Pearson English International Certificate
Learners
The English test for real-world success
Schedule your test at a time that suits you, take it securely from home or a test center, and receive your International Certificate fast.
Our test has been designed to meet the practical needs of 21st century test-takers, employers and universities.
International Certificate is delivered by Pearson, the world’s learning company. It’s awarded by Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarder of academic and vocational qualifications. And it’s accredited by Ofqual, the official regulator.
International Certificate is now supported by Credly
Pearson is working with Credly, the digital credentialing leader, to provide digital badges. Credly collaborates with top global training providers, credential issuers, associations and academic institutions. Credly transforms knowledge, skills and achievements into digital credentials that empower individuals to connect with learning and career opportunities.
Learners can proudly display their Credly badge and share their achievements across social media.
Look out for an email from Credly to redeem your digital credential.
At-home testing, on your terms
Getting your International Certificate is straightforward and stress-free. Take it from home or any private location in under 2 hours, with results in less than 2 weeks.
If home testing isn’t for you, you can check for availability across our global network of authorized test centers.
Test-taker support and resources
Take advantage of these great resources to make sure you do your best in your International Certificate test.
Pearson English Warm Up
This fun mobile app gives you real International Certificate test practice for free!
Practice with items like those you'll see on your test, across all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Readiness Test
This quick, online test tells you if you’re ready to pass the International Certificate at your chosen level.
If you have more work to do, the Readiness Test identifies your skills gaps and tells you what you need to do to achieve a pass.
Test familiarization
Find everything you need to know about taking the test.
Test questions
Get familiar with the sorts of questions you’ll be asked.
Test tips
The International Certificate is not a test of your memory or how much time you spend studying any particular book or course – but test tips are always helpful!
International Certificate Foundation Level (A1)
At this level you can:
- understand simple spoken phrases related to familiar, everyday activities
- write a few basic sentences introducing yourself
- give key spoken information to introduce yourself
- recognize information about everyday events, if spoken slowly and clearly
International Certificate Level 1 (A2)
At this level you can:
- understand simple conversations if they are slow and clear
- write short, basic descriptions of places, people or things
- talk about everyday subjects (e.g. people, places, work) in a basic way
- understand short, simple texts about everyday activities
International Certificate Level 2 (B1)
At this level you can:
- understand the main points in clear conversations about familiar topics
- write short, simple essays with a basic structure on familiar topics
- describe a variety of familiar subjects in straightforward speech
- generally understand straightforward factual texts on familiar topics
International Certificate Level 3 (B2)
At this level you can:
- understand someone speaking quickly, if the accent is familiar
- write a structured text including main points and supporting details
- in speaking, describe a wide range of familiar subjects
- understand subtleties in text, like the attitudes and feelings of characters
International Certificate Level 4 (C1)
At this level you can:
- understand the details in a complex audio recording
- express yourself fluently in writing, with different levels of formality
- give explanations for your opinion using complex language
- understand complex arguments in a text such as a newspaper article
International Certificate Level 5 (C2)
At this level you can:
- understand the details in a complex audio recording
- express yourself fluently in writing, with different levels of formality
- give explanations for your opinion using complex language
- understand complex arguments in a text such as a newspaper article
Your certificate and score report
Powerful direction for onward success.
You'll receive a printed certificate, which certifies your English level and is recognised by many employers and universities. It will never expire.
Use your score report to understand how your level was assigned, with a full breakdown of your skills and personalized recommendations to help you move forward and take your English to the next level.
If you're following a Pearson English course, including Speak Out, Business Partner, Wider World or Gold Experience your score report will also point you to the best activities in the book for your own personal progress.