dates
- award a certificate to every candidate

Important downloadable documents
Pre A 1 Starters
The exam is divided into three parts:
- Listening (20 minutes)
- Reading & Writing (20 minutes)
- Speaking (4 minutes)

Further information and sample papers
A 1 Movers
The exam is divided into three parts:
- Listening (28 minutes)
- Reading & Writing (30 minutes)
- Speaking (6 minutes)

Further information and sample papers
A 2 Flyers
The exam is divided into three parts:
- Listening (28 minutes)
- Reading & Writing (30 minutes)
- Speaking (6 minutes)

Further information and sample papers
Linguaskill for test takers
The accurate test of English with fast results
Linguaskill is a quick and convenient online test to help organisations check the English levels of individuals and groups of candidates. It tests all four language skills - Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening - in modules and results are aligned to international standards. Powered by patented Artificial Intelligence, the test is reliable and you will receive your results in under 48 hours.
You receive a Test Report with detailed results - aligned to the international benchmark for describing language ability, the Common European Framework of Reference – and ‘can do’ statements describing your ability. This will help you to move forward and progress.
Linguaskill is available as two options, General and Business. This gives you the ability to choose the sort of language that will be tested, based on your objectives.
 
The test is divided into three parts:
- Reading and Listening (60 – 85 minutes)
- Writing (45 minutes)
- Speaking (15 minutes)
 
Further information & sample papers

further Information: otoole@alphabeta.it

Enrolment: alpha beta piccadilly Bolzano / Bozen and Merano / Meran

Cost of test: € 150
Business English:
More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and commerce. If you can show you have relevant language skills, you will have a great advantage in the job market and much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad. The Cambridge Business English (BEC) exams can help show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a business context. The exam tests English competence in a range of real situations taken from international business, covering a variety of topics such as marketing, production, financial services and general administration.

If you’re interested in this exam, please contact our Cambridge office at cambridge@alphabeta.it
 
B 1 Business Preliminary
Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC) is at Level B 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.

The exam is divided into three parts:
- Reading & Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Speaking (10-12 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves.

Further information, sample papers and exam regulations
B 2 Business Vantage
BEC Vantage is at Level B 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) - an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.

The exam is divided into four parts:
- Reading (1 hour)
- Writing (45 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Speaking (14 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves.

Further information, sample papers and exam regulations
C 1 Business Higher
Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC) is at Level C 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) - an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.

The exam is divided into four parts:
- Reading (1 hour)
- Writing (1 hour and 10 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Speaking (16 minutes)
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves.

Further information, sample papers and exam regulations
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)
The Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test for Teachers:
- the test certifies fundamental didactic and methodical knowledge
- it is suitable for beginners as well as teachers without formal qualifications
- teaching experience and pedagogic training are not required
- exam modules can be taken individually or in combination
- prerequisite: a minimum of B1 level English language skills
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) specialist module: Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
Content:
Part 1 - Knowledge of CLIL and Principles of CLIL
- aims of and rationale for CLIL
- language across the curriculum
- communication skills across the curriculum
- cognitive skills across the curriculum
- learning skills across the Curriculum
Part 2A - Lesson Preparation
- planning a lesson or a series of lessons
- language demands of subject content and accompanying tasks
- resources including multi-media and visual organisers
- materials selection and adaptation
- activity types
Part 2B - Lesson Delivery
- classroom language
- scaffolding content and language learning
- methods to help learners develop learning strategies
- consolidating learning and Differentiation
Part 2C - Assessment
- focus of assessment
- types of assessment
- support strategies

Further information & sample papers

Length: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Location: Bolzano / Bozen

Enrolments 
For further information about enrolments and exam dates please contact cambridge@alphabeta.it.

Enrolment form and exam regulations

Cost of exam: € 60

Preparation courses: we offer preparation courses for this exam.
TKT Module 1 - Background to language teaching
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) Module 1: Language and background to language learning and teaching

Content:
- describing language and language skills
- background to language learning
- background to language teaching

Further information and sample papers

Length: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Enrolments 
For further information about enrolments and exam dates please contact cambridge@alphabeta.it.

Cost of exam: € 60
TKT Module 2 - Planning lessons and use of resources for language teaching
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) Module 2: Planning lessons and use of resources for language teaching

Content:
- planning and preparing a lesson or sequence of lessons
- selection and use of resources and materials

Further information and sample papers

Length: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Enrolments 
For further information about enrolments and exam dates please contact cambridge@alphabeta.it.

Cost of exam: € 60

TKT Module 3 - Managing the teaching and learning process
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) Module 3: Managing the teaching and learning process

Content:
- teachers' and learners' language in the classroom
- classroom management

Further information and sample papers

Length: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Enrolments 
For further information about enrolments and exam dates please contact cambridge@alphabeta.it.

Cost of exam: € 60
TKT specialist module: Young learners
Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) specialist module: Young Learners

Content:
Part 1 - Knowledge of young learners and principles of teaching English to young learners
- children’s characteristics as language learners (theory-focused)
- developing children’s learning strategies through language learning
- developing children’s cognitive strategies through language learning
- developing children’s communication strategies through language learning
Part 2 - Planning and preparing Young learner lessons
- lesson plans – components /headings
- providing support and challenge when selecting and using coursebooks and supplementary materials 
-  additional resources – selecting, adapting and supplementing
Part 3 - Teaching young learners
- scaffolding children’s understanding of language and use of language through teacher language and teaching strategies
- using practice activities to consolidate children’s language learning
- managing young learners in class
Part 4 - Assessing young learner learning through classroom-based assessment
- purposes of different types of classroom-based assessment
- focus of different types of classroom-based assessment
- acting on classroom-based assessment evidence

Further information & sample papers

Length: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Enrolments 
For further information about enrolments and exam dates please contact cambridge@alphabeta.it.

Cost of exam: € 60

Preparation courses: we offer preparation courses for this exam.

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