Linguaskill by Cambridge The accurate English test with fast results
The Linguaskill English Test by Cambridge Assessment English is the accurate and fast test of English proficiency used and trusted by organisations and educational institutions worldwide. Linguaskill with remote proctoring is a multi-level and adaptive test created to assess your English level in the most efficient way. You can now take all skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) individually, on-demand and independently.
Whether you have been asked to take the test by your current or prospective employer or university, or want to enhance your career by taking a Cambridge test, we help you prove your English skills to the world.
Here are the benefits of taking the Linguaskill test with Swiss Exams Skills:
take your exam conveniently from home – 100% online
fast results
take the test when it is best for you
flexible and unlimited choice of exam dates
prove your English level up to C1 or higher
Linguaskill for test takers
Learn more about Linguaskill
Linguaskill General English
Linguakill General tests language used in daily life, making it ideal for university admission or exit, and recruitment for roles in a non-business-specific environment. This makes the test suitable for a broad spectrum of organisations. Test topics include studying and working, making future plans, travel and technology.
Linguaskill Business English
Linguaskill Business tests English used in a business and corporate setting and is most suitable for recruitment in organisations where employees are expected to be familiar with the language of business. It is suitable for large or small organisations, which may be operating on an international level. Test topics include the buying and selling of products or services, the office, business travel and human resources.
Each Linguaskill module is independent and you can choose between taking the complete Linguaskill test or specific modules which can be combined, depending on your needs.
| Module | Time |
|---|---|
| Reading & Listening | 60-85 minutes |
| Speaking | 15 minutes |
| Writing | 45 minutes |
The Reading and Listening module is adaptive, so there is not a fixed number of questions. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions for Linguaskill to identify their level accurately.
| Reading and Listening: 60-85 minutes (7 parts), number of questions is variable |
|---|
Reading tasks
Listening Tasks
|
The Speaking module is taken using a computer with a microphone and headphones. Questions are presented to the candidate through the computer screen and headphones, and their responses are recorded and assessed by examiners. Results will be available within 48 hours.
| Speaking module, 15 minutes, 5 parts |
|---|
Part 1 (Interview)
Part 2 (reading aloud)
Part 3 (long turn 1)
Part 3 (long turn 2)
Part 5 (communication activity)
|
The Writing module asks candidates to input answers using a computer keyboard. Answers are marked automatically by the computer. Results will be available within 12 hours.
| Writing module, 45 minutes (2 parts) |
|---|
Part 1
Part 2
Example topics:future plans, free time and hobbies, using and learning English, family and friends, travel and holidays, places and sights, studying and working, shopping, sport, music, home life, technology |
How to register for Linguaskill with remote proctoring
Step 1
- Choose the complete test or one skill/module.
- Purchase the test with Swiss Exams Skills.
- Receive purchase confirmation and further instructions for your test.
- Receive account information for Swiss Exams – Candidate Access.
Continue with step 2.
Or
- You have received a voucher from an organisation and are asked to go to Swiss Exams Skills to redeem your voucher.
- Apply the voucher code and go through the payment process.
- Receive purchase confirmation and further instructions for your test.
- Receive account information for Swiss Exams – Candidate Access.
Continue with step 2.
Step 2
To ensure you do not experience any technical issues and that your test results are not invalidated, be sure to familiarise yourself with the following preparation materials:
Step 3
Before you start your test, you will be asked to make a 360-degree video of your workspace. It is important that you watch the demo video first. You must rotate your camera 360 degrees to show your entire workspace. Any attempt to hide parts of your workspace may be considered malpractice and you may not receive a result for the test.
Step 4
Once you have made yourself familiar with the preparation materials and ensured the minimum technical requirements are met, you are all set to take the Linguaskill test.
-
- In Swiss Exams – Candidate Access click on play to watch the video.
- Confirm you have read/understood all test preparation material
- Enter the Test Environment using the Verification Code in your Swiss Exams – Candidate Access
- Go through test pre-flight checks as instructed
- Log in to test platform using the entry Code in your Swiss Exams – Candidate Access
We wish you good luck with your test!
Prepare for your Linguaskill test
We have a range of resources that help test takers who are preparing for a Linguaskill test.
First of all, familiarize yourself with the test; it’s question types and format (link to Format tab?)
Preparation videos
Watch a series of preparation videos to prepare well for your Linguaskill exam.
- How to approach the extended listening sections of the Linguaskill test
- How to approach the Linguaskill speaking test
- Understanding collocations in the Linguaskill Reading test
Free online sample tests
Use these online sample tests to familiarise yourself with the types of questions used on Linguaskill. These sample tests do not provide a result or save your answers.
Note: The Reading and Listening sample test is not adaptive and is shorter than a real test. The Speaking sample test requires a headphone set and microphone.
Free online practice tests
Practice tests help you get comfortable with the format and layout of the test while providing you with feedback on the responses you have entered. You can take these practice tests as many times as you like.
Note: Linguaskill is an adaptive test that changes the questions based on your answers, to provide you with a score. Our practice tests are not adaptive – there are three tests available, at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Linguaskill General
- Linguaskill Business
Here you will find examples of Writing responses for each level and test section. They demonstrate the content that needs to be written in order to achieve the different levels. Examiner commentary is given to explain the reasons behind why each level was achieved.
Writing Practice
Do you want to practice your written English? The free online tool “Write & Improve” includes specific Linguaskill Business-related writing topics, it is a fantastic way to improve your writing skills. Write & Improve give you feedback in seconds.
The Speaking criteria gives information on what a candidate needs to demonstrate in order to reach each CEFR level.
Speaking Practice
Would you like to practice your spoken English? Speak and Improve is a great way to practise your speaking skills and get used to the experience of taking an online speaking test like Linguaskill.
Top Tips
Receive our top tips for Linguaskill, created by our Cambridge English assessment specialists to give you the best chance of succeeding in your test:
Official Quick Guide to Linguaskill
The official test preparation, the Linguaskill Quick Guide includes:
- 10 hours of familiarisation and practice of the test
- information on the test structure and examples of every question type in the test
- hints and tips on how to succeed in the test.
How to access the Quick Guide to Linguaskill ebook:
- download and install the Cambridge Bookshelf App on Google Play or App Store. (tablets only)
- register on the App
- search for The Official Quick Guide to Linguaskill on the bookshelf
- click on the book cover and follow the in-app payment steps in order to purchase and download.
Linguaskill test requirements
It is still a test, even if it’s taken online and from home. Therefore, it is even more important that candidates comply with the Candidate Guidelines and Test requirements given to them in the instructions.
There are a couple of test requirements you need to take care of before you take the test. Please check the technical and hardware requirements as well as the Test Environment Pre-flight check so that you do not experience any issues. Any attempt to hide parts of your workspace may be considered malpractice and you may not receive a result for the test.
Before your test: Please make sure to go to “Requirements” to comply with the environment and technical setup for your exam.
Your Linguaskill Results
Results for the Linguaskill test are available within 2 working days.
Easy-to-understand report format
Linguaskill assesses English language ability from below A1 to C1 or above on the CEFR.
Linguaskill results are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand Test Report.
The Linguaskill Test Report shows:
- Cambridge English Scale score for each skill tested
- an overall Cambridge English Scale score, which is an average of the individual scores
- CEFR level for each skill tested
- an overall CEFR score
- an explanation of what each score means in terms of English language ability
- whether the candidate took the Business or General test.
Linguaskill score and Level comparison
Linguaskill assesses English language ability from below A1 to C1 or above on the CEFR:
| Score | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 180+ | C1 or above |
| 160–179 | B2 |
| 140–159 | B1 |
| 120–139 | A2 |
| 100–119 | A1 |
| 82–99 | Below A1 |
Have confidence that a Linguaskill Test Report is authentic. If you need to check that a candidate’s Test Report is authentic, you can do so by clicking here. This short video explains how it works.
Learn more about the science behind Linguaskill in this video: How does the automarker correct your writing test?
Choose your test
Take the complete Linguaskill test with all skills or choose modules separately either for General English or Business English.
Linguakill General tests language used in daily life, making it ideal for university admission or exit, and recruitment for roles in a non-business-specific environment. This makes the test suitable for a broad spectrum of organisations. Test topics include studying and working, making future plans, travel and technology.
Linguaskill Business tests English used in a business and corporate setting and is most suitable for recruitment in organisations where employees are expected to be familiar with the language of business. It is suitable for large or small organisations, which may be operating on an international level. Test topics include the buying and selling of products or services, the office, business travel and human resources.
New certificated version: Linguaskill Business
Introducing new Linguaskill Business in 2024, the next generation of Cambridge Business English Certification (BEC) in Switzerland. The new certificated version of Linguaskill Business will provide learners with an internationally recognised certificate by Cambridge. Find out more details here.
Why Linguaskill?
Linguaskill helps people prove your English language level for work or study. Powered by Artificial Intelligence, it provides reliable, fast results, and adaptive technology means that the test tailors to your ability, in order to offer a personalised experience.
You receive a Test Report with detailed results – aligned to the international benchmark for describing language ability, the Common European Framework of Reference – and ‘can do’ statements describing your ability. This will help you to move forward and progress with your career.
