Cambridge Certification Preparation Course

Cambridge Certification Preparation Course

Duration:
1-25 weeks
Start Date:
Weekly Enrolments
Days:
Monday to Friday (Inclusive)
Certification:
Cambridge
Reference Code:
CCEFCE1F
Normal Price:
Varies (see below)
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Course Description

Students seeking a general qualification as a proof of language proficiency may opt for one of our general Cambridge exam programmes.

These are among the most popular and widely-recognised English examinations in the world, accepted by both employers and many educational institutions alike. An advanced level of English is required to join the CAE programme (CEFR B2/C1 or equivalent).

*Note: Part-time course does not meet Visa requirement for stamp 2 students/those seeking student visa.

IBAT offers English language tuition in two campuses (16-19 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 and 24-27 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1). The campus and level of class is decided by our English language academic team upon completion of the entrance test on a student's first day of classes.

Both campuses are fitted with state of the art learning facilities to enhance your English language journey with us. Please note that there is no option to select your campus. 

FCE - First Certificate English

As the basic formal certificate recognised by public institutions, this examination equates to a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment (CEFR). It is generally taken by students who have an achieved an upper-intermediate level of English.

CAE - Certificate in Advanced English

For students at an advanced level of English language learning, this examination equates to a C1 on the CEFR. Along with IELTS, certain educational institutions accept this certificate for entry to college courses.

Help and guidance is provided to each student wishing to enrol for an official Cambridge Examination.

For more details on educational institutions and bodies that accept both CAE and CPE for entry to their courses, please refer to the official Cambridge website.

Our programmes focus on the four main exam areas:

  • Reading and Use of English
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking

The courses begin with a general introduction to the overall structure of the examination, followed by a gradual development of the sub-skills:

Reading and Use of English

  • Reading for detailed and specific information
  • Deducing unknown vocabulary from context
  • Justifying an answer
  • Interpreting an author’s overall opinion of a given topic
  • Focus on the specific text-related task types:

– Multiple-choice (FCE complete text - CAE 3 theme-related short texts + complete text)

– Gapped text (FCE sentence insertion - CAE - paragraph insertion)

– Multiple-matching

Familiarisation with and regular practice of each of the task types: Multiple-choice cloze, Open cloze, Word formation, Key word transformations, summary writing. Particular attention is paid to the following:

  • Analysis of parts of speech and parts of a sentence
  • Lexical-grammatical focus– idioms, collocations, word semantics, synonyms, varying registers
  • Attention placed onlanguage etymology – affixation (prefixes and suffixes) for word formation
  • Grammar – tenses andarticles are among the most common issues for speakers of certain languages

Writing

  • Part 1 - Compulsory task: Formal and informal letter and e-mail writing
  • Part 2 - Choice of 1 out of 4 - emphasis on writing essays, proposals, reports, short stories, reviews, articles, letters and e-mails (formal and informal)
  • Text organisation (introduction and conclusion)
  • General coherence - linking ideas and sentences appropriately

Listening

  • Listening for gist and specific information - dates, times, prices etc. Task types: sentence completion, multiple-choics and multiple matching
  • Constant exposure to exam-style recordings e.g. monologues, two-way conversations, group discussions etc.
  • Emphasis is placed on the different native English-speaking accents
  • Recording scripts are subsequently analysed for vocabulary content

Speaking

  • Examination of academic vocabulary and expressions for recurring discussion topics
  • Part 2: Focus on analysis and description of visual prompts (photographs)
  • Part 3: Focus on interactive skills while collaborating and discussing visual aids, with the aim of responding to a given situation
  • Engaging in certain language functions such as speculating, justifying an opinion, negotiating and reaching consensus
  • Particular focus is placed on language accuracy and fluency
  • Regular simulations of the complete speaking exam in student pairs

Students will be carefully trained to complete each exam task in the specific allotted time and will practice transferring answers from exam booklets to the official exam answer sheet.

All our exam programmes are structured in a way that builds students’ confidence through continual practice of exam-specific tasks, combined with regular designated exam practice days followed by detailed feedback provided to each student.

Individual logs are kept of each student’s scores to highlight stronger skills and pinpoint weaker areas for further development. The aim of this is to show progression and to form the basis for assigning supplementary work to improve on these areas.

What will students achieve at the end of the programme?

Upon successful completion of the IBAT English programme:

  • General IBAT College certificate of achievement (student name, course level, number of hours attended and the teacher's reference on the student's progression)

Upon successful completion of the official Cambridge examination:

  • An internationally-recognised Cambridge FCE or CAE Certificate which confirms the student's level and does not expire

Cambridge Certificates are recognised by employers worldwide and are accepted by many educational institutions as a proof of level of English. Students could decide that they wish to progress further to try the next level of the exam.

International Student Applications

IBAT College Dublin welcomes applications from international students. Please contact our International Admissions team by stating your nationality, current location, name and phone number. Currently, IBAT College Dublin uses the Irish Qualification Recognition Service and the UK’s National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to map international qualifications onto the Irish Framework.

For entry requirements, please check the individual course information pages on this site or contact a member of our Admissions Team. For applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS certificate may also be required.

  • Calling us at:  +353 1 8075 055 
  • Email us at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

IBAT College Dublin Trusted Agent Network

International applicants are required to use the services of an IBAT College Dublin authorised education agent. IBAT College Dublin works closely with selected agencies overseas. For a list of our trusted agents, please contact our International Admissions team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We also have dedicated offices in India and Pakistan to assist prospective students with their enquiries, applications and visa application submissions.

Apply and Book Online

You can contact or apply to us directly using the the "Book Now" option below, this will give us the key details to start your application, a member of our admissions team will then contact you with further details, or alternatively you can simply "Ask us a Question" using the form below.

You can also email or call one of our course specialists so they can provide you with additional guidance on your application

  • Calling us at:  +353 1 8075 055 
  • Email us at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

Useful Information for International Students

Below are links to useful information and guidance for International Students.

Book Now to reserve your place.

Contact us and one of our course specialists will be able to speak to you one-on-one about your needs by phone, email or in person.

Question? Ask us.

Discuss your needs with one of our course specialists.

Student Benefits

Discover the additional support services and facilities we have to help you thrive; from IT Labs, a Career Service, Networking Evenings and more..

IBAT College Dublin English Language School

Students at The English Language School at IBAT College Dublin will now be able to access free self-study software, trusted by Pearson, British Council, Cambridge University Press and McGraw Hill Education. Through this software, students can gain additional support in improving their grammar, speaking and listening as well as preparing them for exams. The self-study software is an extra resource in addition to classes to enhance the student learning experience.

Take the first step

Contact us and one of our course specialists will be able to speak to you one-on-one about your needs by phone, email or in person.