Professional certification of your advanced English speaking skills
Certified English helps you, as an advanced speaker of English, to formally validate your spoken proficiency for your professional life. This assessment from the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) provides a credible, professional certification that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and expertly in a range of professional and academic scenarios. Your skills are assessed against internationally recognised standards, including the Common European Framework for Languages, and CIOL's own Language Level Frameworks giving your certification global relevance.
Take the test for a one-off fee of £82.50 and earn a certification that enhances your professional standing and opens up career opportunities.
Successful candidates with outstanding English speaking skills can attain C1 or above according to the CEFR framework and CIOL's "gold standard" designation of CIOL Professional English Speaker.
They will have a CIOL certificate to demonstrate their level of English, a free listing for one year on CIOL's Certified English Register, and the option to be immediately accepted as a member at CIOL's first professional grade, Associate (ACIL).
CIOL's Certified English is for adults who want to prove to themselves or to employers their high standard of English speaking skills. This can unlock greater confidence and career opportunities for the successful candidate. Employers and other interested parties will understand that, if you are successful, you can be entrusted with important liaison, representation, presentation and negotiation roles which depend on excellent English communication skills.
If you are interested in language level assessments in a language other than English, visit the CIOL Language Level Assessment pages here.
Here’s how earning a CIOL Certified English designation can help you stand out professionally:
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Demonstrate your ability to communicate with confidence and precision in any professional or academic setting.
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Earn a prestigious designation as a 'CIOL Professional English Speaker' (C1+) or 'CIOL Working English Speaker' (B2), benchmarked against the CEFR.
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Build confidence in your professional abilities with a certificate from the UK's only Royal Charter body for linguists.
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Unlock professional opportunities with a direct route to CIOL membership (ACIL or Career Affiliate) and a listing on the Certified English Register for our C1 Professional English Speakers.
What is the Certified English speaking test?
This is a one-to-one online test with an expert human interviewer that assesses your real-world speaking and interaction skills.
Based on CIOL's extensive experience in language testing, we believe the surest way to assess high-level interaction skills is through a live conversation with an expert interviewer.
That's why this test is a one-to-one online dialogue designed to evaluate how you speak, listen, engage, and react in a realistic professional context. This provides a credible confirmation of your ability to communicate effectively in situations that matter.
Certified English is designed for all kinds of professionals over the age of 18, including those in business, academia, and freelance roles, who are advanced speakers of English. It is ideal for anyone who wants to formally prove their high standard of spoken English to employers, clients, or for their own professional development and credibility.
Showcase Your Professional Proficiency
Successful candidates can earn one of two prestigious designations, each demonstrating a distinct level of professional communication skill.
CIOL Professional English Speaker (CEFR C1 or above)
This is our 'gold standard' designation. To achieve this, you will demonstrate the ability to:
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Communicate with ease in professional, business or academic settings
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Participate confidently in workplace meetings and discussions
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Articulate complex ideas clearly when speaking or presenting
You can attain the Working English Speaker designation by demonstrating the ability to:
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Express opinions and present arguments effectively in one-to-one communication
- Respond effectively to most requests for explanation and questions from others
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Participate actively and effectively in meetings, conveying your intended message
Official Recognition & Scope
CIOL is the UK's professional body for linguists with our Royal Charter granted by the late HM Queen Elizabeth II.
As such, the English speaking test is a certified assessment of your professional and working-level English speaking skills.
Please not, this test is not designed for UK immigration or university entry purposes.
Who Can Take the Test?
The Certified English speaking test is for:
- speakers of English as a second or additional language.
- those who are 18 years or over.
Book Your Test
The CIOL Certified English speaking test can be booked online with only 3 working days' notice.
The test fee is £82.50. You can see an estimated conversion to your local currency here.
Ready to get certified? Book your test online.
How does it work?
The CIOL Certified English speaking test is a straightforward online process taken from a location of your choice.
What you'll need: You can use any computer or laptop with a camera, a tablet, or a smartphone with a stable WiFi 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, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (UK time). You can check the current time in London here.
If you have any questions about timing or availability, please contact us.
What does it cost?
The CIOL Certified English speaking test is available for £82.50, provided the test is taken within the normal time slots. You can estimate the equivalent cost in your local currency by using the following third party estimate (link to external exchange rate site).
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 C1-level candidates: The prestigious 'CIOL Professional English Speaker' designation, a digital certificate, and a listing on the Certified English Register.
- Successful B2-level candidates: The 'CIOL Working English Speaker' designation and a digital certificate.
The option to retake the test is available up to three times per calendar year.
Why take an English speaking test with CIOL?
As the UK's largest professional body for linguists, the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is backed by a Royal Charter. This commits us to promoting the effective practice of languages and formally recognising the skills of linguists worldwide.
We have extensive experience in assessing professional language skills for high-stakes clients, including the UK Government and Army, as well as employers, where the practical use of language is vital. Choosing CIOL means your English proficiency is certified against the highest professional standards by a globally respected institution.
Ready to Get Certified?
The CIOL Certified English speaking test costs a one-off fee of £82.50. You can book online today with just three working days' notice.
