A fair start: The Foundation English Test
Not every role requires advanced fluency or academic-level language skills. For vocational jobs, technical placements and entry-level positions in sectors like hospitality, construction and retail, organisations need a test that measures basic communication skills accurately without being intimidating.
The Foundation English Test is specifically designed to bridge this gap. It provides a fair, accessible way to assess candidates at the start of their language learning journey, ensuring that basic proficiency is measured with the same rigour as advanced fluency.
A tailored solution for new learners
This assessment is specifically designed for lower-level proficiency, covering levels A1 to B1 on the CEFR scale. Unlike higher-level exams that focus on complex argumentation or academic analysis, the Foundation English Test focuses on the practical language needed for everyday settings and vocational workplaces.
Who is it for?
The test is built to serve a specific demographic that is often overlooked by traditional high-stakes testing.
- New learners who are just beginning their English journey and need a confidence boost rather than a rigorous academic critique.
- Young professionals entering the workforce for the first time, particularly in technical or service-oriented roles where functional communication is key.
- TVET colleges and vocational training centres across Sub-Saharan Africa that need to screen applicants for technical courses.
Focus on accessibility and low anxiety
Standard proficiency tests can be discouraging for beginners. They often contain complex tasks that feel irrelevant to a student's actual life or job prospects.
The Foundation English Test is designed to lower test anxiety. The tasks are straightforward, familiar and relevant to the real world. By removing the stress of complex academic formatting, the test allows candidates to demonstrate what they can do, rather than highlighting what they cannot do. This approach builds confidence and encourages a positive attitude towards further learning.
Strategic benefits for schools and employers
For institutions, the test offers a reliable baseline.
- A foundation for further learning is established by identifying exactly where a student sits on the learning curve. This allows educators to place students in the correct stream, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed in classes that are too advanced.
- Widely accepted results mean that the test serves as a trusted credential. Whether a student is applying for a technical apprenticeship in Ghana or a service role in South Africa, the results are mapped to international standards, providing a portable proof of skill.
Impact in the vocational sector
The need for accurate entry-level testing is growing across the continent as governments focus on youth employment and technical skills.
Supporting vocational training in Ghana
In partnership with the I-WORK project, the British Council has worked to enhance technical and vocational education (TVET) systems. By aligning skills training with international standards, projects like these rely on accurate benchmarking to ensure that apprentices have the functional English skills required to succeed in their training and safeguard themselves in the workplace.
The Foundation English Test ensures that young people entering these technical fields are not unfairly excluded by academic English requirements, but are instead assessed on the communication skills that actually matter for their careers.