We offer the following Cambridge exams:
- KET (Key English Test)
- PET (Preliminary English Test)
- FCE (First Certificate in English)
- CAE (Cambridge Advanced English)
- CPE (Cambridge Proficiency in English)
- BEC Preliminary, Vantage e Higher (Business English)
- TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test - per insegnanti di lingua inglese)
- ILEC (International Legal English Certificate)
- Young Learners English – between the ages of 7 and 12 (Starters, Movers and Flyers) – These latter are booked upon request, according to the regulations outlined by the University of Cambridge.
CEF Common European Framework
The Common European Framework, dealing with languages – learning, teaching, valuation – and drafted by the Council of Europe, is a document that defines the linguistic competence for each language with the aim of making the European work and study scene more accessible and less static. The following table shows the Common European Framework level corresponding to the Cambridge exams for general English and the British Institute courses which prepare for these exams.
Common European Framework |
|
|
British Institute exam preparation course |
A2 |
KET |
Equips the student with phrases and expressions useful for daily use and relevant in common situations (ie. personal and basic information, how to shop, local geography, employment). Aids communication with regards to simple activities and routines, helps to exchange information on common and familiar topics. Helps the individual describe aspects of one’s own background, the surrounding environment and explain immediate needs. |
E2 |
B1 |
PET |
Equips the student with the key elements necessary to communicate on familiar topics relating to school, spare time, etc. Allows the student to gain confidence when travelling to English speaking countries as well as to deal with situations that might arise when abroad. Will enable the production of a simple written piece relating to familiar topics or of personal interest. Also, to describe events and experiences, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly explain the reasons behind certain opinions and future plans. |
E3 |
B2 |
FCE |
Allows the student to understands the principal ideas behind complex texts on both fictional and non-fictional nature as well as gaining a more technical language on a specialised opic. The student will be able to interact relatively freely and spontaneously, allowing a natural interaction with native speakers without struggle on either side. The student will be able to produce a clear and detailed text on a wide range of topics and explain a personal point of view in an argument offering both its pros and cons. |
FC5 |
C1 |
CAE |
Allows the student to understand a wide range of long and complex texts and to recognise their implied meaning. To express oneself freely and naturally. To use the language in a flexible way, effective for social, academic and professional purposes. To produce clear texts, well structured and detailed, on complex topics, showing a sure control of the written form as well as the thread of thought and argument in the piece of writing. |
CA7 |
C2 |
CPE |
The student will be able to easily understand practically all that is read or heard. Able to summarise information gathered from different sources, both spoken and written, reorganising the arguments in a logical and consistent form. Able to express oneself in a spontaneous fluent and correct way, and to understand hidden meanings in complex situations. |
CP8 |
Terms and fees
Individual candidates
The exam dates are set by UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate) 18 months in advance and cannot be altered. Written papers are held on the same date worldwide. The date of the oral exam will be set by the Examination centre, within a set period of time.
Candidates can register for Cambridge University exams at the British Institute of Florence.
Candidates can register at the British Institute of Florence or by sending the following documents by post or fax (to the addresses outlined below) within the set deadline:
- Enrolment form
- Form outlining Italian law on Privacy n.196 of 30 June 2003 - signed by a parent or guardian if under 18
- Copy of the receipt of the bank transfer
- Details of each student - for each exam being taken - outlined on headed paper
- Form outlining Italian law on Privacy n.196 of 30 June 2003 - signed by a parent or guardian if under 18
- Copy of the receipt of the payment
Schools
Schools registering a certain number of candidates must send the following documents by post to The British Institute of Florence, Piazza Strozzi 2, 50123 Firenze o by fax 00 39 055 2677 8222 within the set deadline indicated in the calendar.
Candidates who fail to register appropriately or fail to provide the required documentation, will not be able to sit the exam. All candidates are asked to read the terms and conditions.
The British Institute of Florence does not take responsibility for failed registrations due to lateness, therefore candidates and schools are asked to double-check deadlines and make sure they are respected.
Approximately a month following the closing deadline, candidates will receive a statement of entry, outlining the date, time and place in which to sit the exam.
Late entries
It will be possible to register for exams for 30 days after the closing deadline – subject to availability – by paying a 37.00 Euro fee.
Minimum number of candidates
Exams require a minimum number of 10 candidates. Failure to reach this number, the exam will be cancelled, and candidates will be able to choose whether to ask for a full refund or register on another date.
Transferring exams
Registrations cannot be changed with regard to date, exam or candidates. Candidates who require to transfer their registration to another Examination Centre will be entitled to a refund of the UCLES registration fee.
Refunds
Cambridge University accepts requests for refund only upon presentation of a medical certificate. Requests have to be made to the British Institute of Florence within 3 weeks of the exam date and need to be accompanied by a medical certificate. Refunds will be equivalent to approximately 50% of the registration fee.
Grades and Certificates
Online results
Individual candidates will be given a password with which to check their result online. They will also be able to print out a statement of results directly from the Cambridge University website.
Private candidates will be able to collect their certificate in person, approximately 4 weeks after having been given the result.
Schools will be sent diplomas by post, which will then be handed out to the students.
Cambridge Young Learners Exams
Exams for candidates between the age of 7 and 12 – planned out in a manner that stimulates the young learner, preparing him or her for the following exams. These exams help to evaluate the level that the student has reached during the year. The exams are divided into three levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers; The level of the Flyers exams is that of Cambridge Key English (KET) – First of the Cambridge exams.