LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2)

LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four English language skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Qualification Accreditation Number	601/8051/1
Total Qualification time	256 hours a. Guided learning hours {GLH): 200 hours b. Self-study: 50 hours Formative assessment: 3 hours 14 minutes Summative assessment: 2 hours 46 minutes
Duration	2 hours 46 minutes
CEFR level	B2
Test format	Computer or paper-based

Objective

LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) is designed for all “non-native English” speakers that are required to improve their English language skills at CEFR level B2. Candidates taking LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) will need to demonstrate that they can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Candidate responses will be at a level of language that would be expected on the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) at B2.

Candidate Category

Candidates interested in taking the LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) 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 LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) 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. Downloadable sample materials are accessible through the qualifications section of the LRN website whereby candidates can access sample assessment material. LRN approved centres ensure that candidates are fully prepared to sit LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) through using fully trained teachers and appropriate resources as laid out in the centre agreement with LRN.

Progression

LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) 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 – E .g. Level 2 ESOL 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

LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) is based on the CEFR in that it reflects the level(s) of language ability which are as defined by the CEFR. LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four components of reading, listening, writing and speaking. The total qualification time are 256 hours for this qualification.

Qualification Features

LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) is a four language skills qualification which assesses four sub skills of the English language: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. References to the CEFR are made in the LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) Mark Scheme in order to demonstrate linkage between the qualification construct and CEFR. The information below is a breakdown of LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) qualification features.

Results

LRN trained examiners are allowed to mark the writing and speaking components of the LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2). Marks are allocated for each candidate in accordance with the LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL international (CEF B2) mark scheme for writing and speaking. The timescales in which LRN will issue its results is between 4 to 6 weeks (upon receiving the candidate results from the test centre).

Reading and Listening

The marking of Reading and Listening components of LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) are completed by clerical markers using answer keys for each question paper. To ensure standardisation of each exam, the Reading and Listening clerical markers completed induction training followed by standardisation exercises prior to each paper (where required).
Results are then moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

Speaking and Writing

Speaking examination is conducted by one examiner, trained by LRN, and is recorded on a dicta phone. Marks are allocated for speaking and writing skill to each candidate in accordance with the LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) mark scheme. LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) is 100% externally assessed by an LRN examiner.
Speaking sub skill are assessed in pairs, where there are odd number of registered candidate, the dummy candidate will be use as a pair candidate.
Candidate will receive pre-released speaking topics 5 working days prior to exam from their centre.
Results are then moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

Marking

• Each Reading question carries 0.5 marks (40 questions)

• Each Listening question carries 1 mark (20 questions)

• Writing is based on 2 questions each carries a maximum of 10 marks

• Speaking is a three part exam and carries a maximum of 20 marks

Each sub-component skill mark is out of 20 and the total marks for this qualification are 80.

Grading

Results are reported as distinction, merit, pass or fail grades.
Candidates marks for all sub-components will be added together to give an overall grade based on the minimum marks per grade level below:

0-39: Fail

40-51: Pass

52-63: Merit

64+: Distinction