Who takes the ICFE test?
The International Certificate in Financial English (also known as the ICFE exam or Cambridge English: Financial) is an advanced English language proficiency exam. Administered by Cambridge ESOL, the non-profit English proficiency assessment wing of the University of Cambridge, the exam is designed to certify that candidates are not only confident in their use of English in everyday situations but are also capable of using their language skills in a wide-range of accounting and financial contexts. Accordingly, the ICFE exam is, at its core, targeted at individuals who have studied finance or accounting and wish to continue their education in an English language setting. Similarly, it is widely used by candidates with existing accounting or finance credentials who are interested in employment or advancement in an English-language financial environment.
Why should you take the ICFE exam?
In addition to being a general purpose proficiency exam – successful applicants must, for example, have a level of English of B2 on the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – the ICFE’s unique focus on finance and accounting make it an attractive choice for international professionals. Although the ICFE is not a test of finance of accounting, it alone does measure a candidate’s ability understand English in the kind of professional contexts that they will experience in their professional lives. Accordingly, an ICFE certification is recognized by employers around the world. Moreover, as Cambridge ESOL continues to actively expand the reach of its professional exams as more and more professional organizations, educational associations, and corporations are seeking out its seal of approval.
What exactly is the ICFE test like and what can I expect to see on it?
The ICFE exam itself is a paper-based assessment that covers the four core language skills of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. All four sections are weighted equally but their lengths, formats, and testing situations vary. Importantly, for example, while the Reading, Writing, and Listening exams are taken together as written exams, the Speaking exam is assessed in person by a pair of on-site examiners. Accordingly, due to scheduling difficulties, it may take place separately. In spite of these differences, all four aspects of the exam use realistic finance and accounting related material as the basis of their assessments.
Reading Test 75 minutes
Writing Test 75 minutes
Listening Test
Speaking Test 16 minutes
Like other Cambridge ESOL exams, candidates who achieve a Level B2 or above will receive a formal proficiency certification. Students who achieve a Level C1 or above will be recognized as passing with merit. Moreover, all candidates will receive a statement indicating their level of performance on each of the four papers individually.
Where and When can you take the ICFE exam?
The Cambridge English: Financial test is administered in authorized Cambridge ESOL test centers around the world. Dates and fees vary by location, so candidates should contact their local testing center for more details.
