Certification of your C2 English speaking skills for tour guiding with ITG
CIOL ITG C2 Certified English is the online spoken English test from the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) for those who need to demonstrate CEFR C2 spoken English interaction skills for the Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG).
Your English skills will be assessed against the internationally recognised Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages and CIOL's own Language Level Frameworks, ensuring your C2 certification has both ITG and wider recognition.
For ITG Candidates requiring assessment in any language OTHER THAN ENGLISH see bottom of this page.
Why this Certification Matters
Earning the Level C2 designation is a requirement for working as an ITG-accredited tourist guide if English is not one of your native languages. Therefore, passing the test at C2 enables you (along with meeting ITG's other requirements for tour guiding) to take on ITG work.
As an additional benefit, if you pass CIOL ITG C2 Certified English, or demonstrate Level C1 English, you will earn the CIOL 'Professional English Speaker' designation.
This means you can:
- Add CIOL 'Professional English Speaker' to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
- Have a permanent listing on the CIOL Certified English Register, giving independent confirmation of your high standard.
You will also have a direct route to CIOL Membership
- The 'Professional English Speaker' designation satisfies the language evidence needed for Associate Member (ACIL) or Member (MCIL), depending on experience (membership fees apply; a discount is available on your first year for having achieved the 'Professional English Speaker' designation).
CIOL Membership enhances your professional status giving you prestigious post nominal designatory letters which are recognised internationally and enabling you to join a global network of recognised language professionals, all of whom have excellent English language skills.
About the CIOL ITG C2 Certified English Test
The CIOL ITG C2 English test is specifically for candidates referred by ITG who need to demonstrate Level C2 spoken interaction English skills.
A pass for ITG is C2, so we do not recommend that you take the test unless you assess yourself to be at C2 level, as described below:
For more on the CEFR descriptors see here.
How does it work?
The CIOL ITG C2 Certified English speaking test is a one-to-one online conversation with an expert human interviewer, designed to capture your real-world speaking and interaction skills for formal evaluation by CIOL. Your ability to communicate effectively is what matters; your specific accent is not a factor.
What you will need: You can use any computer or laptop with a camera, a tablet, or a smartphone with a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need a valid photographic ID (e.g. passport, driving licence, or national identity card).
Scheduling your test: The test is available Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (UK time) and is booked in 30-minute time slots.
What will I receive?
Within 10 working days of taking your test, you will receive the following:
- All candidates: A score report based on the CEFR levels for spoken English.
- Successful C2-level candidates: A digital certificate confirming you CEFR level and that you meet the language requirements for English for ITG and the 'CIOL Professional English Speaker' designation, a digital certificate, and a permanent listing on the Certified English Register.
- C1-level candidates: Although not achieving the requirements for ITG, CIOL will still award the 'Professional English Speaker' designation, a digital certificate, and a permanent listing on the Certified English Register.
What if I don't achieve the required C2 level?
The option to pay for and retake the test is normally available up to three times per calendar year.
Performance may vary, and CEFR Level C2 is a very exacting standard, so it may be that some additional practice and preparation are enough to achieve Level C2, if you came close, with a Level C1 performance.
Ready to Get ITG Certified?
The CIOL ITG C2 Certified English speaking test costs a one-off fee of £125. You can book online today with just three working days' notice.
Book your CIOL ITG C2 Certified English Test here
Languages other than English
If you require an assessment of another language for ITG purposes see the information on CIOL Language Level Assessments here.
ITG requires CEFR Level C1 in languages other than English used for Tourist Guiding.
Candidates achieving Level C1 satisfy the language evidence needed for Associate Member (ACIL) or Member (MCIL), depending on experience (membership fees apply; a discount is available on your first year).
