What you'll learn
- Reading and Use of English
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Introduction
This specification provides a comprehensive overview and guidance for candidates, centers, administrators, teachers, and examiners regarding the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2). It highlights the key features and administrative procedures required for this exam.
Objective
Candidates taking this exam must demonstrate their ability to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases to satisfy concrete needs. They should be able to introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details (e.g., home and possessions), and interact simply, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help. The expected language level corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at A2.
Candidate Category
Candidates who may be interested in taking the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) include those who:
– Need a starting point to work towards a qualification in English.
– Are working or seeking work in an English-speaking environment.
– Are living and working in a country where English is the native and official language.
Candidates come from a diverse range of national and cultural backgrounds.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification, including prior knowledge, levels of understanding, or areas of familiarity. Candidates do not need a previous English qualification to register. However, LRN strongly recommends thorough preparation before taking the exam. Downloadable sample materials are available on the LRN website, where candidates can access sample assessment materials. LRN-approved centers ensure that candidates are fully prepared for the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2), using well-trained teachers and appropriate resources in accordance with the center agreement with LRN.
Progression
The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) is designed to accommodate the diverse backgrounds, education levels, and career goals of candidates. Depending on the level of qualification achieved, progression opportunities may include:
– A higher level of any ESOL International qualification, e.g., Entry 3 ESOL (CEF B1) qualification.
– A key skills or functional skills qualification.
– Vocational qualifications.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Please refer to LRN’s policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning to determine if previously achieved qualifications meet LRN’s policy on possible exemptions.
Language of Assessment
LRN aims to use plain, clear, unbiased, and appropriate English for Entry Level candidates. All assessments and related materials are written in English and rigorously checked by subject specialists before release. Teachers preparing candidates must ensure that their materials are clear, diverse, and suitable for Entry Level ESOL candidates.
Qualification Overview
The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) is based on the CEFR, reflecting the defined language ability levels. It is a single-unit qualification, assessing candidates in reading, listening, writing, and speaking components. The total qualification time is 304 hours.
Qualification Features
The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) assesses four subskills of the English language: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. References to the CEFR are made in the mark scheme, ensuring a strong connection between the qualification structure and the CEFR. The information below provides a breakdown of the qualification features.
CAN DO Summary
The ALTE ‘Can Do’ Project, developed by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE), offers a framework covering six levels of language competency aligned with the Council of Europe Common European Framework (CEFR). The CAN DO summary outlines what language candidates can achieve at each level. Divided into three areas – Social & Tourism, Work, and Study – the summary provides examples of typical abilities for CEFR Level B1.
Results
Authorized LRN examiners mark the writing and speaking components of the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2). Marks are allocated for each candidate following the mark scheme for writing and speaking. LRN will issue results within six weeks upon receiving candidate results from the test center.
Reading and Listening
Clerical markers mark the Reading and Listening components of the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) using answer keys for each question paper. To ensure standardization, reading and listening clerical markers complete induction training and standardization exercises before each paper (where required). Results are moderated following LRN’s moderation policy, and moderated results are forwarded to the qualification review panel for final approval.
Speaking and Writing
An LRN-approved examiner conducts the speaking exam and records it on a Dictaphone. Marks are allocated for speaking and writing skills to each candidate according to the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) mark scheme.
The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) is 100% externally assessed by an LRN examiner. Speaking subskills are assessed in pairs; if there is an odd number of registered candidates, a dummy candidate will be used. Candidates receive pre-released speaking topics five working days before the exam from their center. Results are moderated according to LRN’s moderation policy, and moderated results are forwarded to the qualification review panel for final approval.
Marking
– Speaking is a three-part exam and carries a maximum of 20 marks.
– Each Reading question carries 1 mark (20 questions).
– Each Listening question carries 0.8 marks (25 questions).
– Writing is based on 2 tasks, each carrying 20 points. The combined total (maximum 40) is divided by 2.
For each sub-component, candidates will be graded as follows:
– 0-9: Fail
– 10-12: Pass
– 13-15: Merit
– 16+: Distinction
Grading
Results are reported as distinction, merit, pass, or fail grades. Candidates’ marks for all sub-components are added together to give an overall grade based on the minimum marks per grade level below:
– 0-39: Fail
– 40-51: Pass
– 52-63: Merit
– 64+: Distinction
