2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 2.1 International B2 Certi ions ‘An English language certification is an exam that, if passed, confirms the English language proficiency of the examinee. These certifications test English reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities There are many kinds of English certifications. Some of the most accepted worldwide are: ¢ TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): this is a very popular English certificate around the globe. There is a paper-based, computer-based, and an online version of it. It takes three hours to be completed and it has four parts, each of which is graded up to 30 points, which adds up to a maximum of 120 points. It evaluates reading, listening, writing, and sometimes speaking. The TOEFL certificate is valid for two years. ‘* IELTS (International English Language Testing System): just like TOEFL, IELTS is one of the most popular English language tests in the world. It has an academic version which has been designed for academic and professional environments, itis also accepted as language proof for certain work permits. It has four parts: listening, academic reading, academic writing, and speaking. The IELTS certificate is valid for two years * PTE Academic (Pearson English Language Test): although being relatively new, it has grown in popularity and acceptance. Unlike TOEFL, iBT, IELTS Academic, and the Cambridge exams, which have four parts, the PTE ‘Academic is divided into three sections: speaking and writing, reading, and listening, The PTE certificate is valid for two years. ‘* Cambridge English Qualifications: Cambridge English Language Assessment (formerly known as the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations) is a non-profit organisation that offers English language certificates for different language levels. The most popular exams they have are B1 Preli inary (formerly known as PET: Preliminary English Test), B2 First (formerly known as FCE: First Certificate in English), C1 Advanced (formerly known as CAE: Certificate in Advanced English), and C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CPE: Certificate of Proficiency in English).The last three exams are divided into four parts: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Unlike other certificates, Cambridge qualifications do not have an expiry date. However, universities and other ‘organisations can choose whether they accept results older than two or three years. * 2.1.1 Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First The University of Cambridge, through Cambridge English Qualific ions, has been offering English language certifications for over 110 years. The first ever C2 Proficiency exam was taken in June 1913 by three candidates in the United Kingdom. The exam cost £3, it lasted 12 hours, and it included translation, dictation, and phonetic transcription. The first exams were taken by people who wanted to become English language teachers, and even when the exams have changed throughout 110 years of history, they still focus on communication skills. The English language certifications offered by Cambridge have grown from just three candidates to 6.1 million people taking them every year; they are also recognised by more than 25,000 organisations around the world as proof of English language ability? B2 First was launched in 1939, on its first administration it had three parts: Oral (dictation, reading aloud, and conversation), English Composition and Language, and Prescribed Texts. Nowadays it has four parts: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking; and it is available in two versions: * B2 First: designed for adult learners. It is targeted at the interests and experiences of adult learners, and its goal is to support leaers on their goals whether these are getting into university, developing their career, or getting better job opportunities. * B2 First for Schools: designed for school-aged leamers. It formed by research into how children develop language skills. The exam’s topics and tasks are designed to reinforce students’ learning in class.* + (N.d.-b). Mastersportal.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023, from https/Avww.mastersportal.comlartcles/345/the-complete-quide-to-english-language-certficates. html 2 110 years of Cambridge English exams. (n.d.). Cambridgeenglish.org. Retrieved September 17, 2023, from https:/iwww.cambridgeenglish.orginews/view/t10-years-of-cambridge-english-exams/ ® Wikipedia contributors. (2023, September 4). 82 First. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, hitps:lien wikipedia. orgiwindex php lile=B2_First&oldid=1173818629