The Advanced Level Certificate in English (ALCE C1-C2) is a standardized 4-skill test at the advanced level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR C1 and C2). It is a secure exam developed by the Hellenic American University and administered by authorized test centers worldwide.
The Hellenic American University Advanced Level Certificate in English (ALCE C1-C2) is a standardized examination designed for candidates who wish to obtain certification of their competency in English as a second or other language at advanced level. The ALCE C1-C2 examination is aimed at the C1 and C2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The ALCE C1-C2 examination tests communicative competence in all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as tasks which test grammatical resources. There is no separate vocabulary section, as vocabulary resources are tested through all tasks in all sections.
Listening (30 items)
Part 1 (6 items) (multiple choice): One monologue and one dialogue: each is heard twice, and each is followed by three questions. Candidates choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Part 2 (7 items) (multiple choice): Interview: one dialogue, heard twice, with seven questions relating to the main idea of each part of the interview. Candidates choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Part 3 (10 items) (multiple choice): Group discussion: presenter describes a proposal, and 4 speakers express their views on it. One discussion heard twice, accompanied by ten questions. Candidates choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Part 4 (7 items) (multiple choice): A talk: a monologue heard twice, accompanied by seven questions, each with three answer choices.
Listening section duration: 45 min. (approx.)
Reading & Use of Language (50 items)
Task 1 (10 items): Editing: One text: five of the ten numbered sentences in the text contain a language error. Candidates decide which five sentences contain an error, paying attention to the underlined part of each sentence.
Task 2 (10 items): Identifying the best grammar / vocabulary / discourse option for gaps in a cloze text: Two short cloze texts, each with five multiple-choice questions. Candidates complete each gap in the texts by choosing from four possible answer choices.
Task 3 (10 items) Reading for main ideas: Candidates read one text comprising seven paragraphs. The first seven questions concern the main idea of each paragraph, while the last three compare information from different paragraphs. Candidates choose the correct answer to each question from four answer choices.
Task 4 (10 items) Reading to understand details: Candidates read one text, usually on a scientific or academic topic, accompanied by ten questions, each with four answer choices. The questions test detailed understanding of the text, including identifying meaning from context.
Task 5 (10 items) Reading to understand viewpoints in an argumentative text: An argumentative text followed by ten multiple-choice questions with four answer choices. The first six questions concern viewpoints expressed in the text, while the other four questions concern discourse features.
Reading & Use of Language section duration: 75 minutes
Writing (1 task)
Candidates choose one from a choice of two possible tasks. Both tasks comprise an argumentative essay, in which the candidate argues a case based on at least two of the prompts provided.
Writing section duration: 45 minutes
Speaking (3 tasks)
Task 1: Warm Up: Candidates answer non-sensitive personal questions.
Task 2: Topic questions: Candidates answer two to three questions on a topic, supported by prompts for each question.
Task 3: Arguing a case: Candidates are given the context for a controversial issue, as well as points for each side. They are expected to choose one side and argue their case effectively.
Speaking section duration: 8 min. (approx.)
The first three sections (Listening, RUL, and Writing) constitute the written part of the exam and are administered on the same day. The fourth part, the speaking test is administered on a different date, preceding or following the written section.
Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.
You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.
The ALCE Scoring Guide is available here.
The Hellenic American University ALCE C1-C2 examination is scored using an advanced mathematical model, Item Response Theory (IRT). IRT scores are not the same as raw scores or percentage scores, but there may be a high correlation between the number of correct answers and the IRT scores. The ALCE C1-C2 examination is scored using aggregate scoring.
For each section of the examination, raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 25 – 100. Scaled scores allow each administration of the examination to be equated, ensuring that the ability required to pass or to achieve a high score remains the same from one administration to the next.
The ALCE™ is a multi-level examination with scores equated to the C1 and C2 levels.
The Listening Section and the Reading & Use of Language (RUL) Section
For each section of the examination, raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 25 – 100. Scaled scores allow each administration of the examination to be equated, ensuring that the ability required to pass or to achieve a high score remains the same from one administration to the next.
To pass the Listening or RUL section at C1 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 on a scale of 25 – 100 for that section. Candidates preparing for the exam should aim for a minimum raw score of at least 12 out of 30 for the Listening section and 21 out of 50 for the RUL section to have a good chance of passing each section.
For C2 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 74 on a scale of 25 – 100 for that section. Candidates preparing for the exam should aim for a minimum raw score of at least 16 out of 30 for the Listening section and 27 out of 50 for the RUL section to have a good chance of passing each section.
Please note that this is a guide only and cannot guarantee a specific score on the exam.
Level |
Listening Score: Number of correct answers out of 30 |
RUL Score: Number of correct answers out of 50 |
Description |
C2 |
22 - 30 |
37-50 |
You are highly likely to achieve a pass at C2 level |
16-21 |
27-36 |
You are likely to achieve a pass at C2 level |
|
C1 |
12-15 |
21-26 |
You are likely to achieve a pass at C1 level, and you are approaching the level required for C2 |
Below C1 |
9-11 |
17-20 |
You are approaching the level required for C1 |
0-8 |
0-16 |
You will need to do a lot more practice to pass this section at C1 level |
Writing Section
For the Writing Section, the difficulty of the task as well as the leniency and/or severity of the raters have been incorporated in the scaled scores. The Writing Section is scored out of a total of 15 marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Organization, and Linguistic Resources. Each criterion provides between one and five marks. To pass the Writing Section of the ALCE™ examination at C1 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 8 out of 15. To achieve a pass at C2 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 74 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 11 out of 15.
Speaking Section
For the Speaking Section, the difficulty of the task as well as the leniency and/or severity of the raters have been incorporated in the scaled scores. The Speaking Section is scored out of a total of 15 marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Fluency and Interaction, and Linguistic Resources. Each criterion provides between one and five marks. To pass the Speaking section of the ALCE™ examination at C1 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 8 out of 15. To achieve a pass at C2 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 74 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 11 out of 15.
Cut scores
The cut scores for each section of the ALCE™ examination have been determined through standard setting procedures, as laid out in the Council of Europe manual: ‘Relating Language Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR): A Manual’ (2009).
Applying a mixed standard setting strategy, candidates who achieve an averaged total scaled score of at least 55 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded a certificate at C1 level. Candidates who achieve 74 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded a certificate at C2 level.
The ALCE™ certificate is valid for the holder’s lifetime, with the proviso for test users that a candidate’s language ability may improve or deteriorate in relation to their contact with the language.
SECTION SCALED SCORES
The table below shows the minimum scaled pass scores candidates need to pass each section of the ALCE™ examination at C1 level and at C2 level, and the minimum total average scaled score candidates need to receive a C1 or a C2 level certificate.
Section |
Minimum scaled |
Minimum scaled |
Listening |
55 |
74 |
RUL |
55 |
74 |
Writing |
55 |
74 |
Speaking |
55 |
74 |
Total Average Scaled Score |
55 |
74 |
Candidates who achieve an averaged total scaled score of at least 55 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded an ALCE™ certificate at C1 level, even though they may have failed one or more sections. Candidates who achieve an averaged overall scaled score of at least 74 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded an ALCE™ certificate at C2 level, even though they may have lower scaled scores in one or more sections. However, candidates who fail to reach C1 level in any section cannot receive a certificate at C2 level. All candidates have the right to have any section of their examination re-scored.
How can I apply?
Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.
What if I have a question about the procedure?
If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.
Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?
Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.
The results for the ALCE C1-C2 examination will be available on our website approximately six weeks after the completion of the exam period.
Schedule
Exam Date: | Exam Administration: | Test Centers: | Registration Period: |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
Registration Period:
|
Support
Find useful information for your exams or existing certifications, tips and advice, free preparation material and more.