Aptis Exams
Aptis exams are widely recognised internationally and highly valued by employers and academic institutions. These rigorous exams assess and demonstrate your English proficiency in a range of language skills. Prepare and show your level of proficiency with confidence through the Aptis exams.
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Is Aptis a good option for accrediting my level of English?
Before taking an English language test to certify your level, it is important to consider the purpose for which you need the accreditation, as not all tests are accepted by all institutions.
In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need about Aptis: what it is, what it’s for and how to prepare for the exam. However, if you still have any questions after reading this article, please do not hesitate to contact us here.
Nessie is part of the Aptis Network and we are one of the two official collaborating centres accredited by the British Council in the province of Albacete.
What is it and what is it for?
Aptis General is a multi-level test (one test for all levels from A1 to C) created by the British Council. It allows you to prove your level in all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. It also includes a grammar and vocabulary section which reinforces the accuracy of your level of accreditation.
In addition to the Aptis General exam, there are other types of exams that are similar but focus on more specific purposes. For example, Aptis for Teachers, which is the same as the General but with a more specific vocabulary, or Aptis Advanced, designed for those who need to accredit a level between C1 and C2 (it is also possible to obtain a B2 level).
The Aptis test is taken at an Aptis test centre and is conducted in a computerised format, which speeds up the assessment process. Results are usually available in as little as 48 hours and the printed certificate is delivered in approximately one week. Aptis is therefore perfect for those who need to accredit their level of English quickly and effectively.
It is important to note that the Aptis exam is recognised by the British Council, which gives it prestige and is recognised in Spain by various universities, such as the UCLM, the University of Valencia, the Autonomous University of Madrid and the Complutense University, among others. It is also recognised by many institutions in the autonomous communities, including the autonomous governments and education ministries.
However, it is always advisable to check the updated list of recognition of the Aptis certificate to ensure its validity in the institutions you are interested in.
Grammar and vocabulary
This section tests your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in the language. It lasts 25 minutes.
Reading
In this part, you are tested on your reading comprehension. The duration varies according to the type of exam, being 35 minutes for General Aptis and 60 minutes in other cases.
Writing
In this section, you are tested on your ability to write texts in English. The duration is 50 minutes for Aptis General and 45 minutes for Aptis Advanced.
Speaking
This part of the exam tests your ability to communicate orally in English. It lasts 12 minutes.
I want to take APTIS, where and how can I prepare for it?
To prepare for the APTIS English test, you can search for resources online, such as study materials and practice exercises. You may also consider taking specific APTIS preparation classes or courses at language institutes. In addition, preparation books are available to help you become familiar with the format and content of the exam. Finally, regular practice with listening, reading, writing and speaking exercises will help you to improve your skills in each of these areas.
Other frequently asked questions
Aptis is a series of English language tests developed by the British Council designed to assess English language skills in adults (aged 16+). There are several versions of Aptis to meet different needs:
- Aptis General: Tests the four basic language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
- Aptis for Teachers: Designed specifically for teachers, adapted to assess language used in an educational context.
- Aptis for Teens: Aimed at 13-17 year olds.
- Aptis Advanced: Measures language skills at a higher level, suitable for professional and advanced academic contexts.
Aptis General tests from level A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is a flexible test that determines the test taker’s level of language ability in English, regardless of their starting level.
Aptis General consists of five components: grammar and vocabulary (which is a core component) and the four language skills mentioned (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Each section is self-contained, and the test can be customised according to the specific needs of the organisation or individual. The test is usually computer-based and takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes in total.
The main difference between Aptis General and Aptis Advanced lies in the level of difficulty and the focus of the language tested:
Aptis General is designed to assess basic language skills and is suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Aptis Advanced is geared towards those who already have a high level of English. This test is more challenging and focuses on language used in professional and higher academic environments.
Aptis certificates do not have an official expiry date. However, many institutions and organisations may require a recent certificate, usually issued within the last two or three years, to ensure that the individual’s language skills are still current. This is especially relevant in academic or professional contexts where language proficiency is crucial.
