Suppose you want to buy a car. You need it for commuting to work, family logistics, leisurely rides, and because you're tired of using public transport or your 30-year-old car constantly breaking down.
Your dream is a Mercedes EQE SUV (a GREAT electric car), but it costs around €95,000. With your teaching salary, you would need about five years of savings and no spending at all! So, you are left with two choices:
- Wait until you save up and buy the Mercedes (even if it takes years).
- Buy a Toyota because you can afford it, it’s a realistic target, and you won’t need to wait for years of savings.
How are cars relevant to an English magazine? It’s simple: the car options are a metaphor for English language certificates, and their price represents the difficulty level of each certificate. The option you choose corresponds to the name of the certificate students aim for: Mercedes (Cambridge or Michigan C2 or B2) or Toyota (other options like LRN, PTE, NOCN, ESB, TOEIC, Pearson, etc.).
Teaching License
Many years ago, Cambridge and Michigan were the only exam options for language learners because they provided a teaching license from the age of 21. Later, UCLan (which became ESB) allowed successful C2-level candidates to become professional English teachers. For those who remember (over 40, I guess), the C2 Cambridge exam was demanding and required genuine study to pass. Universities abroad have always accepted Cambridge certificates.
As for the Michigan ECPE, there were preliminary exams, and only successful candidates could proceed to the main paper—it was quite prestigious! The UCLan combined the Cambridge and Michigan papers, and the pass rate dropped to 55%.
Nowadays
In 2024, the options for English certificates are like fish in the ocean. Various levels of difficulty are recognized by ASEP, and parents often push for “finishing off” English schooling or private lessons to minimize family expenses before high school. Universities abroad set their prerequisites (e.g., IELTS) and sometimes accept a C2 certificate only if it’s obtained within two years of student registration.
Under these circumstances, teachers, English schools, and students seek quick ways to obtain B2 or C2 certificates. The market indeed offers these opportunities.
Example
Let’s go through an example: You have an excellent student who studies hard, interacts well, speaks fluently, and writes well-organized essays. Another student in your class lacks motivation, doesn’t do homework, and doesn’t participate in class. This student might have learning difficulties, and parents might pressure teachers to prepare their children for exams earlier for financial reasons.
Your choices are once again: Mercedes or Toyota? Do you go with the most demanding B2 or C2 (Mercedes) because that’s your usual approach, or do you consider the student’s needs and change your strategy (Toyota)? In both cases, the student will get a B2 or C2 certificate.
Is it better to spend two or more years preparing for a Cambridge or Michigan C2, or just one year for less “prestigious” certificates? Should your student struggle with the English language and risk giving up, or should you keep them happy and boost their confidence?
I know what I would do. As a language school owner or self-employed teacher, we share the same values and care for our students… that’s why you’re reading this article now!
