English has long been recognised as one the principal languages of international communication and business throughout the world. Increasingly employers and academic institutions, such as schools, colleges and universities, are seeking applicants with high-level English language skills during their recruitment process. ESOL International qualifications offer candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their skills according to internationally recognised standards in order to support their educational or professional progression.
This qualification is aimed at non-native speakers of English who wish to develop their language skills and have their achievements recognised internationally.
This qualification is offered at Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
At each level achievement is graded according to the candidate’s performance. The grades available are Pass, Merit and Distinction.
To achieve the full award a candidate must complete the two mandatory units in Reading & Writing and Listening.
Candidates also have the option of completing the additional Speaking unit, though this is not compulsory. Achievement of the Speaking unit is recognised on the certificate.
Entry 3 QCA Accreditation Number: 500/4061/3
Level 1 QCA Accreditation Number: 500/4062/5
Level 2 QCA Accreditation Number: 500/4064/9
Level 3 QCA Accreditation Number: 500/4063/7
| Unit | Level | QCA Unit number |
| Reading & Writing | Entry 3 | A/501/4594 |
| Listening | Entry 3 | T/501/4593 |
| Speaking | Entry 3 | F/501/4595 |
| Reading & Writing | Level 1 | T/501/4626 |
| Listening | Level 1 | A/501/4627 |
| Speaking | Level 1 | F/501/4628 |
| Reading & Writing | Level 2 | J/501/4629 |
| Listening | Level 2 | A/501/4630 |
| Speaking | Level 2 | F/5014631 |
| Reading & Writing | Level 3 | J/501/4632 |
| Listening | Level 3 | L/501/4633 |
| Speaking | Level 3 | R/501/4634 |
It is recommended that this qualification should be studied over approximately 200 guided learning hours. This should be increased to 300 guided learning hours when the Speaking unit is included.
There are no restrictions on candidate entries.
No previous formal qualifications are required for entry to these qualifications. Candidates without previous certificated learning in English should undergo an initial assessment to ensure that they are one level below the level of study at the commencement of the programme.
It is expected that candidates will progress through the levels from Entry 3 to Level 3. In addition to this, candidates could also progress into the following areas:
Centres must be approved to run this qualification. Details of the centre approval process are available from the Ascentis office (+44 (0)1524 845046)
In order to register for an assessment centres should provide an indication of the number of candidates at each level for each assessment paper they intend to register at least 7 weeks before the date of the assessment. Candidate registrations must be received at least 2 weeks before the date of the assessment.
Throughout the learning programme candidates should be presented with texts that examine these issues where possible and appropriate.
The texts used in the learning programme should be used to highlight health and safety issues where possible and appropriate. It is expected that sustainable development issues and relevant European issues will be covered as relevant to the topic areas covered.
This qualification may be offered within the United Kingdom, though it is not likely to attract any public funding.
Ascentis has procedures in accordance with The statutory regulation of external qualifications (QCA, 2004) to ensure this qualification is accessible and does not disadvantage a candidate with a particular need. Full details of this procedure, including how to make an application, are available from www.ascentis.co.uk or through contacting the Ascentis office.