Reviewing FCE and CAE

Bulletin 1, May 2005

A range of possible modifications – initial investigations

Cambridge ESOL is committed to keeping its examinations up to date with best practice in language
assessment, with technological developments and with the changing needs of teachers and test takers.

To this end, we regularly carry out a formal review of all of the examinations we produce. The review
includes extensive consultation with teachers, candidates and exam centres, as well as expert input from
Cambridge ESOL’s subject specialists and research teams, external consultants and senior examiners.

The latest review focuses on First Certificate in English (FCE) and Certificate in Advanced English (CAE),
looking at four questions in relation to these exams initially, which may apply to other exams as well in the
long term:

• length of FCE / CAE exams

Is it desirable to reduce the length of the exams?

• computer-based exam versions

What is the demand for optional computer-based versions of the exams, and what are the implications of
introducing computer-based tests?

• enhanced certification
Where candidates achieve a narrow fail, would it be desirable to provide an award at the Council of
Europe level below that of the exam they took?

• additional options
What is the demand for optional English for Specific Purposes (ESP) tests to supplement the four skills
tests, or is there a demand for stand-alone ESP tests, such as Travel and Tourism?

To ensure that the task types and their test focus continue to reflect the needs of candidates, that we are
making the most effective use of resources such as Corpora and new technology (relating to advances in the
marking of tasks), and that we are keeping up to date with changes in methodology, Cambridge ESOL is
also undertaking a review of all the components of FCE and CAE.

Any changes implemented as a result of this review will not be introduced before December 2008, and full
specifications will be published at least a year in advance of the first administration of the updated exams.

Work to date

To obtain initial views on the four issues outlined above, Cambridge ESOL has had face to face meetings
with a range of local secretaries and teachers. In addition, an extensive survey was carried out to collect the
views of test takers, those who prepare them for the exams and those who administer the exams. This
involved 1,900 candidates, about 100 local secretaries and over 600 teachers, directors of studies,
examiners and school owners completing an on-line questionnaire.

Reports were also commissioned from external consultants and principal examiners for a review of current
issues to do with writing and marking the tasks.
All of the issues we are looking at are complex, and further research and consultation is required before we
are able to establish a definite position, but the following points are emerging:

• Most of the respondents consider the Cambridge ESOL exams to be of high quality. Of particular
importance to candidates is the widespread recognition by institutions and employers of the exams.

• There are some differences of opinion about the ideal length of the FCE and CAE exams, but many
teachers believe the exams could be an hour shorter than they currently are.

• The teachers responded positively to the issue of computer-based tests. Centres were aware of the
need for appropriate infrastructure which would require investment for this type of test delivery.

• Through this consultation process, considerable interest was expressed in prospective additional
optional tests, particularly in the subjects of Travel and Tourism, Hotel and Hospitality, Marketing,
Finance, Medicine and Health Care, IT and HR Management. Further investigation into the provision of
these optional tests is being carried out.

Next stages with FCE and CAE

In the coming months, there will be continuing consultation with teachers and other interested users as well
as the writing and trialling of a range of task types at different levels.

The outcomes of this trialling will be closely analysed both to ensure consistency of standards and to
consider how well the various possible changes to the exams will meet the needs of candidates, teachers
and exam centres.

After this procedure, Cambridge ESOL will finalise any changes to the FCE and CAE exams, and will
produce Specifications incorporating these changes well in advance of the first administration. We will be
working closely with publishers who will have the opportunity to develop new materials, enabling centres and
schools to plan teaching and resources to take account of any changes that emerge from this process.