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The Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) is a standardized high-intermediate level English as a foreign language (EFL) examination. It is aimed at the B2 (Independent User, Vantage) level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and is developed and scored by the English Language Institute of the University of Michigan (ELI-UM). The ECCE is given twice annually at ELI-UM–approved test centers in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
The emphasis of the ECCE is on the communicative use of English rather than on a formalistic knowledge of the language. It is aimed at students who are able to function and perform essential communicative transactions in all four skill areas of the language (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). While the ECCE is not an academically oriented exam, it may be seen as a bridge to such an exam (e.g., ECPE, MELAB). The ECCE level is similar to the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE).
Examinees can use the ECCE certificate as evidence of high-intermediate competence in English for personal, public, educational, and occupational purposes. For example, in several countries the ECCE is used as an exit exam at the end of a course of study. In addition, it is also used to provide evidence of one's level of English to employers. Successful examinees may find an ECCE certificate useful when applying for a job or a promotion, or when conducting business with companies worldwide.
ELI-UM is committed to excellence in its tests, which are developed in accordance with the highest standards in educational measurement. All parts of the examination are written following specified guidelines, and items are pretested to ensure that they function properly. ELI-UM works closely with test centers to ensure that its tests are administered in a way that is fair and accessible to examinees and that the ECCE is open to all people who wish to take the exam, regardless of the school they attend.
The ECCE tests all four skill areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It emphasizes the ability of the examinee to communicate effectively in English.
The ECCE consists of four sections: speaking, listening, grammar/vocabulary/reading, and writing:
- The speaking section involves a structured 10- to 15-minute oral interaction between an examinee and an oral examiner.
- A visual prompt on a particular topic is used in the interaction.
- Speaking tests are audio recorded by oral examiners.
- The listening, grammar/vocabulary/reading, and writing sections are administered in a group administration lasting about two-and-a-half hours.
- The listening test is delivered via an audio recording. Multiple-choice answers to questions about the listening are provided in individual test booklets and examinees mark their answers on a separate answer page.
- The test booklets also include the multiple-choice format grammar/vocabulary/reading questions as well as the topic for the writing section.
- The writing section task is to write either a letter or essay.
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