The Certificate of Competency (ECCE) constitutes an official certification of knowledge of the English language at B2 level, as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR).
ECCE format and content
| Section | Time | Description | # of questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 min. | Part I
A short recorded conversation followed by a question. Answer choices are given as pictures. |
30 |
| Part II
A recorded radio interview played in segments. Each segment is followed by questions, with brief printed answer choices. |
20 | ||
| Grammar, Vocabulary Κατανόηση Reading (GVR) |
80 min. | Grammar
An incomplete sentence followed by a choice of words or phrases to complete it. Only one choice is grammatically correct. |
35 |
| Vocabulary
An incomplete sentence followed by a choice of words or phrases to complete it. Only one choice is grammatically correct. |
35 | ||
| Reading
Part I: A short text followed by comprehension questions. |
30 | ||
| Writing | 30 min. | Choosing between writing a letter or essay. | 1 subject |
| Speaking | 10 – 15 min. | A conversation between candidate and examiner on topics set by the English Language Institute of the University of Michigan. |
- The three first parts (Listening, GVR, and Writing) comprise the written section of the examination and are administered at the same day. The fourth part, the Speaking Test, is administered before, after, or even at the same day of the written examinations.
- The test is designed for English language learners and reflects the preparation and the methodology used for practice in the classroom. The exercises are similar to the ones included in the textbooks or any other teaching material for learning English.
- Dialects or background noise are never used in the listening section. Candidates hear only speeches or conversations from speakers with Standard American English as a mother tongue.
