Business English Language Test (BELT)

BELT is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four English language skills of Reading and Writing, Listening, and Writing and speaking.

Duration	3 hours (approximately)
Level	Beginner
CEFR level	B1 to C2
Test format	Computer or paper-based
LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (BELT CEF B1)	Qualification Number: 603/0171 /5
LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (BELT CEF B2 )	Qualification Number: 603/0177 /6
LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (BELT CEF C1)	Qualification Number: 603/0178/8
LRN Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (BELT CEF C2)	Qualification Number: 603/0179/X
Total Qualification Time (TQT)	Total: 304 hours a. Guided learning hours (GLH): 250 hours b. Self-study (SS): 52 c. Total assessment time: 2 hours

Branding

Whilst the submitted title of this qualification is the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (BELT CEF B1 ),LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (BELT CEF B2),LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (BELT CEF C1) and LRN Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (BELT CEF C2), the brand name of this qualification will be BELT (Business English Language Test). LRN will ensure it provides accurate and correct information regarding the title of this qualification to centres, candidates and other users of this qualification.

ESOL International Qualifications

ESOL International qualifications are designed for candidates who are not native speakers of English and who wish to achieve a high quality, internationally recognised qualification in English that is both available and recognised  worldwide and covers the whole range up to the highest level (NQF level 3 / CEF C2). They are suitable for candidates who are preparing for entry to higher education or professional employment in the UK or elsewhere. ESOL International qualifications are designed to reference the descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEF).

The levels in the CEF have been mapped to the levels in the National Qualifications Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (see Pathways to Proficiency: the alignment of language proficiency scales for assessing competence in English Language).

Introduction

This specification document provides an overview and orientation to BELT for candidates, centres, administrators, teachers and examiners and outlines the key features and administrative procedures required for this test.

Objective

BELT is designed for all non-native English speakers who wish to improve their English language skills at CEFR level B1, B2, C1 or C2. Candidates taking BELT will need to demonstrate that they can produce clear, well-structured and detailed output on more basic and complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices appropriate to the level at which they are operating. Candidate responses will be at a level of language that would be expected on the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) at B1, B2, C1 or C2.

Candidate Category

Candidates interested in taking BELT may include those:

1. needing a starting point in order to work towards a qualification in English.

2. Working or seeking work in an English speaking environment.

3. Living and working in a country where the native and official language is English.

Candidates who take BELT are made up of a range of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for candidates upon taking this qualification, including prior knowledge, levels of understanding and areas of familiarity. It is also not necessary for candidates to have achieved a qualification in English prior to registering. However, LRN would recommend that candidates are well-prepared before taking this test.  LRN approved centres ensure that candidates are fully prepared to sit BELT through using fully trained teachers and appropriate resources as laid out in the centre agreement with LRN.

Progression

BELT has been designed to reflect the wide variation in candidates’ origins, levels of education and career aims. Progression opportunities may, therefore, take a variety of paths. Depending on the level of qualification achieved, it may be appropriate for the candidate to progress to:

  • A higher level of any ESOL International qualification

  •A key skills or functional skills qualification

  • Vocational qualifications

  • Access to Higher Education

Language of Assessment

LRN aims to use English that is plain, clear, free from bias and appropriate to all candidates. LRN will ensure the assessment materials, stimuli and the assessment itself is carried out in English.

Qualification Overview

BELT is based on the CEFR in that it reflects the level(s) of language ability which are as defined by the CEFR. BELT is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four components of reading, listening, writing and speaking. The total qualification time for a candidate aiming to achieve certification is 273 hours for this qualification.

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