An ELT Glossary : Proficiency Tests

Proficiency tests aim to certify that a learner is at a specific level, regardless of what previous course(s) s/he has or has not done.

Many proficiency tests are run by external examining boards such as Cambridge English. For example, the Cambridge First exam is a proficiency test which, if passed, certifies that the learner is at CEFR B2 level in terms of language proficiency; Delta Module One certifies that the learner has an advanced knowledge of TEFL methodology and an advanced ability to analyses English grammar, lexis, phonology and discourse.