FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

 1.  Why get certified?

 2.  What is English First?

 3.  How does it work?

 4.  Who can get certified?

 5.  What are the levels of certification?

 6.  How much does it cost?

 7.  How do I pay?

 8.  What will I receive?

 9.  Who will recognize the certification?

10.  Can my certification be verified?

11.  Is my personal information kept private?

12.  Is my financial information secure?

13.  What do I do next?

14.  What is your refund policy?

15.  What is you non-discrimination policy?

Frequently Asked Questions

 1.  Why get certified?
     Can you communicate in English?  Can you prove it?  You already know the importance of being able to communicate in English.  Why not get something you can show that proves your ability.  So many people today have a piece of paper from some local English school, but how good is it?  Who will recognize it?
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 2.  What is First English?
     First English in an English language training center which provides an internationally recognized English Proficiency Certification.  We are supported by, and endorsed by, Atlantic Pacific University.  To learn more about First English, visit the "About Us" page.
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 3.  How does it work?
     Simple, you sign up, you take the test(s), you get certified.  You can read all of the details by going to "The Certification" page.
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 4.  Who can get certified?
     Anyone!  If you can say "hello", you're speaking English and can get certified at the "Beginner Level."  If you can read and understand the information in this Web site, you will certainly be certified at a much higher level.
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 5.  What are the levels of certification?
     We use eight levels to reflect your level of English proficiency.  These levels are:
        1.  Beginner Level
        2.  Elementary Level
        3.  Low Intermediate Level
        4.  Intermediate Level
        5.  High Intermediate Level
        6.  Advanced Level
        7.  Fluent Speaker
        8.  Native Speaker    
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 6.  How much does it cost?
     There are six tests.  You can choose any or all of the tests and that is what you will be graded on and those areas of English will appear on your transcript.  Each test costs US$20 and if you select all six tests, the cost is US$100.  Note:  We currently have a special promotion - you can sign up and take all six tests over the Internet for a total cost of US$50.  This one price covers everything; the tests, all documents, and priority shipping.
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 7.  How do I pay?
    As a part of your registration, you will directed to a secure payment site to make your payment.  Note:  If you live in China, we offer an option to make your payment at a local bank in selected cites.  To find out how to pay to a bank in China, Contact Us.
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 8.  What will I receive?
     Upon completion of the tests you sign up for, you will receive:
        1.  Certificate
        2.  Transcript listing all of the areas you tested in
        3.  Laminated miniature certificate
        4.  Three letters stating your demonstrated ability
        5.  Verification service via email, fax, or mail
     Note:  These documents have embossed seals, security features, and are
           authenticated by both First English and Atlantic Pacific University.
           To view examples of the documents you will receive click Document Examples.
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 9.  Who will recognize the certification?
     Almost anyone!  Many private schools as well as universities recognize your certification.  Some language schools use this certification as their official graduation.  Manu universities use the certification as their enrollment English qualification.  The certification can be recognized by employers or future employers as a part of there job application process.
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10.  Can my certification be verified?
     Yes.  Your certification can be verified to anyone at anytime.  This can be done by email, fax, or mail.  Remember, we must have your permission prior to releasing any information.
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11.  Is my personal information kept private?
     Yes.  First English will not disclose any information about you or your certification without permission from you.  This is important to remember because, although we will verify your certification with employers, schools, or anyone else - we must have your permission to do so.  This is why we provide you with three letters of demonstrated ability upon completion of your certification.
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12.  Is my financial information secure?
     Yes.  Once you register for the tests and certification, you will be directed to a secure payment site.  All information is encrypted and will never be released to any third party.
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13.  What do I do next?
     Simple, from the top of any page, click on "Get Certified Now" and your on your way to being certified at your English Proficiency Level.
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14.  What is your refund policy?
     The refund policy is very simple, once you register and start the process - there is no refund offered.  If you should have any technical problems in completing the tests, notify us by email and we will work with you to correct the situation.  If any mistakes are made in the documents by First English, those documents will be replaced at no charge.  If, however, you provided incorrect information such as the incorrect spelling of your name or wrong shipping address, you will be responsible for any additional costs.
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15.  What is you non-discrimination policy?
     First English offers it's services to all applicants without regard to race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, disability, or national origin.  The only criteria is your ability to demonstrate a level of English proficiency equal to the certificate level that you are awarded.
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Want to learn Chinese? Contact our affiliate - Huayi Chinese Language School Qingdao, China