English Language Supports

Before choosing a class, it’s useful to know your current English level. You can use the following free tools to assess your skills.

The Cambridge English Test is a short test to help place you in the best english class.

Other useful tools include: 

British Council English Level Test 

Test Your Vocabulary 

ReadTheory - Reading Practice 

Duolingo - Practice English

There are many free English classes in Longford, including conversation classes and more formal ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.

•  Longford and Westmeath ETB (LWETB) – www.lwetb.ie
  Tip: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Find a Course”. 
• Fáilte Isteach Conversation Classes: Find free conversational English classes near you run by local volunteers.

This section provides online tools, apps, videos, and printable materials to help learners study English at their own pace.

• Duolingo
  Offers free interactive language lessons in a gamified format. You can practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 
• BBC Learning English
  Provides free resources, including news stories, audio and video lessons, grammer explanations, and quizzes. 
• British Council
  Offers a range of free English learning resources, including lessons, activities, and games for all levels of English proficiency. 
• Cambridge English
  Provides free resources such as grammer lessons, quizzes, and activities for learners of all levels. 
• EnglishClub
  Offers free lessons, quizzes, and games for learners to improve their grammer, vocabulary, reading, and listening skills. 
• ESLPod
  Provides free podcasts and audio lessons for English learners, covering a variety of topics to improve vocabulary and listening skills. 
• Breaking News English
  Offers lessons based on current news stories. You can practice reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammer skills. 
• English Central
  Offers free video-based lessons to practice listening and speaking skills, as well as vocabulary exercises. 
• English Page
  Provides free grammer lessons, verb conjunction exercises, and quizzes to improve your understanding of English grammer. 
• Khan Academy 
  Offers free lessons and exercises on English grammer, reading, and writing skills
• VOA Learning English
  Offers free English lessons through news stories, podcasts, and videos. The content is designed for English learners and covers various topics in simplified language. 
• ETB FET Digital Library: ESOL Resources
  A digital library of resources for learners of English as a second language from the Kerry Education and Training Board.
• My Communication Aid Arabic
  A PDF resource to aid communication for English and Ukrainian speakers. 
• SaorEd
  Offers free online courses and resources for English learners.
• Transparent Language Online
  Provides access to language learning courses in hundreds of languages, accessible on PC/laptop or mobile devices via the Transparent Languages app.

Dentist 

Examining Body: Dental Council of Ireland
Requirements:
1. OET: Minimum score of B in all modules
2. IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0 in all modules
More Information: Dental Council of Ireland

Doctors

Examining Body: Medical Council of Ireland
Requirements:
1. IELTS: Band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module
2. Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): CEFR Level C1 or C2
3. OET: Minimum grade of B in each module
More Information: Medical Council of Ireland

Nurses and Midwives

Examining Body: Nurses, Midwifery Board of Ireland
Requirements:
1. IELTS: Score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in any three components and 6.5 in any one component
2. OET: Minimum grade of B in three component and C+ in one component
More Information: NMBI - Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland home

Teacher

Examining Body: Teaching Council of Ireland
Requirements:
1. IELTS: Score of 7.0 or higher
2. Qualification: Teaching Education or bachelor's degree obtained and verified using the English language
More Information: Teaching Council of Ireland

Veterinary

Examining Body: Veterinary Council of Ireland
Requirements:
1. IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or equivalent language proficiency test 
More Information: Veterinary Council of Ireland

Psychologist

Examining Body: Psychological Society of Ireland
Requirements:
1. IELTS: Score of 7.0
More Information: Psychological Society of Ireland

Pharmacist Language Requirements

Examining Body: Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)
Requirements:
1. Demonstration of proficiency in the English language is mandatory
2. Accepted Eglish language tests:
a. IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.0 in each band (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
b. TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 100, with at least 22 in reading, 24 in listening, 25 in speaking, and 24 in writing
c. OET (Occupational English Test): Grade B or higher in all four sub-tests
3. Language test results must be obtained within two years of the application date
4. Exemption from testing is possible for applicants who completed their pharmacy education in a country where English is the primary language of instruction and work
More Information: Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland 

Advanced Paramedic/Technical Paramedic

Examining Body: Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) 
Requirements:
1. Confirmation of English language studies 
More Information: Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council

Seafarers

Examining Body: Government of Ireland
Requirements:
1. Acceptable level of competency in English (written, oral, and aural).
Marlins English language test or equivalent is accepted.
More Information: Seafarers Ireland

Comparison of Scores

Different tests use various systems to assess your English proficiency. Here's a comparison of how scores from these tests align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

• Irish Refugee Council 
• Association of Ukrainians in Ireland
• Migrant Rights Centre
• Citizens Information
• Longford Community Resources
• Longford Volunteer Centre
• Intreo Longford
• HSE