External assesssment

External assessment with Asset Languages offers nationally-recognised qualifications in a wide range of languages.

Visit the teacher assessment page if you are interested in a more informal assessment option.

How does external assessment work?

Although external assessment leads to formal qualifications, it is a flexible form of assessment:

  • The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing a language are assessed separately.
  • There are four opportunities to test candidates during the year:
    • November
    • March
    • May
    • June
  • Assessment is available from beginners through to advanced level in most languages.

View the structure page to see how Asset qualifications compare to others.

What external assessment tests are available?

For the majority of languages, tests are available at the first four stages of the Languages Ladder:

  • Breakthrough
  • Preliminary
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Look at the specifications on each of the individual language pages to find out what stages are available for each language.

Look at the external assessment dates 2010/11 below to decide which exam window to use. The Admin Guide: external assessment 2010/11 contains detailed information on all aspects of conducting tests.

To get started with external assessment, view the Asset Languages administration pages. 

Report to centres on external assessment