Other exam revision
Continuous improvement
At Cambridge ESOL we believe excellence is an ongoing approach to our work. For this reason all of our examinations are subject to a process of continuous review and improvement.
We do this to take account of:
- changes to teaching practice
- the latest findings in language assessment research
- feedback from schools and centres
- feedback from candidates.
The purpose of all of our reviews is to ensure that all of our exams are relevant, reliable, accurate and meet the needs of test takers.
Below are summaries of the latest reviews to our exams, and details of how to find out more.
FCE and CAE — Exam specifications
Over the last four years, Cambridge ESOL has carried out a thorough review of the FCE and CAE examinations. Our specialist exam development and research teams, working closely with external consultants and senior examiners, looked at possible improvements in every aspect of the exams, and carried out consultation with exam centres, teachers and learners around the world.
As a result of this review, a number of improvements to the exams were introduced in December 2008. These changes do not affect the level of the exams or the reliability of the results.
Summary of changes:
- the overall length of the FCE and CAE exams will be reduced by approximately one hour
- the tests will focus on a wider range of skills and functions
- some components of the exams will include new and/or improved task types
- some components will be more standardised in content, making them user-friendly for students preparing for the exams.
A fuller explanation of the changes can be found in Review Bulletin 5 (PDF 134Kb).
The November 2007 issue of Research Notes (PDF 397Kb) was on the theme of exam reviews, specifically the FCE and CAE Review Project.
DELTA goes modular
A decade after it was first introduced, the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) is Cambridge ESOL's flagship teaching qualification and continues to set the standard for the profession.
Following a comprehensive review of DELTA, we are introducing a revised syllabus which will replace the current syllabus from September 2008. The revised DELTA comprises three modules:
- Module One focuses on the background to teaching and learning
- Module Two focuses on developing professional practice
- Module Three focuses on a specialist option (e.g. Young Learners, English for Special Purposes, 1—1).
The aims of the revised DELTA are to:
- create an accessible and modular form DELTA that will offer candidates flexible entry points
- enable candidates to achieve DELTA in stages over a period of time that can fit with career and other commitments
- provide the opportunity for DELTA candidates to focus on specialist teaching e.g. teaching young learners, Business English
- encourage more flexible delivery, e.g. blended learning options
- allow individual modules to be taken as part of a programme of continuous professional development
- certificate partial achievement, e.g. development as a general English teacher.
Detailed specifications are now available in September 2007 and sample materials and guidance documents will be circulated to centres early in 2008 in the run up to the introduction of the revised syllabus.
