Professional certification of your English speaking skills
CIOL Certified English is the definitive online test from the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) for professionals who need to formally prove their high-level spoken English skills.
Unlike general, four-skill academic tests like IELTS or TOEFL, CIOL Certified English is a specialist test focused entirely on your real-world speaking and interaction skills in a professional, one-to-one conversation.
Your skills are assessed against internationally recognised standards, including the Common European Framework for Languages, and CIOL's own Language Level Frameworks ensuring your certification our certification has global recognition and value.
The Certification You Earn
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) Our 'gold standard' designation. You will demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate with ease in professional, business, or academic settings.
- Participate confidently in workplace meetings and discussions.
- Articulate complex ideas clearly when speaking or presenting.
CIOL Working English Speaker (CEFR B2) You will demonstrate the ability to:
- Express opinions and present arguments effectively.
- Respond effectively to most requests for explanation and questions.
- Participate actively in meetings, conveying your intended message.
Why This Certification Matters
Earning one of our designations is a powerful step for your career. Candidates take the test for one of two key reasons (or both!):
1. To Enhance Your CV & Career
- Stand out to employers: Add your 'Professional' or 'Working' English Speaker designation to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
- Build confidence: Earn a prestigious certificate from the UK's only Royal Charter body for linguists.
- Gain verifiable proof of your skills: You'll have a permanent listing on the CIOL Certified English Register, giving employers independent confirmation of your high standard.
2. To Create a Direct Route to CIOL Membership
- Fulfil the language requirement: 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 if you achieve the 'Professional English Speaker' designation).
- Start your membership journey: The 'Working English Speaker' designation provides a fast-track route to becoming a Career Affiliate (membership fees apply; a discount is available on your first year if you achieve the 'Working English Speaker' designation).
- Achieve professional status: Use prestigious designatory letters and join a global network of recognised language professionals.
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.
What our Certified English Speakers say
Here’s what our candidates say about the impact of Certified English on their careers and professional development.
On professional credibility:
On recognition and new opportunities:
On CIOL membership and CEFR validation:
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:
-
Communicate with ease in professional, business or academic settings
-
Participate confidently in workplace meetings and discussions
-
Articulate complex ideas clearly when speaking or presenting
You can attain the Working English Speaker (CEFR B2) designation by demonstrating the ability to:
-
Express opinions and present arguments effectively in one-to-one communication
- Respond effectively to most requests for explanation and questions from others
-
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 Queen Elizabeth II. 
As such, the English speaking test is a certified assessment of your professional and working-level English speaking skills.
Please note, 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? Certify Your English
How does it work?
The CIOL 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'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) and is booked in 30 minute time slots. You can check the current time in London here.
If you have any questions about timing, availability, or anything else connected to the test please contact us at certifiedenglish@ciol.org.uk
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 permanent listing on the Certified English Register.
- Successful B2-level candidates: The 'CIOL Working English Speaker' designation and a digital certificate, and a permanent listing on the Certified English Register.
The option to retake the test is available up to three times per calendar year.
Intended Use
This certification is designed to verify professional communication skills and is not intended or valid for UK visa, immigration, or university admission purposes.
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.
