Listening
Follow the main points of clearly delivered speech on familiar work, study or leisure topics.
English Exams / CEFR B1
SCQF-aligned ESOL B1
Connected communication on familiar topics. Explore the four language skills and ask about preparation, exam sessions and results.
CEFR B1 ยท Independent user
What you can practise
Reading
Understand straightforward texts that describe events, instructions or personal views.
Speaking
Handle common travel situations, describe an experience and give brief reasons for a choice.
Writing
Write a connected message or account about a familiar subject.
Try this. Explain a change of plans, describe what happened and give a reason for your decision.
These examples describe language ability at this level. Check the current exam specification for exact tasks and timings.
Published study hours
256 hours in total, including 200 guided learning hours, 50 self-study hours and 6 assessment hours.
A1 describes English proficiency on the CEFR scale. Ask for the exact award title and its SCQF register entry if you need proof of a credit-rated qualification.
Before you book
Ask about the current session, fees, delivery options and certificate. If you need the result for an application, confirm that the receiving organisation accepts the exact exam and score.
Published exam information
SCQF ESOL B1 Certificate
Intermediate-level English language qualification aligned to SCQF and mapped to CEFR B1.
Qualification Overview
The SCQF ESOL B1 Certificate is an intermediate-level English language qualification aligned to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR B1).
This qualification is structured as a single-unit award and assesses learners across the four core English language skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
SCQF ESOL qualifications at this level are designed for learners who are non-native speakers of English and wish to develop greater independence, accuracy, and confidence in spoken and written communication across everyday, educational, and workplace contexts.
Who Is It For?
The SCQF ESOL B1 Certificate is intended for learners who wish to progress beyond basic communication and become independent users of English.
- Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar topics at work, school, and leisure
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling or living in an English-speaking environment
- Produce simple connected text on familiar or personally relevant topics
- Describe experiences, events, opinions, and plans using clear and structured language
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, learners are advised to have English language competence equivalent to CEFR A2 or to have undertaken appropriate preparation prior to assessment.
Progression Opportunities
Successful completion supports progression to:
- SCQF ESOL B2 (CEFR B2) or equivalent upper-intermediate ESOL qualifications
- Key skills or functional skills qualifications
- Vocational education and training programmes
Assessment
The qualification assesses the following four language skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Assessment tasks reflect real-life language use at intermediate level and are aligned to CEFR B1 performance descriptors, incorporating both formative and summative components.
Learning Time Allocation
| Component | Hours |
|---|---|
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 200 hours |
| Self-Study (SS) | 50 hours |
| Formative Assessment | 3 hours 14 min |
| Summative Assessment | 2 hours 46 min |
| Total Assessment Time (TAT) | 6 hours |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 256 hours (GLH + SS + TAT) |
TAT = Formative Assessment + Summative Assessment. TQT = GLH + SS + TAT.
Grading
- Fail
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
Key Features
- SCQF and CEFR aligned
- Intermediate single-unit qualification
- Balanced four-skill assessment
- Suitable for independent users of English
- Clear route to B2 progression