Until now ESOL qualifications have not fully reflected assessment of the adult literacy standards and the ESOL Core Curriculum. From January 2005, the existing qualifications will be withdrawn and only the newly accredited qualifications will be offered.

A link to the draft specifications is available on the web-site. Alternatively, the adult literacy standards and the Core Curriculum are available from the DfES Read Write Plus website www.gov.uk/read/writeplus

An all mode qualification at Entry 1, 2, 3, Level 1 and Level 2 and a separate Speaking & Listening at Entry 1, 2 and 3 only.

At each Level (Entry Level 1 and Level 2), a candidate has to be successful in all three modes of the units in order to achieve the all mode qualification.  For Speaking & Listening, candidates can be registered for a separate qualification.

Edexcel do not require candidates to produce a portfolio of evidence.  The qualifications are based on the candidate passing the appropriate tests. However, is it considered good practice to support learners in their development with a portfolio containing their formative work and assessment. Edexcel will not, however, need to see this work.

We have designed the assessments to allow centres to focus on teaching and learning. The tests are held with the centre on a CD-ROM so those learners should take the assessments when they are ready.

The tests are sent to the centre on a CD-ROM and then administered by the tutors under supervised conditions. The centre marks and internally verifies the test and then sends a sample of the test papers to the External Verifier for final confirmation that they have been assessed according to the mark scheme.

No. The qualifications are designed to reflect competencies and skills that candidates can or cannot achieve.

No. The mark schemes have been designed for ease of use.  There are no half mark allocations or requirements for doubling up of marks.  All assessment tasks are referenced to the ESOL Core Curriculum descriptors and they provide illustrations of potential answers.

This will depend on the unit and the Level.  Tests tend to be, on average, an hour in duration at Entry Level and slightly longer at Levels 1 and 2.  The Speaking & Listening is 15 minutes in length, although there is an optional warm-up session.

From the Instructions for the Conduct of External Examinations manual which is available on the ESOL website.

It is advisable that learners on a year-long programme be registered by November. Learners on a roll-on, roll-off programme should be registered at least four weeks before they take the first test.

No. Although there is some commonality of approach with adult literacy, the new ESOL qualifications have been designed to meet specific language and literacy needs as identified in the ESOL Core Curriculum.  Edexcel ESOL qualifications are closely mapped to this and aim to test language within appropriate contexts.  However, at Levels 1 and 2 the candidates will take the same reading test as the adult literacy candidates.

No. Practitioners should have, or be working towards, the new ESOL teaching qualifications at the appropriate level for their role.

No. Edexcel are not currently accredited for pre-16 learners. We are however, accredited for Adult Literacy and Numeracy for pre-16 learners.

There is a designated key and basic team at Edexcel to support you with administration and assessment needs.

There will be Inset training throughout the year to support those delivering and assessing ESOL qualifications.

There will be network events in the regions, which encourage practitioners to meet and share good practice.

The website is continuously updated with new information An EV will be appointed as a named contact to your centre as soon as you register candidates.