What is CEFR?
CEFR is short for: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment.
This is an international assessment standard commonly used by universities, publishers, employers and language schools.
| A1 - A2 | B1 - B2 | C1 - C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Independent | Proficient |
A CEFR test is highly recommended
CEFR test scores relate to a scale that gives an idea of what is possible at each level. Your score can be used to assess your ability to take a particular exam, and indicates if there are any levels you should complete first.
PLC School offers the following preparation and practice tests for:
- Cambridge English (all ages and levels for travel, work or study)
- English Life Skills for Visa
- German Start Deutsch for Visa
Please note: PLC School is not directly associated with Oxford University, Cambridge English Learning, The British Council, or The Goethe-Institut. All examinations are taken at official test centres and certified independently by the relevant examination boards.
Exam Practice and Preparation at PLC School
There are opportunities to take certified exams as your learning progresses and you reach certain levels. At these points, you can add exam preparation to your studies at PLC School and practice your language skills with additional lessons in the exam format together with online practice tests.
Exams are open to all students. There are no special application processes. You just need to be at the right level. Although PLC School does not provide the actual tests, we can provide preparation and practice in a friendly environment to give you everything you need to get ready for a real test.
Once you are confident and ready, you can then book a real test at an official test centre in Bangkok. The exams are certified by Cambridge or other recognized examination bodies, and you receive a full certificate once you pass the exam. Passing certified exams provides confirmation that your indicated level has been tested by an independent examination body. This gives recognized value to your achievements.
Which exam should I take?
If you know that you need a particular qualification, but unsure which one it is, or the level required, PLC School advises you to contact the person or organization asking for the qualification to confirm the level or exam type. This applies to situations such as visa application, study abroad, workplace exams or working abroad.
Already have a test score?
If you have taken a real or practice test and have a score, it can be used to evaluate your ability. PLC School can provide advice about the best way to proceed and improve your score, and give an indication of how many study hours you may need. Lessons can focus on the areas you need help with, and an online practice test can be used to revise and practice within a particular test format.
Language Tests for Visas
PLC School offers test preparation for visa application for A1 level English and German. This level is required for applications for the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany. In some cases the required level is B1. You are advised to check your visa application requirements to confirm the required level (A1 or B1).
If your aim is to work or study in the USA, there is no English language test requirement for a visa application. However, you may need to show a certified level of English for work or education. The Cambridge English qualifications may be acceptable for this purpose. Requirements are subject to change - you are advised to check with the school, college, employer or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the latest information.
Language Tests for Work or Study Abroad
PLC School can help you to practice and prepare for English exams that apply to the workplace particularly, or for study abroad. Full practice tests and lessons are combined to achieve the required skill level, and to help you to become familiar with the actual tests and test format.
How many study hours do I need?
The answer depends on how often you study, how well you progress, and what your level is now.
You may need to study further to get where you need to be. Students studying for exams will need to ensure they maintain their study and remain motivated to keep things moving. Teachers will help and advise students in these situations to ensure learning aims are realistic and can be met. Teachers can help students to plan and manage progress with the help of self-study materials and a more intensive learning approach.
In general terms, progression from one CEFR level to the next can take around 200 hours of guided study. This may require the completion of one or more course book levels.
CEFR Placement Test
Most exams feature a test of all the language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). These aspects may be combined and tested together, or tested separately.
A complete CEFR test will provide your teacher with the input needed to evaluate where revision or preparation time needs to be spent, and which skills need to be improved to ensure a good, overall skill level, or to pass an exam.
Courses Prices and Options
Exam Preparation
A CEFR Placement test is strongly recommended as the first step if you are considering taking any exam. This helps both the student and the teacher to confirm current ability for each language skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
Practice tests can be purchased and added to your course either at the beginning, or at an appropriate point (when you are ready). The practice exam is accessed online and presented in the same format as the real exam.
Class time exam practice focuses on evaluating your skills and preparation for a particular exam format. You can add extra hours for this, or use some of your existing class time hours for exam practice. The cost of class time remains the same, but the focus changes from general learning to study for a specific exam. For this reason, you should be at the appropriate level.
Single, Twin or Group Classes
One-to-one classes are available and offer a highly focused learning process for fast progression.
Twin Classes gives two students (at a similar level) the opportunity to learn together. This can help with confidence and friends can support each other during study.
In this case, Group Classes are only possible if all the students are at a similar level. Learning as a group can provide support, but if the gap in ability between individual students is too wide, learning can become less effective.
Education Visas are available for foreign students if the study hours cover the requirements. Exam preparation is progressive and more specific, therefore there are no existing study groups to join. If group rates are required, a new private group must be formed.
Study Hours and Discounts
PLC School offers flexible options for study hours. You do not have to book extensive amounts of time. You can manage your hours and payment by buying blocks of study time to suit your available time or budget.
Important Note: set hours are required for an Education Visa.
If you have a friend or friends who also want to study (and are at the same level), you can take advantage of discounts by attending as a pair (a twin class) or as small group (three or more people).
Study hours can be bought in blocks. Discounts relate to the number of students per class (twin or group). Each student will need to purchase their own practice test.
Available Practice Tests (Online)
The price of each of the following online practice tests depends on how extensive it is, and how many parts are involved. Online practice tests are available as self-study packages that can be used in class or at home in your own time.
Once you have selected the exam or test you require, please contact PLC School for full details of cost and available versions.
PLC School offers a professional online placement test as a full and accurate way to assess your CEFR level. This is available for young learners, teenagers and adults. The test features audio and multimedia, and automatically adjusts for ability as the test progresses. The test can be taken at PLC School or at home.
Each placement test costs 300 Thai Baht
Cambridge English YLE: Starters, Movers and Flyers are tests specifically for children. The aim is to encourage improvement and confidence when studying English, and to provide a feeling of achievement for the student.
The IELTS Life Skills test is a part of a visa or immigration application (A1 or B1). It is an English test with a focus on speaking and listening, and is based on basic social communication and everyday subjects such as work, transport, and basic social interaction.
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 tests very basic language skills. The examination level is equivalent to an A1 level on the CEFR scale. The aim is to meet the required standard of German language skills so a foreign spouse can join their partners in Germany.
A Cambridge English: A2 Key (formerly KET) qualification indicates you have the ability to use and communicate using English in simple situations. If you are new to learning English, taking an exam at an early level (A2) can give a feeling of progress and achievement.
A Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary (formerly PET) qualification indicates that you understand the basics of English and have the practical language skills for everyday use. A pass indicates that you are at intermediate level.
Cambridge English: The Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) qualification, is the first of three levels (Preliminary, Vantage and Higher) that provide confirmation of good language knowledge and an ability to use English in everyday business situations.
Cambridge English: A First (FCE) qualification shows that you have language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) that are high enough to enable you to live, work or study independently in a country where the native language is English.
ETS® (Educational Testing Service): The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is designed to measure the everyday English skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) of people working in international environments such as the workplace.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): tests the language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand North American English in a learning environment (college or university).
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An IELTS qualification or a particular score is widely accepted by educational institutions, employers, and immigration agencies as proof of English language skills.
Discounts: Study time is available in 10, 20 and 60 hour blocks. Discounts apply and depend on the number of hours or the number of students per class.
Foreign Students: If you require an education visa (6 months or 1 year), a set number of study hours and weekly class attendance is a legal requirement.
