![](https://exams-owl.com/storage/2021/03/EMWS@3x-8.png")
Find out which Cambridge English exam may be best for you. Take the quick, free online test.
Exam preparation
A new version of Linguaskill is being introduced which will include a range of new features and benefits. During this upgrade, please take extra care to ensure that you use the practice materials designed for the right version of the exam you intend to take. The new enhanced version will be available from 1 May.
Linguaskill is an online, adaptative, multi-level test designed to help organisations assess groups of candidates. It offers a complete picture of your candidates’ English abilities, with fast and accurate testing of all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
Summary information about Linguaskill (page in Spanish)
Linguaskill is a flexible, modular assessment, which tests:
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.
Results for the Reading and Listening module are provided immediately.
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.
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.
Linguaskill Business Speaking is assessed by human examiners. Linguaskill General Speaking is assessed by using human examiners or market-leading auto-marking technology, known as hybrid marking. Results will be available within 48 hours.
Linguaskill 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. For example, where the employee needs strong English skills to perform their role effectively, but will not need specialist business terminology. 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. Test topics include the buying and selling of products or services, the office, business travel and human resources.
Read the top tips for Linguaskill, created by Cambridge English assessment specialists to give you the best chance of succeeding in your test:
Listening and Reading
trial report
Writing
trial report
Information
for candidates
Computer-adaptive testing of
listening and reading skills
Linguaskill
Quick Guide
Linguaskill for
Higher Education Institutions
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.
The practice tests help you get comfortable with the format and layout of the test while also 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.
Writing is one of the skills which candidates can improve very quickly with the right guidance and tools, so make sure they are equipped to pick up all the extra marks they can!
Below you will find some examples of Writing responses for the levels A2, B1, B2 and C1 for each part of the test. You will also find examiner comments that explain the reasons behind why each level was achieved and highlight the content that needs to be included.
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.
The Speaking Assessment Criteria gives you information on what you need to demonstrate in order to reach each CEFR level.
Linguaskill is an online test and the equipment used to run the test must meet a series of minimum technical requirements. Centres and candidates are responsible for ensuring that their equipment meets these requirements in order for the test to function correctly. We recommend that you run a practice test in advance of your exam day.
IMPORTANT: The computer used for the test should NOT have more than one screen.
You must close any other programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Skype), computer windows or webpages before to start the test.
It is only allowed to have two windows open in the browser: the one corresponding to the exam and the ProctorExam one.
The minimum bandwidth requirements are for each computer running the test. When running multiple tests concurrently on the same internet connection you should ensure this bandwidth is available to each computer. If less than 2 Mbps is available for each candidate, the test may take longer to run.
Please do not allow the use of your computers’ built-in microphones, these should be disabled, because they are not of the appropriate type nor of sufficient quality. In addition in Chrome if a candidate mutes their headset mic, Linguaskill will continue recording if there‘s more than one mic enabled on the machine.
Watch the Linguaskill Playlist with a series of preparation videos.
Watch some tips on how best to prepare for Linguaskill and what you can expect during the tests.
Linguaskill is an online, adaptative, multi-level test designed to help organisations assess groups of candidates. It offers a complete picture of your candidates’ English abilities, with fast and accurate testing of all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
Linguaskill is a flexible, modular assessment, which tests:
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.
Results for the Reading and Listening module are provided immediately.
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.
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.
Linguaskill Business Speaking is assessed by human examiners. Linguaskill General Speaking is assessed by using human examiners or market-leading auto-marking technology, known as hybrid marking. Results will be available within 48 hours.
Linguaskill 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. For example, where the employee needs strong English skills to perform their role effectively, but will not need specialist business terminology. 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. Test topics include the buying and selling of products or services, the office, business travel and human resources.
Read the top tips for Linguaskill, created by Cambridge English assessment specialists to give you the best chance of succeeding in your test:
Listening and Reading
trial report
Writing
trial report
Information
for candidates
Computer-adaptive testing
of listening and reading skills
Linguaskill
Quick Guide
Linguaskill for
Higher Education Institutions
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.
The practice tests help you get comfortable with the format and layout of the test while also 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.
Writing is one of the skills which candidates can improve very quickly with the right guidance and tools, so make sure they are equipped to pick up all the extra marks they can!
Below you will find some examples of Writing responses for the levels A2, B2 and C1 for each part of the test. You will also find examiner comments that explain the reasons behind why each level was achieved and highlight the content that needs to be included.
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.
The Speaking Assessment Criteria gives you information on what you need to demonstrate in order to reach each CEFR level.
Linguaskill is an online test and the equipment used to run the test must meet a series of minimum technical requirements. Centres and candidates are responsible for ensuring that their equipment meets these requirements in order for the test to function correctly. We recommend that you run a practice test in advance of your exam day.
IMPORTANT: The computer used for the test should NOT have more than one screen.
You must close any other programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Skype), computer windows or webpages before to start the test.
It is only allowed to have two windows open in the browser: the one corresponding to the exam and the ProctorExam one.
The minimum bandwidth requirements are for each computer running the test. When running multiple tests concurrently on the same internet connection you should ensure this bandwidth is available to each computer. If less than 2 Mbps is available for each candidate, the test may take longer to run.
Please do not allow the use of your computers’ built-in microphones, these should be disabled, because they are not of the appropriate type nor of sufficient quality. In addition in Chrome if a candidate mutes their headset mic, Linguaskill will continue recording if there‘s more than one mic enabled on the machine.
Watch the Linguaskill Playlist with a series of preparation videos.
