The Advanced Level Certificate in English (ALCE C1-C2) is a standardized 4-skill test at the advanced level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR C1 and C2). It is a secure exam developed by the Hellenic American University and administered by authorized test centers worldwide.
The Hellenic American University Advanced Level Certificate in English (ALCE C1-C2) is a standardized examination designed for candidates who wish to obtain certification of their competency in English as a second or other language at advanced level. The ALCE C1-C2 examination is aimed at the C1 and C2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The ALCE C1-C2 examination tests communicative competence in all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as tasks which test grammatical resources. There is no separate vocabulary section, as vocabulary resources are tested through all tasks in all sections.
Listening (30 items)
Part 1 (6 items) (multiple choice): One monologue and one dialogue: each is heard twice, and each is followed by three questions. Candidates choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Part 2 (7 items) (multiple choice): Interview: one dialogue, heard twice, with seven questions relating to the main idea of each part of the interview. Candidates choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Part 3 (10 items) (multiple choice): Group discussion: presenter describes a proposal, and 4 speakers express their views on it. One discussion heard twice, accompanied by ten questions. Candidates choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Part 4 (7 items) (multiple choice): A talk: a monologue heard twice, accompanied by seven questions, each with three answer choices.
Listening section duration: 45 min. (approx.)
Candidates are given extra time (5 minutes) to transfer answers onto the answer sheet.
Reading & Use of Language (50 items)
Task 1 (10 items): Editing: One text: five of the ten numbered sentences in the text contain a language error. Candidates decide which five sentences contain an error, paying attention to the underlined part of each sentence.
Task 2 (10 items): Identifying the best grammar / vocabulary / discourse option for gaps in a cloze text: Two short cloze texts, each with five multiple-choice questions. Candidates complete each gap in the texts by choosing from four possible answer choices.
Task 3 (10 items) Reading for main ideas: Candidates read one text comprising seven paragraphs. The first seven questions concern the main idea of each paragraph, while the last three compare information from different paragraphs. Candidates choose the correct answer to each question from four answer choices.
Task 4 (10 items) Reading to understand details: Candidates read one text, usually on a scientific or academic topic, accompanied by ten questions, each with four answer choices. The questions test detailed understanding of the text, including identifying meaning from context.
Task 5 (10 items) Reading to understand viewpoints in an argumentative text: An argumentative text followed by ten multiple-choice questions with four answer choices. The first six questions concern viewpoints expressed in the text, while the other four questions concern discourse features.
Reading & Use of Language section duration: 75 minutes
Writing (1 task)
Candidates choose one from a choice of two possible tasks. Both tasks comprise an argumentative essay, in which the candidate argues a case based on at least two of the prompts provided.
Length requirement: at least 250 words. Candidates can take notes (make an outline, etc.). Candidates must use pencil in this section.
Writing section duration: 45 minutes
Speaking (3 tasks)
Test Format: 1 examiner and 1 candidate
Task 1: Warm Up: Candidates answer non-sensitive personal questions.
Task 2: Topic questions: Candidates answer two to three questions on a topic, supported by prompts for each question.
Task 3: Arguing a case: Candidates are given the context for a controversial issue, as well as points for each side. They are expected to choose one side and argue their case effectively.
Speaking section duration: 8 min. (approx.)
The first three sections (Listening, RUL, and Writing) constitute the written part of the exam and are administered on the same day. The fourth part, the speaking test is administered on a different date, preceding or following the written section.
All ALCE C1-C2 candidates, whether registered individually or through language schools, can take the exam for a fee of €195. Candidates whose overall score (final score) does not correspond to C2 level requirements, are entitled to one free retake within one year, at no additional charge.
Any Language Schools who wish, may register their students for the ALCE C1-C2 exam at no cost. Students whose overall score (final score) does not correspond to C1 and/or C2 level requirements, are not eligible for a free retake. Students whose overall score (final score) corresponds to C1 or C2 level requirements, can obtain their certificates for a fee of €195 within 30 calendar days of the results announcement. After this period, certificates will be available for a fee of €295.
Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.
You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.
The ALCE Scoring Guide is available here.
The Hellenic American University ALCE C1-C2 examination is scored using an advanced mathematical model, Item Response Theory (IRT). IRT scores are not the same as raw scores or percentage scores, but there may be a high correlation between the number of correct answers and the IRT scores. The ALCE C1-C2 examination is scored using aggregate scoring.
For each section of the examination, raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 25 – 100. Scaled scores allow each administration of the examination to be equated, ensuring that the ability required to pass or to achieve a high score remains the same from one administration to the next.
The ALCE™ is a multi-level examination with scores equated to the C1 and C2 levels.
The Listening Section and the Reading & Use of Language (RUL) Section
For each section of the examination, raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 25 – 100. Scaled scores allow each administration of the examination to be equated, ensuring that the ability required to pass or to achieve a high score remains the same from one administration to the next.
To pass the Listening or RUL section at C1 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 on a scale of 25 – 100 for that section. Candidates preparing for the exam should aim for a minimum raw score of at least 12 out of 30 for the Listening section and 21 out of 50 for the RUL section to have a good chance of passing each section.
For C2 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 74 on a scale of 25 – 100 for that section. Candidates preparing for the exam should aim for a minimum raw score of at least 16 out of 30 for the Listening section and 27 out of 50 for the RUL section to have a good chance of passing each section.
Please note that this is a guide only and cannot guarantee a specific score on the exam.
|
Level |
Listening Score: Number of correct answers out of 30 |
RUL Score: Number of correct answers out of 50 |
Description |
|
C2 |
22 - 30 |
37-50 |
You are highly likely to achieve a pass at C2 level |
|
16-21 |
27-36 |
You are likely to achieve a pass at C2 level |
|
|
C1 |
12-15 |
21-26 |
You are likely to achieve a pass at C1 level, and you are approaching the level required for C2 |
|
Below C1 |
9-11 |
17-20 |
You are approaching the level required for C1 |
|
0-8 |
0-16 |
You will need to do a lot more practice to pass this section at C1 level |
Writing Section
For the Writing Section, the difficulty of the task as well as the leniency and/or severity of the raters have been incorporated in the scaled scores. The Writing Section is scored out of a total of 15 marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Organization, and Linguistic Resources. Each criterion provides between one and five marks. To pass the Writing Section of the ALCE™ examination at C1 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 8 out of 15. To achieve a pass at C2 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 74 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 11 out of 15.
Speaking Section
For the Speaking Section, the difficulty of the task as well as the leniency and/or severity of the raters have been incorporated in the scaled scores. The Speaking Section is scored out of a total of 15 marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Fluency and Interaction, and Linguistic Resources. Each criterion provides between one and five marks. To pass the Speaking section of the ALCE™ examination at C1 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 8 out of 15. To achieve a pass at C2 level, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 74 out of 100, approximately equivalent to a raw score of 11 out of 15.
Cut scores
The cut scores for each section of the ALCE™ examination have been determined through standard setting procedures, as laid out in the Council of Europe manual: ‘Relating Language Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR): A Manual’ (2009).
Applying a mixed standard setting strategy, candidates who achieve an averaged total scaled score of at least 55 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded a certificate at C1 level. Candidates who achieve 74 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded a certificate at C2 level.
The ALCE™ certificate is valid for the holder’s lifetime, with the proviso for test users that a candidate’s language ability may improve or deteriorate in relation to their contact with the language.
SECTION SCALED SCORES
The table below shows the minimum scaled pass scores candidates need to pass each section of the ALCE™ examination at C1 level and at C2 level, and the minimum total average scaled score candidates need to receive a C1 or a C2 level certificate.
|
Section |
Minimum scaled |
Minimum scaled |
|
Listening |
55 |
74 |
|
RUL |
55 |
74 |
|
Writing |
55 |
74 |
|
Speaking |
55 |
74 |
|
Total Average Scaled Score |
55 |
74 |
Candidates who achieve an averaged total scaled score of at least 55 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded an ALCE™ certificate at C1 level, even though they may have failed one or more sections. Candidates who achieve an averaged overall scaled score of at least 74 on a scale of 25-100 are awarded an ALCE™ certificate at C2 level, even though they may have lower scaled scores in one or more sections. However, candidates who fail to reach C1 level in any section cannot receive a certificate at C2 level. All candidates have the right to have any section of their examination re-scored.
Results
Exam results are made available through Orfeas approximately six weeks after the completion of the exam period.
Language schools and individual candidates can access their results by logging into their accounts on Orfeas.
Candidates who wish to access their results but did not register as individuals through Orfeas should "Register" as new users after 2:00 PM on the day following the announcement of the results. From the menu, they should select the "Exam Results" field and fill in the required information to gain access to their score reports.
Results and Certificates Services
Discover our available results and certificates services. Learn how you can request, among other things, the rescoring of your test, the notarization of a copy of a certificate, and the issuance of a certification of loss of a certificate.
Is my certificate recognized by foreign universities?
Language proficiency certificates can be used for academic and professional purposes abroad. However, each university has its own requirements regarding the accepted certificates. Therefore, we recommend contacting the foreign universities you are interested in directly to inquire about the English language certificates they accept, as well as any potential time limitations regarding their validity.
How do I sign up for Orfeas?
If you are an individual candidate:
- Visit the Hellenic American Union website.
- Navigate to “Sign In”.
- Then select “Register” and fill in your personal information.
- You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
- Click on the link and fill in your username and password. Finally, select “Sign In” to complete the registration process.
If you are a teacher or a Foreign Language School owner:
- Visit the Hellenic American Union website and complete the form with your personal and/or business information, and upload the required documents.*
Please note: You will be asked to provide an email address to register for Orfeas. This address, as well as the optional secondary email address should not have been used previously to create an Orfeas account or register as an individual candidate.
- Select “Save”.
- You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
- We will process your request, and e-mail you with a temporary password for first-time access. After that, you will be asked to change your password.
*Acceptable documents (max 5 MB):
For teachers (one of the following):
- Proficiency in English certificate
- Degree from a foreign university with English as the language of instruction
- English Language and/or Literature degree
- Renewal of teaching license
- Certificate of commencement of teaching profession
- CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- English Literature document of final year studies
For Foreign Language Schools (one of the following):
- Business registry details from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ)
- Certificate of commencement of activity for individual entrepreneurs
- Certificate from the General Commercial Registry (ΓΕΜΗ)
- Company stamp
- Certification from the Organization for Certification of Qualifications & Professional Orientation (ΕΟΠΠΕΠ)
Please note that this step is required to register yourself or your students for your chosen exams at a later time.
How can I order your books?
You can place your order in the following ways:
- Completing an order form through the online store of our educational publications.
- Sending an e-mail to publications@hau.gr or calling +302103680920. Be sure to include your full name, address, Hellenic American Union collaboration number, and email address (if you have called to place your order).
Please note: Orders over €20.00 are sent free of charge; otherwise, a delivery fee of €5.00 applies.
Is my certificate recognized by the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ΑΣΕΠ)?
The B1 to C2 level English language proficiency certificates issued by the Hellenic American Union are officially recognized in Greece by both the state (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection - ΑΣΕΠ) and the private sector.
How do I pay the examination fee?
To pay the examination fee, you must first complete the registration and application for your chosen exam.
Available payment options:
- Credit Card
- IRIS
- Reference Code
To make a payment using the Reference Code, please follow these steps:
- Use e-banking or phone banking through your bank.
- Select “HELLENIC AMERICAN UNION” in the “Payments” field.
- Select the fee amount specified in the confirmation email you received after registration.
Are there any accommodations made for candidates with disabilities or/and learning difficulties?
You can request special accommodations when you register the candidate on Orfeas.
You will need to provide the medical documentation that describes the candidate’s disability or/and learning difficulty; this must be issued by a qualified medical professional.
If the documents are not in English, you must arrange to have them translated into English, and the translation notarized (e.g., by a lawyer or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service). Either the original certified translation or its certified copy can be submitted. We can assist you by translating and notarizing the documents if needed. Please note that a processing fee will be charged for administrative expenses.
For more information on the types of accommodations, required documentation, and the application process, please visit our Nonstandard Test Accommodations page.
I have lost my certificate. Can I have it reissued?
Lost certificates cannot be reissued if more than twenty-four (24) months have passed since the exam date. However, the Hellenic American Union can provide you with a document certifying the loss of your certificate. A fee to cover administrative costs is charged for this service.
If you need to have your certificate reissued or a certification of loss issued, or if you need more information on lost or damaged certificates, please visit our Results and Certificates Services page.
How can I register for the certificate exams of my choice?
For Foreign Language Schools owners and teachers:
- After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, select the “Applications/Registrations” section. You will be automatically redirected to the “My Students” tab.
- If this is your first time registering a student, select “New Student”, fill in their personal details (using all Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on their ID or passport), and click “Save”. If the student has already been registered, you can find them in your student list.
- Select the checkbox next to the candidate’s name (or select multiple boxes if you wish to register multiple candidates for the same exam). Then, click “Register Students”.
- When the pop-up window appears, follow the on-screen instructions. Click “Submit”, and you will be automatically directed to the “My Exams” tab.
- You will see the new group of students for registration. Click “Pay & Submit” to choose your payment method and to finalize your application.
For Individual Candidates:
- After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, go to the “Registration” section.
- Enter your personal details using Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on your ID or passport.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click “Save”.
- You will be automatically redirected to “My Exams”. Select “New Application” from the top right.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, and click on “Submit” to review your application, and click “Pay & Submit” to complete the process.
Can I delete my application or my student’s application?
According to exam regulation 4.12., the examination fees paid are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you notice any mistakes in your application and need to correct them, please contact us via email at exams@hau.gr or by phone at +30 2103680000.
How do I access my exam schedule or that of my students’?
For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:
To view your students’ exam schedules, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
- Select “My Exams”.
- Choose the exam group (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
- Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window to download your students’ schedules.
For individual candidates:
To view your schedule, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Registration”.
- Select “My Applications”.
- Choose the application of your choice (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
- Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window and select “Download Schedule” to download your schedule.
What should I bring with me on the day of the exams?
On the day of the exam, you must:
- Bring a valid national identity card, passport, driver’s license or an identity certificate (“tautoprosopia” with a stamped photo) from the official authority. If you do not have one of these documents, you will not be allowed to enter the examination room.
- Bring a watch (except for Cambridge English exams), a soft pencil (#2) or a pen (for the Writing section if taking a Cambridge exam at B1 level or above) and an eraser.
- Arrive at the test center at least thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled exam time.
On the day of the exam, you must not:
- Bring your mobile phone or any other electronic devices (smartwatches, portable media players, etc.).
- Bring books, notes, or other educational materials.
For more details, visit Exam Guidelines.
What should I do if I miss my scheduled Speaking test?
If you miss your scheduled Speaking test, please contact the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications as soon as possible:
- Athens: +30 210 368 0000 (9:00-19:00), exams@hau.gr
- Thessaloniki: +30 2310 557 600 (9:00-17:00), thessaloniki@hau.gr
How can I stay updated on the status of my application?
For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:
Once you complete the application process for your students, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and the students’ schedules on Orfeas.
For individual candidates:
Once you complete the application process, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and your schedule.
How do I receive my certificate?
- If you registered for the exam through a Language School or teacher, your certificate will be sent directly to them.
- If you were an individual candidate at a test center outside Athens, your certificate will be mailed to the address you provided during registration. No further action is required on your part.
If your address has changed since your registration, please complete and submit the relevant form to Certificates Application Form to certificates@hau.gr. - If you were an individual candidate at a test center in Athens:
- You can pick up your certificate in person by visiting our offices, from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, from the Results and Certifications Office (Massalias 22, 10680, Athens) and presenting your identity card, passport, driving license or an identity certificate (“tautoprosopia” with a stamped photo) from the official authority.
- Υou can receive your certificate via courier service free of charge by following the steps below:
- Download, complete, and sign the application form.
- Forward the completed application together with a copy of your identity card, passport or any other legal identification document (e.g., a driver’s license or identity certificate - “tautoprosopia” - containing a photograph stamped by a Public Authority), using one of the following ways:
- By mail: Didotou 15, 10680 Athens, or Fragkon 14, 54626, Thessaloniki
- By email: certificates@hau.gr
We will notify you by email once your certificate is ready for shipment.
For more information on the receipt and shipping of original certificates, please visit our Results and Certificates Services page.
How do I access my students’ or my results?
For Foreign Language School owners and teachers:
To access your students’ results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
- Select “Statistics/Results”.
- Use the filters to choose the year, examination name, and examination period.
- Click “View” to view the results.
For individual candidates:
To access your results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Registration”.
- Select “My Exams”.
- Select your application (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
- Click on “Scores” in the pop-up window, and select “Download Score report” to download your detailed score report.
Note: If you wish to view your results but you did not register as an individual candidate, but rather through your teacher or Foreign Language School, you must register as a new user in the Orfeas system after 2:00 PM on the following day of the announcement of the results. Then, select “Exam Results” from the menu and, by filling in the required fields, you will have access to your results.
How do I apply for rescoring?
The exams administered by the Hellenic American Union are scored by the test developers under strict quality control conditions. These measures ensure the accuracy and validity of the results.
However, you can arrange to have your exam rescored, if you wish, for a fee and within the timeframe set by the test developer. To do so, fill out the rescoring request form (which becomes available the day of the results announcement) which we will send to the examination body. You will receive the result of the rescoring by mail.
For more information, visit the Rescoring page.
Schedule
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Registration Period:
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