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English Language Testing

English Language Testing

WORC to Discontinue English Language Testing

Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC), wishes to advise that effective October 14th 2019 the Department will no longer be conducting English Language Tests (ELTs).

The ELT is a condition stipulated on work permits of persons who are from non-English speaking countries. Such persons coming to work in the Cayman Islands are required to have a basic understanding of the English language to ensure they are able to perform their work duties effectively, administer themselves and their families, and assimilate quickly into the community.

WORC will accept test results from two global providers. These providers are: International English Language Test Systems (IELTS) and Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).

Testing centres for both providers can be found globally. A TOEIC testing centre is also on Island. Please visit https://mbscayman.com/toeic/ for further details.

WORC’s established passing grade is at band A2. This grading is reflective of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which identifies this grade as a basic user of English.

For additional information, please visit the providers’ websites:  https://www.ielts.org/  or https://www.ets.org/toeic/

 

 

FAQ

 

1.     Which English Language Test (ELT) providers are accepted by WORC?

a.     International English Language Test System (IELTS) - https://www.ielts.org/

b.     Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) - https://www.ets.org/toeic/

 

2.     Are any other English test providers accepted by WORC?

a.     At this time, only TOEIC and IELTS are accepted.

 

3.     Is there an English language testing centre in the Cayman Islands?

a.     Yes, Modern Business Solutions – Unit W3, Grand Pavilion, Commercial Center, George Town.

Telephone:  (345) 924-6887

http://mbscayman.com/toeic/

https://www.facebook.com/toeiccayman/

 

4.     Is there a specific test to be taken?

a.     The following tests are the minimum required tests which are accepted from each provider:

                                          i.    TOEIC – TOEIC Bridge

                                         ii.    IELTS – General Training Test

5.     What is WORC’s accepted passing grade?

a.     A test taker must obtain a minimum A2 grade – as per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

                                          i.    TOEIC Bridge – The equivalent to the A2 grade is for one to obtain a minimum of 64 in listening and a minimum of 70 in reading.

                                         ii.    IELTS – The equivalent to the A2 grade is a band score of 4.

 

6.     What timeframe do I have to comply with the ELT requirement?

a.     The ELT requirement is to be complied with within seven (7) days of arrival to Island. 

 

7.     How much does the ELT cost?

a.     The pricing of this service is at the discretion of the test provider.  As per the local provider’s website (http://mbscayman.com/toeic/), the minimum cost is CI$125.

 

8.     How can I schedule an ELT appointment?

a.     Please contact your desired testing centre to schedule an appointment.

 

9.     How long is a test result valid for?

a.     Test results are valid for two (2) years. 

 

10.   Do I have to take the ELT in the Cayman Islands?

a.     No, the accepted test providers (TOEIC and IELTS) are international providers and have testing centres throughout the world.  Please check your desired test provider for details.

 

11.   I would like to sit the ELT in the Cayman Islands.  How long will I be given to sit the test?

a.     The ELT stipulation states that you will have seven days to comply with the request.  It is strongly recommended that the appointment be scheduled with the local test provider PRIOR to arrival to Island and scheduled within the 7-day timeframe.

 

12.   What happens if I am on Island can’t get an appointment with the local testing centre within the specified 7-day timeframe. 

a.     If you find yourself in this predicament it is likely you did not contact the local test provider to schedule your appointment to coincide with your arrival and the 7-day timeframe.  Therefore, you have risked having your work permit revoked for non-compliance.    

 

13.   What happens if I fail the ELT in the Cayman Islands?

a.     Your work permit will be listed for revocation, if you are unsuccessful in passing the ELT within the specified timeframe.  You must also ensure your authorization to remain on Island is kept up-to-date with Customs and Border Control (CBC).

 

14.   How many times am I allowed to sit the ELT?

a.     You may take the ELT as many times as desired.  Be mindful that you will be given only seven days from arrival to comply with the ELT requirement, should you decide to sit the test locally.

 

15.   I am to be employed in the Sister Islands and it is financially burdensome to come to Grand Cayman to sit the ELT.  Is there another option?   

a.     Please remember you are not required to come to the Cayman Islands to sit the ELT.  Test centres can be found in many countries globally.  Therefore, if you should decide to come to the Island to sit the test the onus is upon you to make the necessary arrangements that are most suitable for you.