LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF C1)

The ESOL International qualifications are designed for non-native English speakers who aim to achieve a high-quality, internationally recognized qualification in English that is available and recognized worldwide, covering the entire range up to the highest level (NQF Level 3 / CEFR C2). These qualifications are suitable for candidates preparing for entry into higher education or professional employment in the UK or elsewhere. ESOL International qualifications align with the language proficiency descriptions in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and have been mapped to the National Qualifications Framework levels for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Qualification:
CEFR level

C1

Test format

Computer or paper-based

What you'll learn

Course description

LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF C1) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four English language skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking. 

Candidates taking LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF C1) will need to demonstrate that they can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Introduction

This specification document provides an overview of the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) for candidates, centers, administrators, teachers, and examiners, outlining the key features and administrative procedures required for this test.

Objectives

The LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) is designed for all non-native English speakers aiming to improve their English language skills at the CEFR C1 level. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, exhibiting controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. Candidate responses should align with the language proficiency expected by the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) at the C1 level.

Candidate Category

Candidates interested in taking the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) may include those who:

 

       Need a starting point to work towards an English qualification

       Work or seek work in an English-speaking environment

       Live and work in a country where English is the native and official language

       Candidates taking the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) come from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, including prior knowledge or levels of understanding. It is not necessary to have achieved an English qualification before registering. However, LRN recommends that candidates be well-prepared before taking the test. Downloadable sample materials are accessible through the LRN website’s qualifications section, where candidates can access sample assessment material. LRN-approved centers ensure candidates are fully prepared for the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) using fully trained teachers and appropriate resources, as outlined in the center agreement with LRN.

Progression

The LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) is designed to accommodate the wide variation in candidates’ backgrounds, education levels, and career goals. Progression opportunities may take various paths. Depending on the qualification level achieved, candidates may progress to:

       A higher level of any ESOL International qualification, e.g., Level 3 ESOL qualification

       A key skills or functional skills qualification • Vocational qualifications

       Access to higher education

Language of Assessment

LRN aims to use plain, clear, unbiased English that is appropriate for all candidates. LRN ensures that assessment materials, stimuli, and the assessment itself are conducted in English.

Qualification Overview

The LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) is based on the CEFR and reflects the language ability levels defined by the framework. This single-unit qualification assesses candidates in all four components: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The total qualification time is 287 hours.

Qualification Features

The LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) assesses the four language sub-skills of English: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. References to the CEFR are made in the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) Mark Scheme to demonstrate the connection between the qualification construct and the CEFR. The information below provides a breakdown of the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) qualification features.

Results

LRN-trained examiners are authorized to mark the writing and speaking components of the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1). Marks are allocated for each candidate according to the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) mark scheme for writing and speaking. LRN will issue results within 4 to 6 weeks (upon receiving the candidate results from the test center).

Reading & Listening

The Reading and Listening components of the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) are marked by clerical markers using answer keys for each question paper. To ensure standardization, Reading and Listening clerical markers complete induction training followed by standardization exercises before each paper (when required). Results are then moderated by the moderation team following LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

Speaking & Writing

The speaking examination is conducted by one LRN-trained examiner and recorded on a dictaphone. Marks are allocated for speaking and writing skills according to the LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1) mark scheme. This qualification is 100% externally assessed by an LRN examiner. Speaking sub-skills are assessed in pairs; if there are an odd number of registered candidates, a dummy candidate will be used as a pair candidate. Candidates will receive pre-released speaking topics five working days before the exam from their center. Results are then moderated by the moderation team following LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

Marking

       Each Reading question carries 0.5 marks (50 questions)

       Each Listening question carries 1 mark (25 questions)

       Writing is based on 2 questions and carries a maximum of 25 marks

       Speaking is a three-part exam and carries a maximum of 25 marks

For each sub-component, candidates will be graded as follows:

       0-12 = Fail

       13-16 = Pass

       17-19 = Merit

       20+ = Distinction

Each sub-component skill mark is out of 25, and the total marks for this qualification are 100.

Grading

Results are reported as distinction, merit, pass, or fail grades.

Who Accepts LRN ESOL International

Some examples are below:

·       Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR)

·       ASEP, Greece

·       Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC)

·       Conferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Españolas (CRUE)

·       Toyota

·       DHL