Association of institutions that produce language exams in Europe.
Exam Details
- Owner/Creator
- Cambridge English and other European exam boards in the 1990s
- Provider/Administrator
- ALTE member institutions (e.g., Cambridge English, Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes)
- Official Website(s)
- https://www.alte.org/
- Exam Types
- Not an exam itself but covers many tests including:
• Cambridge English exams (e.g., B2 First, C1 Advanced)
• Goethe-Zertifikat
• DELF/DALF (French)
• DELE (Spanish)
• CELI (Italian) - Structure
- Follows CEFR (A1 to C2). Exams cover:
• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking
• Use of language - Format
- Paper-based and computer-based, depending on member organization
Standardized formats across skills - Results Time
- Varies by member exam (e.g., 2 weeks to 8 weeks)
- Scoring System
- Based on CEFR proficiency levels (A1–C2), some exams report numerical scores
Pass/fail or scaled scoring - Certificate Format
- Issued by member institutions, usually paper + digital, includes CEFR level and scores
- Certificate Validity
- Most language proficiency exams do not expire, but organizations may require recent results (2–3 years)
- How to Verify Certificate
- Through issuing institution (e.g., Cambridge, Goethe), often via secure portals or QR codes
- Certificate Authenticity Features
- Certified via issuing organization’s systems – includes personal ID, test date, and level
- Academic Use
- YES– widely accepted for university admissions across Europe and internationally
- Immigration Use
- YES– many tests used for visa, citizenship, and work permits in EU countries
- Available in Ukraine
- YES?
- Available in Gulf Countries
- YES– Cambridge and other ALTE member exams offered across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.
- Can Be a Test Center
- Not directly for ALTE?; apply through the individual member institution (e.g., Cambridge Assessment, Goethe-Institut)
- Center Requirements
- Varies by member:
• Secure premises
• Trained examiners
• Audio-visual recording setup (for speaking tests)
• Technology for computer-based testing - Docs & Photos Needed
- Depends on institution, but often includes:
• Facility layout
• Staff bios
• Proof of compliance with security and quality standards - Application Process
- https://www.alte.org/associate-membership
- Contact Info for Setup
- https://www.alte.org/contact
- General Emails
- servicesunit@alte.org - service unit, +44 (0) 1223 558847
secretariat@alte.org - secretary, +44 (0) 1223 552828
