International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)
Developments such as International Accounting Standards (IAS) are creating international career opportunities for professional accountants. It is essential for individuals who wish to succeed in the international business community to possess first-rate English language skills and the ability to converse with accounting and finance professionals.
To meet the demand for helping finance professionals demonstrate they have the financial English skills they need, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) have combined to develop the International Certificate in Financial English (Cambridge ICFE).
Cambridge ICFE is set at Levels B2—C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference —an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.
This certificate can be used as proof of the ability in English necessary to work in an international finance context or to follow a course of accountancy or finance study at university level.
Is Cambridge ICFE for you?
Do you...
- have a good working knowledge of English?
- want to develop those skills to work in accountancy or finance?
If so, Cambridge ICFE could be the right exam for you.
The exam
From 2010, Cambridge ICFE is available every month through Cambridge ESOL's network of centres.
The exam consists of four separate papers testing reading, writing, listening and speaking, which together last just under 3.5 hours (not including breaks). The tasks are based on tasks and topics that finance professionals would expect to encounter in their daily lives, such as:
- financial reporting
- insurance
- investment banking
- ethics and professionalism
- accounting software
- assets and company valuations
- acquisitions and mergers.
Results
Test results are normally reported approximately six weeks after the test date. Levels of performance in the exam are distinguished by a range of passing and failing grades.
The passing grades are B2 Pass, C1 Pass and C1 Pass with Merit.
All candidates receive a Statement of Results showing their overall grade and their performance on each of the four papers. Candidates who achieve a passing grade will also receive a certificate awarded by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
Recognition
ICFE is recognised around the world by accountancy firms, educational organisations, government agencies, immigration authorities and professional bodies.
A full list of organisations and universities that recognise ICFE can be found on our searchable database.
Do you represent a school or university, a business, government agency or other institution? If you would like to take advantage of the same benefits as the organisations listed above, click on the links below to find out more about how Cambridge ESOL can help you with your organisation's language assessment needs:
Corporate – www.CambridgeESOL.org/WoW
Education – www.CambridgeESOL.org/univ
To register
To register for Cambridge ICFE, you need to contact an exam centre, authorised by us to run the exam — entries cannot be made directly to Cambridge ESOL. The centre will give you full information about the fees for taking Cambridge ICFE, the dates of the tests and other arrangements.
Many candidates take a preparation course before entering for Cambridge ICFE. If you are studying English at the moment, speak to your teacher about preparing for Cambridge ICFE. If you are not studying at the moment, your nearest Cambridge ESOL exam centre will be able to advise you.
If you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) it may be possible to ask for Special Arrangements to be made when taking the exam.
Visit the Cambridge ICFE website, for exam information, sample papers, exam dates, FAQs and more.
About ACCA
ACCA is the largest and fastest-growing global professional accountancy body with 296,000 students and 115,000 members in 170 countries. Its aim is to offer the first choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.
