The Pearson English International Certificate is a proof of students' English Level based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The six levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 can be used as a certification of English proficiency as well as an achievement on the ongoing learning journey.

Designed specifically to certify English proficiency, the test is constructed on the body of applied linguistic research of the last 50 years which prioritises the ability to use language in context rather than just knowledge of the language. In order to use language effectively, it is assumed that learners require certain knowledge of the systems of language such as grammar, vocabulary and phonemic systems.

The test is designed with a majority of integrated skills questions which test more than one skills at the same time. This means that Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC) is a better test of English than the traditional test as the language learners often use more than one skills to communicate in real life tasks. The integrated skills questions test the learners ability to use skills they have learned and practices in classroom as well as in real life situations.

The test contains several item types which have been developed by a team of experienced international writers. The questions are first reviewed by experts in different countries based on the Global Scale of English (GSE) level and CEFR learning objectives. All questions are then reviewed by Pearson staff to ensure the quality and compliance with the test and item specifications.

For item types, which are either correct, partially correct or incorrect, are automatically scored.

The open-ended speaking and writing questions will be scored by expert human markers based on the scoring system. The scoring system is built on the analysis of a vast collection of test taker responses and human rater markings. This analysis will then set the standards for human markers to score the questions.

The interactive score report is a key feature of the Pearson English International Certificate. The report contains the overall and four skill scores together with detailed performance summaries, recommendations, and recommended exercises. The recommendations describe what students need to do to improve and progress to the next level. These information provide valuable feedback for individual test takers and advise them on their future learning.

Teachers who prepare a group of learners for the test will also be able to access group reports with:

• an overall CEFR band for each student as well as an overall scores with percentages for a group, and by level,

• percentages of the total number of students that achieved Pass, Merit or Distinction as well as what percentage might have obtained a Fail or Level Below result

• a profile of sub-skill scores for each student which show the strengths and weaknesses of individuals,

• individual student reports.

Around two weeks after scores reports become available on Test Hub, secure test certificates are issued to candidates who achieved a Pass or higher and sent via courier to the institution or the learner.