Certificates
Language certificates and exam preparation: which exam fits?
Overview of common language certificates and how exam preparation can be planned for English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.
Language certificates can document a level for work, study, applications or personal goals.
The right exam depends on language, target level and the institution that requires the certificate.
At a glance
- ✓ English exams include Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL iBT and TOEIC.
- ✓ German exams include Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, TestDaF and DSH.
- ✓ French, Spanish and Italian each have their own well-known exam systems.
- ✓ Preparation should start with level placement and the target exam format.
ForumLingua certificate or official exam?
A ForumLingua certificate documents the course attended and the level reached. For personal records, employers or internal proof, this is often useful.
If a university, authority, visa process or employer requires a specific official certificate, a language-school certificate is often not enough. Then the exact exam format must be prepared.
Training language and exam format
Exam preparation has two parts: language confidence and familiarity with the exam format. Reading, listening, writing and speaking need targeted practice.
Learners also need strategies: managing time, understanding tasks, avoiding typical mistakes and dealing with exam situations.
Which exam fits which goal?
For study and admission, academic tests such as TOEFL or IELTS for English and TestDaF or DSH for German are often requested.
For general international proof, Cambridge English, Goethe-Zertifikat, DELF/DALF, CILS, CELI, PLIDA or DELE are often better known. The decisive factor is always the institution that requests the certificate.
When private lessons help
If an exam date is close or only certain parts are weak, private lessons can be very efficient.
In a group, exam preparation is useful when several learners have the same target level and a similar exam goal.
Overview of well-known language certificates
This overview helps with initial orientation. In the end, the decisive point is always which certificate is required by the university, employer, authority or exam provider.
German
| Certificate/Test | Level/scale | Typical purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | A1 to C2 | General international proof of German | Widely known for everyday life, work and personal documentation. |
| telc Deutsch | A1 to C2, depending on exam also work/university | Work, integration, university or general proof | Choose the exact exam purpose, because telc offers many variants. |
| TestDaF | TDN 3 to TDN 5, roughly B2 to C1 | University admission and study in Germany | Relevant when a university accepts or requires TestDaF. |
| DSH | DSH-1, DSH-2, DSH-3 | German universities | Often organised directly through universities. |
| ÖSD | A1 to C2 | International proof of German | Austrian diploma, internationally used. |
English
| Certificate/Test | Level/scale | Typical purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge English Qualifications | A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency | General, academic and professional proof | The older abbreviations KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE are still widely known. |
| IELTS | Band scale 0 to 9 | Study, work and international recognition | Academic and General Training differ depending on the goal. |
| TOEFL iBT | Current ETS score scale | Mainly study and academic admission | Always check current ETS information for concrete requirements and scores. |
| TOEIC | Score scale, not a classic CEFR certificate | Professional English skills, especially Listening/Reading | Often more relevant for companies than for university admission. |
| Linguaskill | CEFR-oriented result | Flexible placement and proof for institutions | Computer-based Cambridge test; check recognition depending on the goal. |
French
| Certificate/Test | Level/scale | Typical purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELF | A1 to B2 | Official French language diploma | Common for school, study, work and general proof. |
| DALF | C1 to C2 | Advanced official proof | Relevant for demanding academic or professional goals. |
| TCF | CEFR placement depending on result | Study, immigration or administrative purposes | A test result, not a diploma like DELF/DALF. |
Italian
| Certificate/Test | Level/scale | Typical purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| CILS | A1 to C2 | Official proof for Italian as a foreign language | Issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena. |
| CELI | A1 to C2 | Official proof for study, work and authorities | Issued by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. |
| PLIDA | A1 to C2 | General international proof of Italian | Certificate of the Società Dante Alighieri. |
Spanish
| Certificate/Test | Level/scale | Typical purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELE | A1 to C2 | Official Spanish language diploma | Organised by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. |
| SIELE | Digital result with CEFR reference | Modern modular Spanish test | Depending on the goal, SIELE can be more practical than a classic DELE diploma. |
Questions and answers
Can ForumLingua issue a certificate?
Yes, we can issue a certificate for the level reached on request.
Is a ForumLingua certificate enough for a university or authority?
That depends on the institution. If an official certificate is required, exactly that exam has to be prepared and taken.
Which exams can preparation cover?
Depending on language and level, preparation can cover exams such as Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, Goethe, telc, DELF, DALF, DELE, CELI, CILS and others.
Is exam preparation possible in private lessons?
Yes. Private lessons are especially useful when individual exam parts need targeted practice.