Diploma in International ESOL (IESOL)

The International ESOL (IESOL) Diploma is a combination of the City & Guilds’ International ESOL (8984) and the International Spoken ESOL (8985).

This qualification is designed for individuals who are not native English speakers and wish to gain an internationally recognized qualification accepted and held in high regard worldwide.

There are six different levels at which the diploma can be taken: A1 Preliminary, A2 Access, B1 Achiever, B2 Communicator, C1 Expert, and C2 Mastery. These levels are directly linked to the Common European Framework (CEF).

At CSBM, your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills will be developed to their fullest potential through a uniquely communicative approach so that you will fly through your examinations.

The City & Guilds IESOL qualification intended for: Non-native speakers of English worldwide; Young people or adults attending an English course either in the UK or overseas; Students learning English as part of their school or college curriculum; People needing English for their every day or working life; Learners who require externally recognized certification of their levels in English; Those who are attending courses over a period and require a series of graded examinations which provide steps up in the ladder of proficiency; Learners attending short courses in English.

The diploma is assessed in two parts: You will complete the International Spoken ESOL (8985). Here your speaking ability is assessed through a structured one-to-one interview. You will also sit a single exam, International ESOL (8984), designed to test your listening, reading, and writing skills.

City & Guilds is the leading provider of vocational qualifications in the UK and offers over 500 awards across a wide spectrum of industries. The qualifications in all fields progress from entry-level to the highest levels of professional achievement. City & Guilds is also truly international. It has over 8,500 established centres in 100 countries worldwide, and the qualifications that you gain are recognized and held in high regard by employers worldwide.

Several English speaking universities recognize the top two levels (Expert and Mastery) as evidence of language proficiency for their entry purposes. The UK’s Border Agency approves the Diploma as a form of evidence of English proficiency for both skilled and highly skilled migrants who wish to live or work in the UK.

Anyone can study IESOL if they pass our Initial Assessment Test. This helps to determine the current level of English of students and to advise on suitable progression.