Exam preparation · Pearson
Pearson English International Certificate: preparation from A1 to C2
The Pearson English International Certificate confirms an English level from A1 to C2 and can be taken on computer, including from home. In our online preparation we help you choose the right level, train every task type live with a teacher and simulate the exam before you register.
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At a glance
Pearson English International Certificate in brief
| Levels | six exams: A1 (Foundation), Level 1 (A2), Level 2 (B1), Level 3 (B2), Level 4 (C1), Level 5 (C2) |
|---|---|
| Sections | computer-based in two sections: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
| Duration | according to the test specification, about 1 hr 15 min on computer (A1, A2) or about 1 hr 45 min (B1 and above); Pearson’s product page gives 2 hours |
| Scale | overall score of 0 to 100 plus scores for all four skills; B1 to C1: Pass from 50, Merit from 60, Distinction from 70 points |
| Results | computer-based: usually within two weeks according to Pearson; paper-based: up to six weeks |
| Validity | according to Pearson, the certificate does not expire; each institution decides how recent a certificate must be |
| Used for | work, job applications, further training and study, depending on whether the institution recognises it |
Pearson English International Certificate preparation at choices®: the essentials
Our preparation for the Pearson English International Certificate combines language training with task training. You start with a placement and diagnostic test, choose the right level with us and receive a study plan up to your exam date. You learn live online, one-to-one or in a small group of up to six, and sit a full practice test beforehand.
What the preparation includes
- Placement and diagnosis, so that you register for the right level
- Study plan with weekly goals up to your exam date
- Training for every task type, from reading aloud and describing images to writing an essay
- Feedback on speaking recordings and texts covering content, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar
- Practice tests under exam conditions, on computer and with time limits
- Technical check if you take the exam from home
Please note: choices® does not run the Pearson English International Certificate and does not issue certificates. You register directly with Pearson. Our guide Pearson English International Certificate: format, scoring and preparation explains the structure, scoring and strategies in detail.
Which PEIC level is right for you?
Unlike IELTS, the Pearson English International Certificate is taken at a specific level, from A1 to C2, and you choose that level before you register. If it is too high, you risk a weak result; if it is too low, you waste potential. An honest placement before registering is therefore the most important step.
| Exam | CEFR level | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| A1 (Foundation) and Level 1 | A1, A2 | first official certificate, getting back into English |
| Level 2 | B1 | job applications, vocational training, everyday work in English |
| Level 3 | B2 | jobs with regular use of English, further training |
| Level 4 and 5 | C1, C2 | demanding positions, university study, teaching |
How each exam maps to the CEFR and the Global Scale of English is set out in the official test specification. There is also a safety net: from B1 to C1, a score of 40 to 49 earns you a certificate at the next level down. Because we use the Global Scale of English in our English lessons, you can see during your preparation how close you are to the level you have chosen. Our article The Global Scale of English explained shows how the scale works.
Who the Pearson certificate is suitable for
The Pearson English International Certificate is a particularly good fit if you need a recognised certificate for a job application, your employer or further training and want to stay flexible with dates. For study abroad or a visa, institutions often ask for IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic instead. Each institution sets its own requirements, so check these first.
Working professionals
A fixed level on the certificate, such as B2 or C1, is easy to understand on a CV, including for recruiters in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Because the certificate does not expire according to Pearson, it remains valid as proof. Taking the exam on computer, at a test centre or from home, fits well around a job.
Companies
For HR departments, the link to the Global Scale of English is useful: progress during the course can be measured in fine steps and confirmed at the end with an external certificate. We prepare teams in small groups, supplemented by one-to-one sessions. Our Business English courses show how companies can also improve the English their teams use every day.
If your employer asks for a score for listening and reading instead, our TOEIC preparation course may be the better route.
Tell us the date and your target score. We will suggest a realistic preparation plan.
How preparation for the Pearson certificate works
Preparation begins with a needs analysis and a placement on the CEFR and the Global Scale of English. We then agree on the exam level together and plan the weeks up to your exam date. In lessons you train the task types, and between lessons you follow short routines. A full practice test shows whether you are ready to register.
- Needs analysis: what do you need the certificate for, by when and at which level?
- Placement and diagnosis: we measure your level and identify which skill costs you the most points.
- Level and study plan: we recommend a realistic exam level and set priorities for each week.
- Training and feedback: task types in lessons, plus speaking recordings and essays with feedback.
- Practice test: a complete run on computer with time limits, followed by the final corrections.
Training for the PEIC tasks: speaking, listening, reading, writing
The computer-based exam consists of many short, integrated tasks that test several skills at once. If you approach each task with a fixed routine, you gain confidence and points. That is why we train every task on its own, build routines for each one and then practise the whole exam sequence under time pressure.
Section 1: Speaking and Listening
You read sentences aloud, describe images, repeat what you hear, answer questions about conversations and write a dictation. We practise speaking at a natural pace without breaking off, a fixed framework for describing images, and note-taking while listening. According to Pearson, the open speaking tasks are marked by trained raters, supported by an automated scoring system.
Section 2: Reading and Writing
Alongside reading comprehension and gap-fill tasks, you summarise a short text in your own words and write an essay of at least 100 words in up to ten minutes. We train a simple structure: your position, two arguments with an example each, and a concluding sentence. You will find more strategies for every task in our PEIC guide.
How long does preparation for the Pearson English International Certificate take?
If you have already largely reached your chosen level in class, four to six weeks of task training is often enough. If part of the level is still missing, we usually plan eight to twelve weeks that include language building. After the placement you receive an honest assessment. No serious provider can guarantee a particular result.
| Starting point | Focus | Rough guide |
|---|---|---|
| level reached | task types, routines, technology | about 4 to 6 weeks |
| just below the level | speaking and writing with feedback | about 8 to 12 weeks |
| one level or more below | language building, then exam training | 12 weeks or more |
According to the test specification, you can sit up to three scored exams per level within twelve months. It is more sensible to book your first date only after a successful practice test. According to Pearson’s information for educators, results of the computer-based exam are usually available within two weeks.
PEIC course: formats, prices and exam registration
You book the preparation as one-to-one lessons or in a small group of up to six, live online. Individuals pay from €49.99 incl. VAT per 45-minute lesson, companies from €40 net plus VAT per 45-minute lesson. The exam fee is not included and is paid directly when you register for the exam with Pearson.
Registering for the exam
choices® is not a test centre or an exam provider. You book the computer-based exam through Pearson, either at a Pearson VUE test centre or from home with online proctoring. For the at-home exam, Pearson requires a computer and a headset, among other things; check the system requirements in advance.
After you book your course
- We arrange the needs analysis and placement.
- You are matched with a teacher trained in the PEIC task types. Only about 1 in 25 applicants passes our teacher selection.
- If your teacher ever changes, a structured handover ensures that your progress and study plan carry over.
You will find other certificates we prepare for in our overview of exam preparation online.
More exams
Preparation for other certificates
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does choices® run the Pearson English International Certificate?
No. choices® prepares you online but does not run the exam or issue certificates. You register directly with Pearson, either for a test centre or for the at-home exam.
Which level should I choose?
We work this out with a placement. Choose the level you can reach with confidence, not the level you would like to have. From B1 to C1, a score of 40 to 49 earns a certificate at the next level down, but you should not rely on that.
Can I take the exam from home?
Yes. According to Pearson, the computer-based version is also available from home with online proctoring. We practise the procedure with you and check your microphone and recording quality.
Is the Pearson certificate recognised for my degree?
That is up to the university. Many degree programmes abroad explicitly require IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic. Check the list of accepted certificates before you register.
Do you guarantee that I will pass?
No. After the placement we tell you honestly whether your chosen level is realistic and how much preparation is usually needed. Nobody can seriously guarantee a result.
Can companies book the preparation for employees?
Yes. Companies book from €40 net plus VAT per 45-minute lesson, one-to-one or in small groups of up to six. On request we make progress visible on the Global Scale of English.