The Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) is a standardized, 4-skill English test (also known as ‘Lower’ in Greece) at the upper-intermediate level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR B2). It is a secure exam developed by Michigan Language Assessment and administered by authorized test centers worldwide.
The examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) was initiated by the University of Michigan and the Hellenic American Union in 1992. The University of Michigan employed its lengthy experience in English language teaching and examination development and administration, especially in the area of English language proficiency, in designing and developing the ECCE.
The Certificate of Competency (ECCE) constitutes an official certification of knowledge of the English language at B2 level (also known as ‘Lower’ in Greece), as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is awarded by Michigan Language Assessment, a joint venture between Cambridge Assessment English and the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan is one of the leading U.S. Universities in the field of linguistic research and has lengthy experience in establishing and developing a broad range of English language examinations.
The ECCE is officially recognized in Greece by the state (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) and the private sector (e.g. airline, insurance, and shipping companies, travel agencies, private banks etc.) as a B2 level certification of English language competence. It is also recognized in several countries as official proof of the upper-intermediate level in the English language and can be used for academic and professional purposes that require language competence certification of this level.
ECCE WRITING
From a choice of two options—an email or an essay—test takers write one response presenting and supporting their opinion. For the email, a situation and a formal purpose for writing are briefly described, followed by instructions on what to write. For the essay, a proposal or statement is provided, followed by instructions on what to write.
Length requirement: about 1 A4 page. There is a designated area for note-taking in the test booklet. Candidates must use pencil in this section.
Writing section duration: 30 minutes
Required task: 1
This section is scored at Michigan Language Assessment.
ECCE LISTENING (45 items)
Part 1 (25 items): Each item consists of a short recorded conversation followed by a question. The three answer options for each item are shown as pictures. Test takers must choose one of three picture options provided.
Part 1 is heard once.
Part 2 (20 items): It consists of 4 talks on different topics, spoken by a different person and followed by 5 questions each (20 items). Test takers are given preview time before each talk. After hearing the talks they must choose one of four answer options provided. Test takers can take notes in the test booklet.
Part 2 is heard twice.
Listening section duration: 45 min.
Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is not given. This section is scored at Michigan Language Assessment.
ECCE READING (65 items)
Grammar (15 items): An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words or phrases to complete it. There are four answer options for each item. Only one choice is grammatically correct.
Vocabulary (14 items): An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words or phrases to complete it. There are four answer options for each item. Only one word has the correct meaning in that context.
Reading task 1 (12 items): Each set consists of a short reading passage followed by six comprehension questions. There are four answer options for each item.
Reading task 2 (24 items): Two sets of four short texts related to each other by topic are followed by 12 questions each. There are four answer options for each item.
Reading section (GVR) duration: 75 min.
Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is not given. This section is scored at Michigan Language Assessment.
ECCE SPEAKING
The ECCE Speaking Section lets test takers demonstrate their ability to perform various tasks during its four stages. The test taker participates in a structured, multi-stage task directed by one examiner. In stage 1 the test taker responds to personal (non-sensitive) questions. In stage 2 the examiner briefly describes the procedure and explains that the test taker should ask the questions shown on the Speaking prompt and listen to the information provided so that s/he can use it later on. In stage 3 the test taker chooses one of the two options presented in the previous stage and explains why. In addition, s/he should mention why the other option was not chosen. In stage 4 the examiner asks the test taker three additional questions related to the topic of discussion.
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Test format: 1 examiner and 1 candidate
General
The three first parts (Writing, Listening, and GVR) comprise the written section of the examination and they are all administered on the same day. The fourth part, the Speaking Test, is administered before or after or even at the same day of the written examination.
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.
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Listening & GVR |
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By computer and the application of specialized software, using the principles of Item Response Theory |
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The United States of America |
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The Michigan Language Assessment. |
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Writing |
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Using scales and procedures established by the Michigan Language Assessment, the writing section is scored by two independent raters. In the case of significant difference between the scores of the two raters, a third rater is called to determine the final score. |
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Where |
The United States of America |
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By whom |
Raters trained and certified according to Michigan Language Assessment standards. |
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Speaking |
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Using scales and procedures established by the Michigan Language Assessment. |
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Where |
In Greece, by trained local examiners. The final score is determined by the Michigan Language Assessment in the United States of America. |
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By whom |
Trained speaking examiners, certified directly by Michigan Language Assessment. Each candidate’s performance is assessed by one examiner. |
Assessment principles of the ECCE:
- All ECCE section scores are reported in the following five band scores and corresponding scaled numeric scores:
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- Candidates whose average score for all four sections is equal to 650 or higher are awarded an ECCE certificate.
- Candidates whose score in all four sections is equal to 840 or higher are awarded an ECCE certificate with Honors.
- Candidates whose average score for all four sections is below 650 are not awarded an ECCE certificate.
- Candidates who have been absent from one or more sections are not awarded an ECCE certificate. Any passing score they may have received for whichever section they were not absent from does not affect the final result.
- The Michigan Language Assessment allows candidates with disabilities to request special examination accommodations or modifications.
Learn more
How can I apply?
Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.
What if I have a question about the procedure?
If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.
Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?
Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.
The results for the May 2024 ECCE are available on Orfeas.
Schedule
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Support
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