Which one to choose for admission in UK universities?
If you intend to continue your university studies in the UK, a basic requirement is providing proof of a minimum level of fluency in the English language. If you come from a course of study in Italy, you can prove it showing either an international upper secondary education diploma (for example, the International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL) or the European Baccalaureate), or a recognized English language certificate.
With or without expiration date
UK universities generally accept different types of certificates and are quite flexible in recognizing alternatives. However, to help you choose which certification is best suited to your needs, we can distinguish two main types of certificates: certificates with a predefined expiration date, and those that never expire.
IELTS & TOEFL
The most popular of the first type is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), which exists in two versions: General Training and Academic. The IELTS Academic is ideal for those who want to study abroad, as it focuses on academic skills such as reading graphs, tables and articles and writing short academic papers. At the end of the exam, the candidate receives a Test Report Form divided into four areas of competence (listening, reading, writing and speaking), each with a score from 1 (Non-user) to 9 (Expert user).The average of the four marks represents the final score of the exam. A grade from 6 to 7.5 is usually required for university admission in the United Kingdom. Although officially the Test Report Form does not report any expiration date, it is good to remember that most universities consider valid only certificates obtained in the last two years.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is similar to the IELTS. Although it is also recognized by British universities, the TOEFL is perhaps the most universal certification, as it is required to access American, Canadian, Australian institutions and many international organizations. The only version obtainable in Italy is the TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test), which occurs entirely online. Like the IELTS, the TOEFL certificate evaluates language proficiency in four areas (reading, listening, speaking and writing) on a scale from 0 to 120. Unlike the IELTS, the certified level is explicitly valid for two years only. Universities generally require a minimum final score of 100 or 110.
Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge ESOL certifications belong to the second type of certificates, the ones which never expire. Cambridge ESOL has 5 different progressive levels, all identifiable on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the international standard to define linguistic knowledge. The levels of interest for university admission are the fourth – CAE Certificate of Advanced English – and the fifth – CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English. Both are marked on a scale from 0 to 210 and a mark of 180 is required to pass the exam and obtain the certificate. However, when getting a mark below 180, it is possible to apply for the lower level certificate in the CEFR. UK universities usually accept a minimum grade of 185 or higher, depending on the type and level of university course you are applying for.
How to choose
In conclusion, how to choose between the two types of certificate? Much depends on the goal you want to accomplish with the certificate itself. If you want to obtain a certificate with the specific purpose of university admission only, it is advisable to prepare for the IELTS Academic or TOEFL. In fact, while preparing for these language exams, you will also train the skills you need to study abroad. Differently, if you want a generally valid and internationally recognized certificate to indicate a reliable language level in your CV, it is advisable to opt for Cambridge ESOL certificates, choosing the level that best suits your needs.