Applying for a certifying statement

A certifying statement is a document which is accepted by universities and other institutions as proof of the exam result if the original certificate is lost. Certifying statements can only be requested by the candidate or the candidate’s centre of entry. Certifying statements can either be sent directly to the candidate or to any public institution.

For further information, please see www.cambridgeenglish.org/help/lost- certificates.

Extended certification

Extended certification gives many candidates additional credit for the language skills they have demonstrated, and a clearer picture of how results relate to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This helps universities, employers, government bodies and other organisations to make informed decisions and increase opportunities for candidates.

Extended certification applies to:

• Cambridge English: Key and Key for Schools

• Cambridge English: Preliminary and Preliminary for Schools • Cambridge English: First and First for Schools

• Cambridge English: Advanced • Cambridge English: Proficiency

• Business English Certificates: Preliminary, Vantage and Higher.

Cambridge English exams have always included items which cover a range of difficulty. Although each of these exams is targeted at a particular level on the CEFR, they also cover the levels immediately above and below, and extended certification allows candidates to receive credit for their performance at these levels. It is an enhancement to the way we report results, and does not change the content of the exams or the skills candidates need to demonstrate to achieve a particular grade.

Extended certification is designed to give a clearer picture of how candidates’ performance in each Cambridge English exam aligns to the CEFR. It works in two ways:

• A candidate who performs particularly well in the exams can get credit at a higher level on the CEFR. For example, candidates who get grade A in Cambridge English: Advanced receive a ‘CAE’ certificate indicating that they are at C2 level.

• Candidates can also receive credit for their English language skills, even if they do not achieve a passing grade. So a candidate who does not get enough marks for a grade C in Cambridge English: Advanced can still be awarded a certificate showing performance at Level B2 if they show this level of ability in the exam.

Appendix 1: Glossary

Action Plan

If a centre is awarded ‘In need of improvement’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’ after a centre inspection, the Centre

Inspections Unit or local Inspections Co- ordinator will email them an Action Plan. The centre must complete the Action Plan with the actions it has taken to rectify all the faults found and email it back to the Centre Inspections Unit or their local Inspections Co- ordinator before the deadline.

Amanuensis

If a candidate is unable to write their answers either by hand or computer, you may ask permission to use someone who can perform this task for them. For regulations on the use of an Amanuensis, see the Special

Requirements Booklet available from the support website.

Answer sheets/booklets

Certain written exam papers require answer sheets. This method is used where candidates fill in a box to indicate their answer, for example in a multiple- choice task for Reading or Listening. The answer sheets are scanned by an Optical Mark Reader (OMR), which picks up the graphite from the candidate’s pencil mark and checks this against the key associated with that question. If a question is left blank, if a candidate fills in more than one lozenge for a question, or if a candidate uses a pen, the answer sheet is rejected and checked manually. Some answer sheets have sections where candidates write answers and these are marked by clerical markers.

Cambridge English Online

The website used by centres running Cambridge English: Key, Cambridge English: Key for Schools, Cambridge English:

Preliminary, Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools, Cambridge English: First, Cambridge English: First for Schools, Cambridge English: Advanced, Cambridge English: Proficiency, Cambridge English: Business Certificates, Cambridge English: Legal, Cambridge English: Financial, Delta Module One and their computer- based versions. Also known as

one of the Entries Systems.

During 2015 some of these exams will be moved to an alternative system.

Cambridge English: Young Learners Entries Systems

The sites used by Cambridge English: Young Learners centres to make their entries. There is one for paper- based

Cambridge English: Young Learners, and another for computer- based Cambridge English: Young Learners.

Candidate

A candidate is someone who is registered to take Cambridge English exams. Centres must register (make entries) on behalf of the candidate, who can be in one of three categories: internal, external, or private:

• internal candidates are those who take a course within the centre where they are registered to take the exam • external candidates belong to preparation centres who register candidates with the centre

• private candidates are those who are not studying at the centre or a preparation centre, but who take an exam independently.

CECI

The Cambridge English Candidate Identifier (CECI) is a unique number generated by Cambridge English Language Assessment when a candidate is entered for a Skills for Life unit or TKT module for the first time. Once the candidate is confirmed the CECI number appears on the Online Entries website, as well as on candidate listings, statements of entry, statements of results and certificates. It is essential that you record the CECI number and

inform the candidate, as all subsequent entries for further units will need to state the CECI on submission of the entry.

CEM (Centre Exams Manager)

The named main contact for Cambridge English Language Assessment, responsible on behalf of the centre for ensuring the correct administration of the exams, including but not limited to entries, the receipt of exam materials, results and certificates and for the distribution of these to candidates. Your CEM must ensure that: • entries are submitted on time

• enough appropriate staff are employed to supervise the exam and that these people are trained, responsible and trustworthy

• suitable venues are used and that all regulations are followed

• all information and despatches from Cambridge English Language Assessment are passed to the relevant centre staff

• venue details are submitted to Cambridge English Language Assessment within the deadlines

• there is a copy of the following forms available at each test venue: Special Consideration form, Malpractice form and Late Arrivals form

• all materials are stored securely

• candidate IDs are checked for each component when candidates are seated at their desk. In addition, for computer- based exams, they:

• ensure that the Technical Support is involved at an early stage, and that all necessary documentation is passed on to enable successful installation

• ensure that test material is downloaded and that candidates’ access tokens are printed in advance of each test • monitor the exam on the administration software, or delegate this responsibility to a trustworthy member of

staff.

Further details about the responsibilities of the CEM are in the Centre Registration Booklet (available from the support website) and in the Centre Agreement.

Certifying statement

If a candidate loses their certificate or wishes to verify their result for a third party, they must apply for a certifying statement. The application form is available on the support website.

Confirmation of Entry

A Confirmation of Entry is generated for each candidate who is registered on Cambridge English Online to take a Cambridge English exam. It contains information about the exams to be taken as well as the Summary regulations

and Notice to candidates. Centres must pass these on to candidates, for their reference. Users of Online Entries will

continue to use statements of entry.

Dummy partner (except Skills for Life)

A dummy partner is a non- assessed candidate used during the Speaking test. The use of a dummy partner is only allowed as a special arrangement for a candidate with special requirements, such as a speaking or hearing difficulty, or if they miss a test for a good reason with no possibility of attending a Speaking test on another day. See the Absent candidates and dummy partners section in the Exam Day Booklet and the Special Requirements

Dummy partner

A dummy partner takes the test with a candidate but their performance will not be assessed during the exam. There are different reasons for using dummy partners such as creating a pairing when the actual test partner is absent or for candidates with special requirements. See the relevant Exam Day Booklet available from the support website.

Entries Systems

The collective term for all the systems you use for entering candidates for any Cambridge English exams.

Exam Day Booklet

For Cambridge English: Key, Cambridge English: Key for Schools, Cambridge English: Preliminary, Cambridge English:

Preliminary for Schools, Cambridge English: First, Cambridge English: First for Schools, Cambridge English: Advanced, Cambridge English: Proficiency, Cambridge English: Business Certificates, Cambridge English: Legal, Cambridge English: Financial, TKT and Delta Module One, there is a step- by- step guide for supervisors and invigilators called the Exam Day Booklet. This booklet must be available in each exam room. The Skills for Life, Cambridge English: Young Learners and computer- based exams each have their own self- contained Exam Day Booklet. You can download and

print Exam Day Booklets from the support website.

Exam session

Means a one- week period (Monday to Sunday) for TKT. For other exams, it means the given exam period on the calendar, for example June F0 in Cambridge English: First or CB Cambridge English: Preliminary June AM1.

Inspection report

During an inspection, the Inspector completes a checklist of key regulations and rates the centre’s performance. The Inspector gives feedback and a copy of the report to the CEM/supervisor before leaving the centre. If an electronic report form is used, a copy will be emailed to the centre’s email address.

Inspector

Appointed by Cambridge English Language Assessment to inspect live exam sessions and to objectively

evaluate the security of confidential materials storage, exam administration and invigilation, and to advise centre representatives accordingly, using the inspection report.

Interlocutor (Speaking & Listening tests)

The Interlocutor:

• Is a teacher from the college where the student is taking the test, or a similarly qualified person who meets the minimum professional requirements (MPRs).

• Must work through the self- access Interlocutor training materials before conducting any Speaking & Listening tests. These materials provide detailed guidance and support for the role of the Interlocutor, however they must not be used for teaching purposes.

• Needs to familiarise themselves with the live Speaking & Listening test materials a day or two before any exams.

• Must preserve confidentiality of exam materials.

• Is expected to be punctual to start the Speaking & Listening tests on schedule. The tests must last the correct amount of time according to the timetable.

• Manages the interaction in a Speaking & Listening test, asking candidates the appropriate questions and leading the direction of the conversation.

If you need any Interlocutor Training Packs, contact the Helpdesk.

Invigilator

Appointed by the centre to invigilate an exam. Ensures that materials are kept securely, the exam is run according to Cambridge English Language Assessment regulations, and that the integrity of the exam is maintained. Ensures that all candidates are under surveillance from the point they enter the exam room to the point they leave the exam room. They also:

• might be involved in setting up the exam room(s)

• check candidate IDs while candidates are seated at their desks or are in the waiting area for Speaking tests • distribute the exam materials to the candidates

• for each paper, ensure that all mobile phones and electronic items are switched off and put into the designated area

• distribute candidate access tokens for computer- based tests

• report any incidents that might have affected the candidates, or malpractice, to the supervisor • collect and collate exam materials immediately after an exam

• seal materials in an envelope before removing them from the exam room.

The centre is responsible for recruiting and training enough suitable invigilators. Training must be carried out at least once a year and you must keep a record of this training.

Level

Skills for Life Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

Marshal

Responsible for escorting Speaking test candidates from the waiting room to the exam room. Must not leave candidates unsupervised until they go into the test room. Makes sure candidates who have been examined are kept separate from those waiting for their test. Marshals can also be used during written exams to help sole invigilators.

Minimum Professional Requirements

International centres are responsible for ensuring that their Speaking Examiners meet our Minimum Professional Requirements (MPRs).

Skills for Life centres, when selecting Interlocutors, must ensure they meet our MPRs. These are available on the support website.

Notice to candidates

The Notice to candidates provides essential information for candidates in advance of the exam. There are two types of Notice to candidates: there is one for Cambridge English: Young Learners and one for all the other exams. We will send you copies when you order exam materials and you can download them from the support website.

Online Entries

This is the website used by Skills for Life and TKT centres to register candidates for the exam. Also known as Entries System.

Online Marks Capture (OLMC)

This is the process for printing Speaking test mark sheets from the Online Entries website, and keying the marks into online forms for submitting directly to Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Packing codes

If you intend to use separate exam venues or rooms within the same venue(s), you must divide your entry into groups, referred to as packing codes. These are identified by three alpha characters (e.g. AAA) on the candidate screen in the relevant Entries System. You can use any combination of letters that are meaningful to you. Online Entries users (Skills for Life and TKT) will see the term ‘part code’.

Part code

See Packing codes.

Preparation centre

Formerly known as course providers or supplier schools. Institutions that offer Cambridge English courses, who provide candidates to their registered centres.

Pretesting

Before any questions are considered for inclusion in a Cambridge English exam, they are first pretested on groups of students. Usually these students are enrolled for the live exam in which they are being pretested. If you would like to sign up, more information on pretesting is available on the support website.

Professional Support Leader (PSL)

The most senior of the Team Leaders in a country or region. Responsible for training and ongoing monitoring of Team Leaders and Speaking Examiners.

Reader

If a candidate is unable to read the exam paper, or use Braille, you can ask permission to use someone to perform this task on their behalf. For regulations on the use of a Reader, see the Special Requirements Booklet, available from the support website.

Self- assessment checklists

Closely resemble the inspection report and are used by centres to train their centre staff and to self- regulate the quality of their exam administration. There is one self- assessment checklist for written exams, and one for Speaking. They are updated annually and are available from the support website.

Self- audit

This is a procedure you might be asked to carry out at your centre. You will be contacted and asked to fill in a self- audit form, which must be returned to us within two weeks. You can complete this form during one of the exams at your centre either yourself or delegate it to one of your invigilation staff. Self- audit is an additional quality check and complements face- to- face inspections.

SELT exams

The UK Visa and Immigration service (UKV&I) recognises certain exams for specific types of visa; it calls these exams Secure English Language Tests (SELT). If a candidate wants to take a Cambridge English exam for SELT purposes, there are additional requirements that you need to put in place. Without these additional requirements, the candidate will not be able to use their result for UKV&I purposes.

SfL ST form

The Skills for Life Speaking & Listening form used to book assessors at least five weeks before the intended exam date.

Sitting (Skills for Life and TKT)

A specific time on a specific day on which an exam takes place.

Speaking Examiner

International centres are responsible for training their Speaking Examiners using the Quality Assurance procedures (QA). Further details are available on the support website.

In the UK, Cambridge English Language Assessment provides the Speaking Examiners. In order to book the examiner for your Speaking exam (or Speaking & Listening test for Skills for Life) you must fill out the appropriate ST form within the specified deadlines on the calendars, available from the support website.

Special Arrangements

These are made in advance for candidates who either need modified question papers or have other administrative requirements, such as extra time. Use the Special Arrangements form available from the support website. For regulations on Special Arrangements, see the Special Requirements Booklet.

Special Consideration

If candidates experience any sort of distraction or distress during the exam, they might need Special Consideration to ensure they are not disadvantaged. You will need to consider whether the incident affects one candidate or all candidates in the room. The Special Consideration form is on the support website. For regulations on Special Consideration, see the Special Requirements Booklet.

ST form (UK only)

The Speaking Test Arrangements form used to book assessors no later than the deadline specified on the relevant calendar, available from the support website.

Statement of entry

A statement of entry is generated for each candidate who is registered on Online Entries to take a Cambridge English exam. It contains information about the exams to be taken as well as the Summary regulations and Notice to

candidates. Centres must pass these on to candidates, for their reference. Users of Cambridge English Online use

Confirmations of Entry.

Statement of results

Results are released on the Results Online website, which includes a graphical profile of the performance of the candidate.

Supervisor

A centre may nominate a person to co- ordinate a group of invigilators – this person is called a supervisor. The supervisor may be responsible for supervising all the invigilators at a venue, or a subset of invigilators at a large venue.

Support visit

Support visits are carried out by Centre Inspectors, who provide guidance and support where needed on the day you are running an exam. You can ask the Inspector any questions about exam administration and security of

In document Handbook for centres 2015 (Page 86-95)