B2 level of English language

Before enrolling, PhD students can:

• fall within one of the categories of exemption indicated in the appropriate section
• obtain a certificate from an official certification body (Recognized certifications section)
• take the B2 English test at the University Language Centre (CLA) with the fees defined by the CLA Board (CLA B2 test section)

After enrolment (and in any case by the deadline indicated in the Call), PhD students can:

• take the B2 English test, free for the first two attempts, at the CLA
• obtain a certificate from an official certification body
• take an examen (with fee) according to the CLA calendar

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Exemption

You can be exempted from the language test if you fall into one of the following categories:

• you attended and completed higher education studies or at least one year of college in a country in which English is the medium of instruction;
• you acquired a qualification (high school diploma or university qualification) in Italy or abroad at the conclusion of a period of studies taught entirely in English;
• during your high school studies you carried out at least one full year of exchange at an institution whose language of instruction was English;
• you have one of the following qualifications:

   

  • a degree obtained prior to D.M. 509/1999 in Foreign Languages and Literature, Modern Languages and Literature, Translation, for interpreters, translation and interpretation with regard to English only following a degree course lasting at least three years;
  • a degree obtained under D.M. 509/1999 in Class 11 Languages and modern cultures or Class 3 in Language Mediation with a study plan including a three-year English language course;
  • a degree obtained under D.M. 270/2004 in Class L-11 Modern Languages and Cultures or Class L-12 Language Mediation with a study plan including a three-year English language course.

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Recognized certifications

The certifications included in the following list will be considered valid provided that they have been submitted within 5 years from the date of their achievement.

All certifications must clearly state the language level achieved.

Certifications proving the failure in achieving a higher language level or certifications of a lower language level will not be accepted to certify a lower language level or the achievement of a higher language level respectively.

Certifications recognized starting from a.y. 2024/2025

Language knowledge levels refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Other Certifications recognized

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CLA B2 test

Structure

The computerized English B2 test is divided into four parts for a total duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The duration of each test is signalled by a countdown timer.

• The Listening Test lasts 25 minutes and consists of 3 audio files accompanied by multiple choice questions and true/false questions, each audio can be listened to twice
• The Grammar Test lasts 20 minutes and consists of 40 sentences to be completed by choosing from three possible answers given
• The Vocabulary Test lasts 15 minutes and includes 20 sentences to be completed on specific topics by choosing the correct option from among three possible answers given
• The Reading Test lasts 30 minutes and consists of three exercises each related to a different text:
  • the first is an extract from a novel accompanied by 5 multiple choice questions
  • the second is a newspaper article accompanied by 5 multiple choice questions
  • the third is a general knowledge text followed by 10 true-or-false statements
• Language proficiency is assessed in an oral test, which consists of a 30-minute discussion among students divided into groups of 4 and moderated by a native speaker language assistant (CEL).
  The following skills are assessed in the oral examination:
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Pronunciation
  • Interactive Communication

Topics:

The final score is obtained by weighting the four results: the four sections are balanced so that each test is given a score out of 25 basis, thus giving a total of 100 points overall.

The computerized test and oral test make up a single exam, admission to the interview is subject to passing the PC test and it will take place in the days following the test.

The pass score is 60/100 in the PC test and 12/20 in the oral test.

Simulation

This section allows you to view a model of the B2 English test. 
This simulation allows students to familiarize themselves with the test structure and the type of questions, but does not constitute exhaustive material for preparing for the test.

You are reminded that students can take the simulation test online without losing the right to sit the test at the CLA in the scheduled sessions.
The simulation uses the same methods as the actual test: the pass score is 60%. Incorrect answers or answers left blank are not penalized, so they are worth zero in the total calculation.

You can access the simulation by going to the ClaDidattica website [ITA] and entering your Ca’ Foscari matriculation number and password.

Preparation courses

All students enrolled at Ca’ Foscari are offered optional and free courses to prepare for the B2 test.

• In-person courses reserved exclusively for Ca’ Foscari students [ITA]
• Courses available online
  • LANGMaster
  • B2 Headway Upper Intermediate
  • B2 New English File Upper Intermediate
  • B2 English result
  • B2 Oxford Living Grammar
  • B2 FCE Result

The CLA also offers optional supplementary paid courses, with a 75% discount on the full rate for students enrolled at Ca’ Foscari. The 60-hour courses, held either via blended learning or in person, are intended to help students prepare for the tests and/or to enable them to reach the required B2 Level English proficiency independently.
In the latter case, the CLA will certify achievement of the Level B2 through a Certificate of Attendance and Proficiency.