ICFE
The International Certificate in Financial English
The International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE) is an exam which shows whether candidates whose first language is not English have an adequate level of English to function efficiently, in terms of language ability, within the international finance community.
It has been developed in partnership of University of Cambridge ESOL with ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), which is the largest and fastest-growing international accountancy body.
Cambridge ICFE is suitable for students of finance and accounting and practising accountants and finance professionals who are:
· seeking employment in an international context
· seeking promotion within their own organisations
· learning English as part of a training programme
· seeking certification to demonstrate their English-language proficiency in a finance or accounting context
EXAMINATION CONTENT
Reading (1 hour 15 minutes)
There are six parts. These include extracts from finance and accounting textbooks and reference books, articles from finance and accounting journals, extracts from company reports and correspondence.
Writing (1 hour 15 minutes)
The Writing tasks are based on the kinds of skills needed in the accounting and finance working environment, e.g. the ability to write letters, reports and proposals in an accounting and finance context
Listening (40 minutes)
The paper contains four parts – recorded monologues or texts with interacting speakers. These include presentations, lectures, announcements, meetings, discussions, interviews, etc.
Speaking (16 minutes)
Speaking tasks assess speaking skills in relation to the accounting and finance working environment and will be conducted by trained oral examiners.