PhD students are required to have a Level B2 certificate of proficiency in English pursuant to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This proficiency does not constitute a requirement for access to the PhD admission test, but must be achieved by the time of enrolment.
In the absence of this certification of proficiency at the time of enrolment, at least B2 proficiency in English must be acquired by 31 December following the date of enrolment, under penalty of exclusion from the PhD course.
Before enrolling, PhD students can:
After enrolment (and in any case by 31 December following the date of enrolment), PhD students can:
Candidates eligible for the CLA B2 test will obtain the English B2 Badge, a new digital tool for recognising and valuing student skills.
You can be exempted from the language test if you fall into one of the following categories:
Starting from academic year 2024/2025 Ca’ Foscari adopts the document approved by the Italian Association of University Language Centres (AICLU) as the official list of recognized language certifications which are used to evaluate the language knowledge for enrollment purposes.
The certifications included in the following list will be considered valid provided that they have been submitted within 5 years from the date of their achievement.
All certifications must clearly state the language level achieved.
Certifications proving the failure in achieving a higher language level or certifications of a lower language level will not be accepted to certify a lower language level or the achievement of a higher language level respectively.
Language knowledge levels refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
PET: Preliminary English Test
FCE: First Certificate in English
CAE: Certificate in Advanced English
CPE: Certificate of Proficiency in English
ISE: Integrated Skills Examinations in English
ISE I
ISE II
ISE III
ISE IV
Mark 4.0 - 5.0
Mark: 5.5 - 6.5
Mark: 7.0 - 8.0
Mark: 8.5 - 9.0
iBT 42 - 71
iBT 72 - 94
iBT 95 - 113
iBT 114 - 120
PTE Academic 43 - 58
PTE Academic 59 - 75
PTE Academic 76 - 84
PTE Academic 85
PTE General Level 2
PTE General Level 3
PTE General Level 4
PTE General Level 5
GA Entry 3 Certificate in ESOL International
GA Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International
GA Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International
GA Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International
Level B1.2 "Linguistic Certificate"; "Certificate of Attendance and Advancement"
Level B2.2 "Linguistic Certificate"; "Certificate of Attendance and Advancement"
Level C1.2 "Linguistic Certificate"; "Certificate of Attendance and Advancement"
Level C2.2 "Linguistic Certificate"; "Certificate of Attendance and Advancement"
The following certifications will be considered valid for students enrolled until a.y. 2023/2024 provided that they are submitted by 30 September 2024.
TIE Test of Interactive English: B1 o B1+
TIE Test of Interactive English: B2
TIE Test of Interactive English: C1 o C1+
TIE Test of Interactive English: C2
AIM Awards Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Anglia Intermediate)
AIM Awards Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Anglia Advanced)
AIM Awards Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Anglia Proficiency)
AIM Awards Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Anglia Mastery)
BEC: Business English Certificate Preliminary
BEC: Business English Certificate Vantage
BEC: Business English Certificate Higher
ESB Entry 3 Certificate in ESOL International (All Modes)
ESB Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (All Modes)
ESB Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (All Modes)
ITP/PBT 460 - 542
ITP/PBT 543 - 626
ITP/PBT 627 - 677
Listening & Reading 550-784
Speaking 120-159
Writing 120-149
Listening & Reading 785-944
Speaking 160-199
Writing 150-199
Listening & Reading 945
Speaking 200
Writing 200
English for Business Level 2
English for Business Level 3
English for Business Level 4
LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International - CEF Level B1
LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International - CEF Level B2
LRN Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International - CEF Level C1
LRN Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International - CEF Level C2
The computerized English B2 test is divided into four parts for a total duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The duration of each test is signalled by a countdown timer.
Topics:
Listening test B2 | 26 KB | |
Grammar test B2 | 323 KB | |
Reading test B2 | 18 KB | |
Vocabulary test B2 | 207 KB | |
Orale test B2 | 87 KB |
The final score is obtained by weighting the four results: the four sections are balanced so that each test is given a score out of 25 basis, thus giving a total of 100 points overall.
The computerized test and oral test make up a single exam, admission to the interview is subject to passing the PC test and it will take place in the days following the test.
The pass score is 60/100 in the PC test and 12/20 in the oral test.
This section allows you to view a model of the B2 English test.
This simulation allows students to familiarize themselves with the test structure and the type of questions, but does not constitute exhaustive material for preparing for the test.
You are reminded that students can take the simulation test online without losing the right to sit the test at the CLA in the scheduled sessions.
The simulation uses the same methods as the actual test: the pass score is 60%. Incorrect answers or answers left blank are not penalized, so they are worth zero in the total calculation.
You can access the simulation by going to the ClaDidattica website [ITA] and entering your Ca’ Foscari matriculation number and password.
All students enrolled at Ca’ Foscari are offered optional and free courses to prepare for the B2 test.
The CLA also offers optional supplementary paid courses, with a 75% discount on the full rate for students enrolled at Ca’ Foscari. The 60-hour courses, held either via blended learning or in person, are intended to help students prepare for the tests and/or to enable them to reach the required B2 Level English proficiency independently.
In the latter case, the CLA will certify achievement of the Level B2 through a Certificate of Attendance and Proficiency.