Is the Cambridge B2 First for Schools Exam valid in Hungary?
All Cambridge exams (whether “For Schools” or for adults) at levels B1, B2 and C1 are accepted in Hungary as equivalent to the State-recognized, accredited language examinations systems in Hungary, as per this government decree on language examinations – 137/2008. (V.16.) Korm. rendelet, particularly Paragraph 14, Section 10 and Appendix 3.
We are very happy to make use of Cambridge exams and for the Bilingual Program to be recognized as an official Cambridge test preparation center. The level of excellence that Cambridge Assessment brings to its range of English language examinations is well-known. They are recognized by over 25,000 universities, employers and governments around the world. The Cambridge First for Schools exam in particular was developed with teens in mind. It is the material they have been trained on in Bilingual Program Grades 7 and 8 (where the students’ English language level will most probably allow them to perform well on this exam even before beginning their high school studies), it is easier for them to relate to, and it will be more relevant and familiar to them as they sit the test.
What else can I learn about the status of Cambridge exams in Hungary?
- Upon passing the exam, the certificate issued by Cambridge is to be used when presenting proof of language level to relevant institutions and authorities. The fact that no additional certificate is required is an indication that the Hungarian government fully recognizes Cambridge Assessment as a language testing system.
- Because Cambridge exam certificates are equivalent to the State-recognized, accredited language examination systems in Hungary (see above), they can no longer be nostrified (“nationalized”) by NYAK.
- If for any reason authorities or institutions do not immediately recognize your child’s Cambridge exam certificate, please refer them to 137/2008. (V.16.) Korm. rendelet and/or contact the Education Authority (Oktatási Hivatal) for help and support.
- The Hungarian state continues to recognize the level of the exam taken. For example, if a student takes a C1 level exam but scores at B2 level, Hungarian institutions will not recognize the B2 achievement (although Cambridge Assessment will – the certificate will indicate such). The same applies to scores that are higher than the level of the exam. That is, if you take a B2 exam but score at level C1, only the B2 achievement will be recognized by Hungarian institutions.
- The Hungarian government’s social assistance program for young adults, whereby families were able to claim money back from the Hungarian State Treasury upon a child successfully passing their first language examination, no longer applies to Cambridge exams. In other words, claiming money back from the Hungarian State Treasury is not possible in the case of Cambridge exams.
Based on his/her scores, should my child sit the official B2 exam?
The British Council and Cambridge have provided some general guidelines to help parents and students decide whether to sit the official exam.
The key to interpreting your son or daughter’s score is the Overall Cambridge English Scale score near the bottom of your child’s mock results PDF (in the “Overall” box).
If your child’s Overall Cambridge English Scale score on the mock exam is at least 4 points above the minimum level for B2, i.e., at least 4 points greater than 160, then he/she has a good chance of passing the official exam.
Obviously, mock scores significantly higher than 160 indicate a stronger chance of passing the official exam, while some students’ mock scores may indicate a chance of passing at level C1 (though C1 achievement on a B2 exam is not recognized by Hungarian authorities).
Just as clearly, in borderline cases – instances where the mock exam score is at most 3 points above or below 160 – the student may well still pass the official test, but with a higher risk of not doing so. Overall Cambridge English Scale scores below 157 on the mock exam indicate a low likelihood of passing the official B2 exam. Of course anyone is free to sit the official Cambridge B2 exam; it is only that the risks of not passing are higher or lower depending on the score earned on the mock exam.
To learn more about the Cambridge English Scale, please consult this PDF fact sheet. In sum, the Cambridge English Scale is a universal tool for identifying language level across a wide range of Cambridge examinations. The score range for the Cambridge First for Schools (FCE) exams – level B2 – is 160 to 179. A score between 140 and 159 indicates achievement at level B1, while a score of 180 to 199 indicates level C1.
What if I’m stronger in some areas than others?
It is important to remember that Cambridge does not require a B2-level score on each of the individual exam components in order to earn a B2 level certificate for the exam as a whole. Thus, if the overall average of the Cambridge English Scale scores on the various components reaches the minimum score for B2, the candidate has passed, meaning that a low score on one component can be made up for with higher scores on other parts of the test. However, there is one important caveat, which is that Cambridge does require a score of at least 140 on the Cambridge English Scale on each component of the test in order for the candidate to earn a B2 certificate. Learn more about results and results reporting here.
What if my score on the mock exam is very high?
Regarding the option of taking a C1 level exam, there are several reasons the B2 level exam may in fact be the better choice for your child. First of all, if your son or daughter does not reach a C1 level score on the C1 exam, Cambridge will recognize that he/she has achieved level B2, but Hungarian authorities will not. Moreover, the C1 level exam is not the test that the students have prepared for. This matters, as familiarity with format, task types, length, examiner expectations, etc. is not a negligible component of performance.
That said, if you do register your child for the C1 exam, called C1 Advanced (CAE), you can find available dates and also register here and find information on fees here. Like the B2 level exam, the CAE exam is accepted in Hungary as equivalent to the State-recognized, accredited language examinations systems in Hungary, as per this government decree on language examinations – 137/2008. (V.16.) Korm. rendelet, particularly Paragraph 14, Section 10 and Appendix 3 (but again, with recognition granted within Hungary only for a passing mark at that specific level).
What else can I learn now that may be helpful?
There is no age requirement for candidates taking Cambridge exams. In previous years there was a condition that candidates turn at least age 14 in the same calendar year they took the exam in order to receive a certificate. However, now that Cambridge exams are accepted as equivalent to the State-recognized, accredited language examinations systems in Hungary, there is now no minimum age. Cambridge issues certificates for all its candidates. The age of the candidate will not be included on the certificate.
Regarding how long a passing exam result is valid, Cambridge Assessment exams do not expire. They are valid for life. However, individual institutions or entities (e.g., a university) may require exam results from within a certain time frame. If you have a specific entity to whom you intend to submit the results as part of an application, please consult their policies.