English Language Test

[alfiemoon]

From 29th Nov applicants for settlement visas need to pass an English Language Test. The VFS website doesnt seem to have much details about this. Can anyone tell me :-

1. Does the test have to be passed BEFORE the application for settlement is made?
2. Is the test oral or oral and written?
3. The VFS website links to another website Hopkind Int'l Partners Inc - this seems to be the exclusive tester but on their website there are a number of different tests and I could find no mention of tests for UK visas
4. Any idea of the cost of the test?

Any other info would be useful.

Cheers
Alfie

[Terpe]

Alfie

Here's a post I made recently:-

You can play with a practice test here:-
http://www.pearsonpte.com/PTEAcademi...m=practicetest

From the UKBA website:-

"In the test, you will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening)
at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is a basic level, which
is judged to require 40 to 50 hours' tuition for most learners. Someone assessed at
level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases.

You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills."

Guidance for Applicants on English Language Requirements is here:-
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/...angrequirement
This is a very interesting FAQ document, well worth the few minutes of reading to both new visa applicants and UK based FLR and ILR applicants.

Wikipedia has a very good description of the different levels here:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_..._for_Languages

Hope this helps

Here's the link for the full thread:-

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/28131-Inquiry-about-English-Test

[rasc00]

Here is another useful page all about the English Test - I would suggest to take the test and/or course in the Philippines wherever practicable as it costs less than taking it in the UK.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/settlement/knowledge-language-life/

[Mickaela]

Hi Alfie,

I just took the IELTS exam through the British Council here in the Philippines. It is located in Emerald Ave. Ortigas. They have a website and you can call them to inquire. I took my exam last October 30, 2010. The exams has 4 parts: first is the speaking test which is done prior to the exam date or after. Second, they have the written exam which comprises of Listening, Reading and Writing skills.

Hope this helps. Don't worry too much the passing band for a spouse is 4 which is equivalent to A1. I got a 7 band score so you should be okay. I did not go to a review center, just studied on my own.

Goodluck to you!

[alanmf1]

Mickaela, can i ask how long this course was for and what was the cost?:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Thanks and regards

[Josieyam65]

Hi, We are authorised by the UKBA to offer you the A1 test on demand in our centre in Cebu City. The cost is 7960 Pesos. We also offer a 5 day review course for 12,500 Pesos following which you can take the test for only 3980 Pesos.

Give us a call on blah blah blah for help or just a chat.

Theodolite Training Group UK Incorporated 'The new British English language school'

Hello posthome,
Just want to ask, is it necessary to take the review course if the one who'll take the test is a college graduate? :Erm: It's just that the fee for the course is expensive enough for a 5 day. And if you can read through this site, not all foreign husbands are rich. They still have to save for the visa fee. Or do you have any reading materials (for sale) so they can just do their review at home? Hope you understand what i mean.
Thank you.

[Dedworth]

Hi, We are authorised by the UKBA to offer you the A1 test on demand in our centre in Cebu City. The cost is 7960 Pesos. We also offer a 5 day review course for 12,500 Pesos following which you can take the test for only 3980 Pesos.

Give us a call on blah bla blah for help or just a chat.

Theodolite Training Group UK Incorporated 'The new British English language school'

:yikes: I'd be wary of this outfit - probably a bunch of con artists who if they are a "UK" operation can no longer operate here due to the crackdown on bogus colleges

[fred]

posthome;264735]Hi, We are authorised by the UKBA to offer you the A1 test on demand in our centre in Cebu City. The cost is 7960 Pesos. We also offer a 5 day review course for 12,500 Pesos following which you can take the test for only 3980 Pesos.

Give us a call on blah blah blah for help or just a chat.


Please take the time to post in the introduction section of this forum and perhaps participate in other threads before posting your adverts to our members AFTER ASKING PERMISSION FROM ADMIN!!!
As far as I am concerned your posts so far although on topic can only be described as spam and that is the reason they have been deleted..

[posthome]

Hello posthome,
Just want to ask, is it necessary to take the review course if the one who'll take the test is a college graduate? :Erm: It's just that the fee for the course is expensive enough for a 5 day. And if you can read through this site, not all foreign husbands are rich. They still have to save for the visa fee. Or do you have any reading materials (for sale) so they can just do their review at home? Hope you understand what i mean.
Thank you.

Hi, Inspite of what you may read elsewhere, we are not a bunch of 'con artists' and have been training students in a number of subject areas in the UK for over 20 years. I happen to have moved to the Philippines with my asawa and decided to help those guys who would like to learn English without having to pay a fortune in fees, or get 'ripped off' by scam schools who offer no more than an attendance certificate.

As far as your own comment is concerned, I would suggest, looking at your posting, that you would have little difficulty in achieving at least an A1 grade. The test is not difficult, but takes a little care and thought in answering the questions.

Hope this helps

Peter

[posthome]

Hi, I apologise if you thought that my posts were spam as I was only replying to threads already started by your members. It would appear that there is a lot of confusion about the new A1 test and I was trying to offer some advice.

In this situation it would perhaps be better if I were to leave the forum.

[posthome]

:yikes: I'd be wary of this outfit - probably a bunch of con artists who if they are a "UK" operation can no longer operate here due to the crackdown on bogus colleges

Please be very careful about what you say about our college. We have been training students in the UK for over 20 years and continue to do so. We have opened an English language school here in the Philippines because my asawa is a Filipino and we now live here for most of the year.

We are certainly authorised by the UK Border Agency to offer the A1 test after very rigorous evaluation of our qualifications and experience.

You are always very welcome to contact LCCI, EDI, or the UK Border Agency for confirmation of our accreditation, and we are also registered as a UK Learning Provider.

I take great offence at the suggestions you have made.

[fred]

Posthome..

We welcome and value your advice and comments here on this forum just as long as it is free to the members requiring it..
The advice that you were offering before came as a service with a telephone number and a price..
Perhaps if you stick around and get to know the people on this forum for a month or two you may have a few wishing to contact you directly via email or PM (Private message).. Unfortunately as you still have newbie and restricted access,the PM system is unavailable to you until your post count is up..
Hope you understand my position..

Cheers,
Fred.

[posthome]

Posthome..

We welcome and value your advice and comments here on this forum just as long as it is free to the members requiring it..
The advice that you were offering before came as a service with a telephone number and a price..
Perhaps if you stick around and get to know the people on this forum for a month or two you may have a few wishing to contact you directly via email or PM (Private message).. Unfortunately as you still have newbie and restricted access,the PM system is unavailable to you until your post count is up..
Hope you understand my position..

Cheers,
Fred.

The advice being offered was free, and my website is used by hundreds of people asking for advice for which I never charge a fee. The prices quoted are for the courses we run and the test fee, which is entirely different from offering advice.

[Arthur Little]

my asawa is a Filipino ...

... as are the asawas of more than ninety percent of our membership [mine included]; in which case, you'll be only too well aware that we've all had to go through "hell and high water" - not to mention the considerable expense involved - in order to bring our chosen, lawfully-wedded partners to the UK.

Consequent upon the introduction of compulsory English Language Testing for non-European spouses, :rolleyes: we are naturally going to be on our guard against ANY organisation that might view the new requirement as a business opportunity to capitalise on changes to the System.

Rest assured, that is not implying we doubt your credentials. :NoNo: But throughout the years of its existence, this forum has built-up an enviable track record in guiding literally hundreds of folk towards their goals with the minimum of fuss ... due to expert advice which is freely given at all times. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[joebloggs]

I believe the A1 Assessment is a very short test (10 mins? corrcted the speaking and listening part is ), and if the applicant can speak and understand basic English, there is no need for any course work , or enrolment in classes.

as its a new test, most people are unsure of what it is, who needs to take it and where it can be taken, etc. thou you are providing a service thats needed by some people on here, your not the only one to provide that service but are the only one to post about your service. there is a fine line btw advertising a service that people need and spamming :NoNo:

[alanmf1]

@joe I agree, this is the first such offer and with the "new" test being in service little over a month it is hard to find info especially for classes in phils. The UKBA site does have a link with addresses in manila!:furious3:

If "posthomes" thread and link are to be correct then their option to take the course adds another 8000pp to the visa application!:NoNo:
With the recent increases there and a settlement visa now 54000pp include this English test plus going to VFS from provinces and the collection of all relevant information including dare i say it the exchange rate going against us! we are now close to £1000 just to make the application.:action-smiley-081:

My worry is obviously , and if you are correct this is a 10minute test then there is further openings for scams and extortion just to have this requirement...........
8000pp for 10mins....... pretty good in my book!!:angry:

I will be attempting to process Fiancee visa towards end of January so if anyone has any contacts for achieving the English language test requirement in the provinces i would be very grateful for their help.........

[joebloggs]

sorry the speaking and listening part is 10 mins , but see the sample paper from a EMD course below will give you an idea, and i dont think many filipinas would need to spend money on a course as it is pretty basic. and from the UKBA website, You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills.


http://www.emduk.com/download/A1%20General%20Sample%20Candidate%20Booklet.pdf

from UKBA website

What do you need to do?

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country or do not have a degree taught in English (see below), you must pass an acceptable English language test with one of our approved test providers.

In the test, you will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is a basic level, which is judged to require 40 to 50 hours' tuition for most learners. Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases.

You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills.

[alanmf1]

sorry the speaking and listening part is 10 mins , but see the sample paper below will give you an idea, and i dont think many filipinas would need to spend money on a course as it is pretty basic.

http://www.emduk.com/download/A1%20General%20Sample%20Candidate%20Booklet.pdf

Much Appreciated:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[joebloggs]

no probs
i think what would help most would be a rough idea of the format of the test, which from the sample paper seems similar to the ILETS test my misses did.

so practising scenarios like that would help :rolleyes:

good luck to your g/f :xxgrinning--00xx3:

and your right about the scams, i've been told that some places say you need 40hrs tution first :cwm23:

[joebloggs]

a quick look from VFS site

http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/images/A1level.pdf

[posthome]

I believe the A1 Assessment is a very short test (10 mins? corrcted the speaking and listening part is ), and if the applicant can speak and understand basic English, there is no need for any course work , or enrolment in classes.

as its a new test, most people are unsure of what it is, who needs to take it and where it can be taken, etc. thou you are providing a service thats needed by some people on here, your not the only one to provide that service but are the only one to post about your service. there is a fine line btw advertising a service that people need and spamming :NoNo:

Hi

What you say is correct and unfortunately there are people using this new legislation to 'heat up' any discussions. The test is actually in 4 parts, with there still being some uncertainty on the part of the UKBA about which sections are required. The 4 part test takes approximately 3 hours, and as it is an on-line test many of our candidates who are not familiar with computers are encouraged to spend about an hour with one of our teachers showing them how to use the mouse, etc.., so we always suggest that the candidate allows for a 4 hour session.

To date I would say approximately 60% of our candidates require some assistance with the use of computers.

The actual test is relatively straight forward and I would suggest that there is no need for any review course unless the candidate is really unsure of the basic rules of the English language.

[joebloggs]

Hi

What you say is correct and unfortunately there are people using this new legislation to 'heat up' any discussions. The test is actually in 4 parts, with there still being some uncertainty on the part of the UKBA about which sections are required. The 4 part test takes approximately 3 hours, and as it is an on-line test many of our candidates who are not familiar with computers are encouraged to spend about an hour with one of our teachers showing them how to use the mouse, etc.., so we always suggest that the candidate allows for a 4 hour session.

To date I would say approximately 60% of our candidates require some assistance with the use of computers.

The actual test is relatively straight forward and I would suggest that there is no need for any review course unless the candidate is really unsure of the basic rules of the English language.

well i'm sure that info will help some people on here :xxgrinning--00xx3:,

well from the ukba website it says

'you will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills'
(as I would have thought the reading skills will demonstrated in the 'life in the uk' test)

I'm not sure how long this test will survive before someone challenges it in court ( as with the minimum age being 21 for spouse visa's.)

[karenkeith]

ahmm..im new into this page..how much does it cost for that english test and where can i take the exam if i am here in manila?..ty..:icon:)::Jump:

[alanmf1]

@karenKeith firstly Welcome to the Forum:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Please read this separate link...

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/28807#post265632

Rgds:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Howerd]

Please be very careful about what you say about our college. We have been training students in the UK for over 20 years and continue to do so. We have opened an English language school here in the Philippines because my asawa is a Filipino and we now live here for most of the year.

We are certainly authorised by the UK Border Agency to offer the A1 test after very rigorous evaluation of our qualifications and experience.

You are always very welcome to contact LCCI, EDI, or the UK Border Agency for confirmation of our accreditation, and we are also registered as a UK Learning Provider.

I take great offence at the suggestions you have made.


I would like to verify the bona-fide of your organisation before my partner takes the A1 test with you.

I have contacted the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and EDI but have been unable to determine any accreditation for THEODOLITE TRAINING GROUP. I have also contacted the UK Border Agency (UKBA) who can provide no details for you either. I have also consulted the register of UK Learning Providers - UKRLP (by phone and their website) and they have no record of THEODOLITE TRAINING GROUP, either now or historically.

You also claim to be a a recognsed training provider in the UK for 20 years but you simply state that you are situated on the 'south coast', no address is given. Your UK phone number is not a landline but an internet number.

I have also checked with Companies House and there is certainly no company with the name THEODOLITE TRAINING GROUP now, or in the past 20 years. On one website, you claim that THEODOLITE TRAINING GROUP UK is 'incorporated' but it has certainly never been incorporated in the UK.

Please provide contacts at LCCI/EDI/UKBA/UKRLP who can verify your claims.

Howerd

[Howerd]

I have made enquiries about Theodolite Training Group UK Inc. with uhe UKBA. I am informed they are NOT accredited UKBA training providers.

[Howerd]

Confirmation received from Carmen Jones of the UKBA that the Theodolite Training Group UK Inc. is NOT an accredited provider of the A1 English Test.

[joebloggs]

yes i had a quick check of the register when he first came on here, and couldn't find the name on the list :Erm:

[posthome]

Confirmation received from Carmen Jones of the UKBA that the Theodolite Training Group UK Inc. is NOT an accredited provider of the A1 English Test.

Please give me the courtesy of letting me have the telephone number or email address of 'Carmen Jones' as this is completely untrue.

We have been authorised to offer the ELSA A1 English test for UK visa applicants for some weeks now and are listed as such on the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/partners-other-family/english-tests-partners.pdf

EDI for whom we are a registered training centre in Cebu are also listed on the VFS website http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/images/2010_12_02_A1_Testing.pdf

We would always welcome anyone who doubts our integrity or credibility to visit our offices in Cebu City at any time, so that we can show you the documentary proof of our status as an A1 test provider.

It has taken my asawa and I many months of hard work and perseverence establishing our training centre here in Cebu, and we are both extremely proud of the services we provide

Theodolite Training Group UK Incorporated

[posthome]

Please let's draw a line under this topic by adding that the vast majority of our candidates have been referred to us directly by the UK embassy in Manila, and only a very few have actually taken the test with us as a result of visiting our website.

[fred]

Talking to an examiner tonight over a few beers..OK more than just a few!!
He reckons there are very few examiners in the Visaya region and he gets flown all over the southern regions ..He`s on 10K per day plus expenses in top hotels etc etc!! Only works 2 weekends a month..
Think Im in the wrong game!!

[quickwillow]

Hi Peter (Posthome),
you beat me to it, I was going to post the links to the VFS website. In defence of the doubting posts here about Theodolite Training centre. I would like to add that over the last couple of weeks I have spoken to Peter and met some of his family. Everyone has been very helpful both to me and my wife. I have visited Peter in his offices at the Golden Peak Hotel and seen his credentials. I have no doubts that his training centre is genuine. My wife is presently taking the 5 day review course for the A1, mostly to boost her confidence before sitting the test as her English is fairly good. Why condemn a man for using his many years of teaching skills to make a living in the Philippines and in the process helping others to achieve this newly added requirement.

[quickwillow]

Peter (Posthome} correct me if I’m wrong but if people are looking for Theodolite Training Centre on the link you have posted to the UKBA website they will need to look for {EDI} Education Development International and then email them.

[Howerd]

Peter (Posthome} correct me if I’m wrong but if people are looking for Theodolite Training Centre on the link you have posted to the UKBA website they will need to look for {EDI} Education Development International and then email them.

The EDI are wrongly included on the UKBA list of Training Providers as they are NOT a training provider, they are only an awarding body for tests that satisfy the UKBA A1 English language test requirements. A single phone call to the EDI can confirm that.

Each training provider has to seek separate approval from the UKBA for their inclusion on the UKBA list of approved training providers.

Posthome will try to convince you that his accreditation from the EDI is proof that his company is approved by the UK Border Agency. Any such assumption on his part is wholly incorrect.

[Dedworth]

We have been authorised to offer the ELSA A1 English test for UK visa applicants for some weeks now and are listed as such on the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/partners-other-family/english-tests-partners.pdf

There are 20 pages on this .pdf which one states

Theodolite Training Group UK Incorporated ?

[Howerd]

I have received an e-mail from posthome (Peter Thwaites). He apologized for any misleading information given, stating this was not intentional. He says he will remove any claims which suggest that Theodolite Training Group UK is directly accredited by the UKBA. He has also agreed to remove the claim that Theodolite Training Group UK is a registered UK learning provider.

I am happy that Mr. Thwaites has agreed to do this.

[joebloggs]

:xxgrinning--00xx3: howerd

[Dedworth]

I have received an e-mail from posthome (Peter Thwaites). He apologized for any misleading information given, stating this was not intentional. He says he will remove any claims which suggest that Theodolite Training Group UK is directly accredited by the UKBA. He has also agreed to remove the claim that Theodolite Training Group UK is a registered UK learning provider.

I am happy that Mr. Thwaites has agreed to do this.

So this in post # 11 was a load of bull :ReadIt:

You are always very welcome to contact LCCI, EDI, or the UK Border Agency for confirmation of our accreditation, and we are also registered as a UK Learning Provider.

[Howerd]

I have received a further e-mail from Mr. Thwaites, claiming that his posts cannot be removed from this forum. Mr. Thwaites then claims that I am 'confused', giving a number of reasons why I am 'confused'. Here is my open reply...


Mr. Thwaites...

Had you not falsely claimed on your website that Theodolite Training was approved by the UKBA I would not have been confused.

Had you not falsely claimed in our phone call that Theodolite Training was approved by the UKBA, I would not have been confused, because on checking the UKBA list, Theodolite Training is not approved.

When I subsequently posted on the Filipino forum stating that Theodolite Training was NOT on the UKBA approved list, you responded on that forum saying that it was. You even included a link to the approved list, falsely claiming again that Theodolite Training was on that list. If you had not done that I would not have been confused.

Had you not falsely claimed (on a Spanish website) that Theodolite Training Group UK (an English language training provider) was accredited by the ABBE (an awarding body for the Built Environment), I would not have been confused.

Had you not posted on the Filipino forum, falsely claiming that Theodolite Training Group UK was a registered UK learning provider I would not be confused.

Had you not told me on the phone that language learning providers, such as yours, in the Philippines have to be incorporated, I would not have been confused as to why methods of payment for Theodolite Training courses can be direct to you personally, by Western Union or your wife's personal bank account in the UK.

Had you not told me on the phone that language learning providers in the Philippines have to be incorporated, I would not have been confused when you told me that you pay exam fees personally to EDI.

Had you not told me on the phone that you live six months in the UK and six months in the Philippines each year, yet in your e-mail to me, claim that you have 'moved' to the Philippines, whilst telling others that you are 'visiting' the Philippines, I would not be confused.

Sorry, but any confusion in my mind has only been caused by what you say, write and do!

[quickwillow]

I have received an e-mail from posthome (Peter Thwaites). He apologized for any misleading information given, stating this was not intentional. He says he will remove any claims which suggest that Theodolite Training Group UK is directly accredited by the UKBA. He has also agreed to remove the claim that Theodolite Training Group UK is a registered UK learning provider.

I am happy that Mr. Thwaites has agreed to do this.

I’m not sure what you think you have achieved here other than to prove that Theodolite training centre name is not DIRECTLY PRINTED on the UKBA website as already posted He comes under EDI (Education development International) I guess this link doesn’t satisfy you that he is approved ?
http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/images/2010_12_02_A1_Testing.pdf

The VFS website clearly states Theodolite Training Centre is a UKBA approved for the A1 English language test :Brick: :action-smiley-081:

[Howerd]

I have received an e-mail from Mr. Thwaites in which he states:

"I understand from Keith Driscoll that I am unable to edit posts on the filipinouk forum."

Mr. Thwaites does accept that his posts on this forum (and elsewhere), in which he claims Theodolite Training Group UK is directly accredited by the UKBA are misleading. Mr. Thwaites has removed a similar claim from his own website, so I believe there is genuine recognition of the misleading claim.

Mr. Thwaites also confirms that Theodolite Training Group UK is not a registered UK learning provider; it appears that the Filipino Forum UK is the only place where such a claim has been made.

Mr. Thwaites has also confirmed removal of any reference to accreditation for Theodolite Training Group UK by ABBE he made on another third party site.

I have verified that Mr. Thwaites has also removed any reference to accreditation by the ABBE for another business owned by him, following intervention by the ABBE.

I am pleased that Mr. Thwaites has now made these amendments.

[Howerd]

quickwillow...

It was posthome who claimed his company is accredited by the UKBA. UKBA accreditation is completely separate process and Theodolite Training is not accredited by the UKBA as a test provder

Posthome also claimed on this forum that his company is on the register of UK learning provders. That claim is also incorrect.

On another siter, posthome also claimed that his company is accredited by ABBE. Following intervention by ABBE, posthome had to remove that claim.

Posthome also had to remove claims of ABBE accreditation for another business he owns.

[Dedworth]

It is all very suspicious. If the service was operating in the UK Trading Standards would look into any possible misrepresentation

[Howerd]

Take a look at Theodolite Training Group's (www.theodolite-training.com)website and you will see the following...

"Internationally Recognized English Language Learning Program developed and taught by a very experienced and qualified British University and College Lecturer"


However, further down the page it reads...

You will be taught English by an English Building Engineer and UK University Professor


On http://www.spainexchange.com/sponsor-5784.htm (and numerous other websites) it also reads...

You will be taught English by an English Building Engineer and UK University Professor


On this website (http://www.askedu.net/training.asp?Course=&Location=Cebu+City&Pn=2) posthome writes...

Course programme tutored by an English University Professor and College lecturer who is also a qualified Building Engineer


However, on posthome's website for his similarly named business (based in the UK) THEODOLITE TRAINING (http://www.theodolite.net/About.php) he only claims to have done part-time lecturing at a university...

with some part time lecturing in University within the faculty of the Built Environment


Since 'moving' to the Philippines posthome has miraculously become a UK University Professor!

[Dedworth]

Yes it looks like before moving into the Internationally Recognized English Language Learning Program game Theodolite Training were major players in providing Energy Advisor ( Home ) Qualifications as this website proves

http://www.home-energy-advisor.org.uk/index.html?gclid=CMyauqnO1qYCFQ1O4QodNlWmHw

I'm not surprised Howerd got confused :icon_lol:

[keithAngel]

looks like this is going to be a major confusion and leave folk open to sharp practice not to mention a money spinner here in the Phils till everyone gets the right information caveat emp:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Howerd]

Yes it looks like before moving into the Internationally Recognized English Language Learning Program game Theodolite Training were major players in providing Energy Advisor ( Home ) Qualifications as this website proves

http://www.home-energy-advisor.org.uk/index.html?gclid=CMyauqnO1qYCFQ1O4QodNlWmHw

I'm not surprised Howerd got confused :icon_lol:

That website (http://www.home-energy-advisor.org.uk/index1.html) provides further evidence that Peter Thwaites was only claiming (before his 'move' to the Philippines) to be a University lecturer, rather than a Professor...

Learning Program for the ABBE accredited Level 3 Certificate in Energy Advice ( Home ) Award developed and offered by a very experienced University and College Lecturer, and Building Engineer

[posthome]

If you were to ask your Filipino wife, or fiancee, in the Philippines you will be told that a University Lecturer is a University Professor. There is no distinction between the two. This is also the case with college 'lecturers'.

This is the case in many countries outside of the UK.

There is no intent to confuse or mislead here.

[joebloggs]

If you were to ask your Filipino wife, or fiancee, in the Philippines you will be told that a University Lecturer is a University Professor. There is no distinction between the two. This is also the case with college 'lecturers'.

This is the case in many countries outside of the UK.

There is no intent to confuse or mislead here.

:Erm: my mother in law has taught at Palawan State Uni for 21yrs and students call her 'madam' not professor, to be called a professor you would need a PHD.

[Dedworth]

:Erm: my mother in law has taught at Palawan State Uni for 21yrs and students call her 'madam' not professor, to be called a professor you would need a PHD.

The actual University where he was a Lecturer/Professor at isn't stated - it may well be one of those now belatedly regarded as "bogus" by the UKBA eg University of Dollis Hill or Kings College Ellesmere Port

[Howerd]

If you were to ask your Filipino wife, or fiancee, in the Philippines you will be told that a University Lecturer is a University Professor. There is no distinction between the two. This is also the case with college 'lecturers'.

This is the case in many countries outside of the UK.

There is no intent to confuse or mislead here.

In many countries a university lecturer is a 'professor'; USA being the prime example, especially as education in the Philippines is based largely on the USA model.

But your claim is that you are a UK University Professor. That implies you have held a departmental or personal chair and that you are educated to PhD level. Given your admission that you were a part-time univesity lecturer and do not list a PhD as one of your qualifications, your claim to be a University Professor is totally false.

I also note that you use the term Professor (capitalised); I think that would imply a title of rank no matter what country you are in. If you had been a lecturer in the Philippines and was allowed to use the title 'professor' in that role, no-one would object to that, but to claim you are a UK University Professor is totally false.

I also note your internet advertising is aimed at prospective English Language learners from around the world - not just in countries where the word 'professor' and 'lecturer' may sometimes be used interchangeably.

[Howerd]

The actual University where he was a Lecturer/Professor at isn't stated - it may well be one of those now belatedly regarded as "bogus" by the UKBA eg University of Dollis Hill or Kings College Ellesmere Port

According to his LinkeIn entry, posthome did work as head trainer for BEST COLLEGES. Best Colleges offered the ABBE examination (the same qualification as offered by Theodolite Training in the UK). There is no LinkedIn entry to suggest posthome ever worked directly for any university.

Best Colleges went bust, leaving many students £4,000 out-of-pocket. With 600 students on its books, it is reckoned the total loss suffered by students was over two million pounds.

Ironically, Best Colleges also traded under the name DEBT ADVISOR COLLEGE.

[Howerd]

The actual University where he was a Lecturer/Professor at isn't stated - it may well be one of those now belatedly regarded as "bogus" by the UKBA eg University of Dollis Hill or Kings College Ellesmere Port

Theodolite Training (in the UK) operated/operates from the 'South Coast' of England. Exactly where, is never made clear by posthome in any of the multitude of internet postings by him. I have tracked down the headquarters of 'Theodolite Training' and it is actually in a retirement flat for the over 55s in Reading!

Posthome does claim that Theodolite Training is 'well-established' in the UK; in fact he also makes the bold claim:

"probably the most experienced and truly professional Learning Provider in the UK"

Similarly, this is the description that posthome gives to his Philippines-based company, Theodolite Training Group UK:

"Probably the best British English Language study centre in the Philippines"

[Dedworth]

Good digging Howerd :appl:

[Lois_Lane]

Hello,

I have applied for spouse visa this January 2011. If you have at least a Bachelor's degree completed that was taught in English, then you are exempted to take this English Language Test. They required for me to submit my Bachelor's degree certificate as well as a letter of certification that my course was taught in English. :-)

Goodluck to those who will be applying. :-)

Hopefully my son and I get the visa soon. Godbless.

[Howerd]

Hello,

I have applied for spouse visa this January 2011. If you have at least a Bachelor's degree completed that was taught in English, then you are exempted to take this English Language Test. They required for me to submit my Bachelor's degree certificate as well as a letter of certification that my course was taught in English.

Your Bachelors degree has to be recognised as being the equivalent of a Bachelors degree in the UK. I think many Philippine degrees are only recognsed as diplomas in the UK. You can verify your degree with: www.naric.org.uk.

[Dedworth]

“Originally Posted by posthome

We have been authorised to offer the ELSA A1 English test for UK visa applicants for some weeks now and are listed as such on the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...s-partners.pdf


There are 20 pages on this .pdf which one states

Theodolite Training Group UK Incorporated ?"

Posthome - reference my reply #35 above from 2 weeks ago. I know you’ve probably been busy with Energy Advisor training but have you had a chance yet to find which page number on the UKBA .pdf we should all be looking at ??

[plushsh]

I have inquired at a testing center about this test and they only require a testing fee of only 7,500, it's much cheaper than what has been posted recently, although they do not have a review for that since they are a testing center as i was told when i inquired, although they heard that there are review centers who offers enhancements for this test at a fee, as for the cost, they do not know exactly but said that it doesn't cost more that 2,000 for the enhancement, that's not bad compared to others who charges review for 12,000 or 5,000 right????

and another thing, they have a branch in Mindanao (where I am located) so i do not need to travel and spend more on airfare & such! YIPEEEEE!

[keithAngel]

Whilst I understand your enthuiasm 7500 is a very good months salary in the Phils not bad for a couple of hours work:NoNo:

[fred]

Keith.. A drinking buddy of mine is an English examiner. He works 2 weekends a month..
Lets just say he gets over 50K and is flown all over the R.P and put in nice hotels.

[keithAngel]

All depends if your buying or selling :icon_lol:

[Howerd]

“Originally Posted by posthome

We have been authorised to offer the ELSA A1 English test for UK visa applicants for some weeks now and are listed as such on the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...s-partners.pdf


There are 20 pages on this .pdf which one states

Theodolite Training Group UK Incorporated ?"

Posthome - reference my reply #35 above from 2 weeks ago. I know you’ve probably been busy with Energy Advisor training but have you had a chance yet to find which page number on the UKBA .pdf we should all be looking at ??

'Professor' posthome seems as unsure about running home energy advisor courses in the UK as he is about running English language courses in the Philippines. He is also unsure whether he is 'visiting the Philippines', 'spending half the year in the Philippines', 'spending most of his time in the Philippines', or if he has 'moved to the Philippines'.

I am not sure how he can be in two places at once, but he claims that his centre is part of an 'international expansion' and that the English language course in the Philippines are all taught by him and the energy advisor courses at his 'well-established' centre on the 'south coast of England' are also all taught by him!

He does still have a home in the UK - but it is a retirement property in Reading and his 'well established' centre on the 'South Coast of England' was actually his home (before he moved to Reading a few years ago)

[Dedworth]

'Professor' posthome seems as unsure about running home energy advisor courses in the UK as he is about running English language courses in the Philippines. He is also unsure whether he is 'visiting the Philippines', 'spending half the year in the Philippines', 'spending most of his time in the Philippines', or if he has 'moved to the Philippines'.

I am not sure how he can be in two places at once, but he claims that his centre is part of an 'international expansion' and that the English language course in the Philippines are all taught by him and the energy advisor courses at his 'well-established' centre on the 'south coast of England' are also all taught by him!

He does still have a home in the UK - but it is a retirement property in Reading and his 'well established' centre on the 'South Coast of England' was actually his home (before he moved to Reading a few years ago)

Have we heard from the "Prof" lately or is he lying low ? :D

[Arthur Little]

Have we heard from the "Prof" lately ?

:NoNo: ... not since you responded to his last post a few days ago ...


or is he lying low ?

:rolleyes: ... probably prefers to bide his time before proffering his services elsewhere.

[Howerd]

Have we heard from the "Prof" lately or is he lying low ? :D

Remove 'low' from the end of the sentence and the answer is YES!

[Howerd]

http://www.facebook.com/theodolitetraining
http://www.facebook.com/#!/theodolite

Those are two Facebbok pages promoting Theodolite Training in Cebu. Note the picture - it is a picture of 'Tom' apparently teaching some Asian students. Posthome copied the picture from the EDI website for use on his own website.

Posthom has recently deleted all the information he posted on the 'walls' of his two Theodolite pages on Facebook, probably because of the numerous false claims made; pity he did not remove the picture as well - taken long before Theodolite Training had a single student.

[Mindanao Mal]

Beware!

After a month's wait, my wife in the Philippines has received the result of an assessment from UK NARIC, in order to find out whether her degree was acceptable as equivalence to the level A1 of CEFR. A1 of CEFR is the new English Language level requirement for a settlement visa to the UK.

VFS and indeed, NARIC need to revise and/or make clear their advice - UK NARIC do not at this time assess a Batchelor's degree taught in English to the A1 level, only specific equivalence to CEFR level C1, a much higher requirement than A1. Although my wife specified our A1 requirement to NARIC, and we paid our fee, they informed me about this fact only when I 'phoned them following their C1 equivalence result.

:ReadIt:

[joebloggs]

i thought the minimum was A1 so anything above is acceptable , as with ielts :Erm:
the only problem with degrees from the phils naric state many are not equivalent to as UK degree.

Degrees taught in English

If you have an academic qualification which is deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor's degree, we will accept this as evidence that you can speak and understand English to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. Therefore you do not need to take a test.

We will not accept Master's degrees and PhDs as evidence, because UK NARIC can only assess whether Bachelor's degrees (and not Master's degrees or PhDs) were taught in English.

This is different from the points-based system, where Master's degrees and PHDs are currently accepted as evidence of English language skills. We intend to align the English language requirement for the points-based system with the new requirement for partners, and we will amend the Immigration Rules in due course.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/26-english-language-partners

[Mindanao Mal]

i thought the minimum was A1 so anything above is acceptable , as with ielts :Erm:
the only problem with degrees from the phils naric state many are not equivalent to as UK degree.



Thanks joebloggs

What's not made clear is that NARIC only assess exclusively to the second (C2) level, not A1 (sixth level). Boring, annoying, costly and time consuming when VFS recommend NARIC for A1 equivalence assessment.

[Howerd]

Thanks joebloggs

What's not made clear is that NARIC only assess exclusively to the second (C2) level, not A1 (sixth level). Boring, annoying, costly and time consuming when VFS recommend NARIC for A1 equivalence assessment.

Can NARIC not even determine if the course was taught in English (irrespective of the level of English)? I think that is all that is necessary.

[jazz]

Hi folks! just to be clear on the process of this english requirement.
There are 2 Accredited English language exams in the Philippines. 1st one is called 'Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)' this is provided by Hopkins International in Baguio City and Makati. The 2nd one is EMD International English Language Assessment by StudyConnect they also have offices in Baguio City and Makati.

Now, we asked both companies for the fees:
Hopkins' TOEIC Exam: Listening & Reading = 2000 Pesos, Speaking & Writing = 4200 pesos
StudyConnect's EMD: 7200pesos for the entire exam

My hubby took the TOEIC exam.
First, since he lives in Baguio City, he took the Listening & Reading exam there. The exam was for 1hour and 30 minutes. The required grade by the UK embassy is total of 120points for Listening& Reading. According to my hubby the exam was really easy, like elementary english.

Hopkins International Baguio do not offer Speaking & Writing Exam, therefore, my hubby had to go to Makati to take the exam. Take note, you must schedule via phone as their online scheduling is not reliable, I booked online and when I called them they haven't received anything from us SO BETTER SCHEDULE BY PHONE.
The exam was also for 2 hours. I heard some of the examinees complaining to the admin people because according to them the exam was really hard. Something like, you have to look at a certain picture on the computer screen and you must type sentences that describe what you see on the picture. As if you were writing an essay. You must also answer some questions in English for the Speaking part.
Someone said, 'what if i didn't go to school, and don't know any english but love my wife so much and want to be with her, what happens to us then?' It was really sad. But the administrator did tell them that the UK only requires 80points for UK visa applicants and the exam's highest possible score is 900points.
Well, my husband did say it was harder than the Listening & Reading exam he took in Baguio but he still passed it with flying colours! Haha.

I think I read on the UK visa site that you could be excused from this test if the applicant has a degree in English, or degree taught in English. So although my husband and I have a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication, we didn't opt for this option, as he wanted to make sure we fulfill the English Requirement entirely.
I guess, if your spouse/partner has a Bachelor's Degree majoring in English, then that would probably be okay.

If you have any other questions about the process, please do not hesitate to contact me here.

We already submitted his visa application last Friday, and we're sincerely hoping and praying earnestly to God that he will be granted a visa. We are a newly married couple so we are risking our everything to be together again. :)

[jazz]

I have inquired at a testing center about this test and they only require a testing fee of only 7,500, it's much cheaper than what has been posted recently, although they do not have a review for that since they are a testing center as i was told when i inquired, although they heard that there are review centers who offers enhancements for this test at a fee, as for the cost, they do not know exactly but said that it doesn't cost more that 2,000 for the enhancement, that's not bad compared to others who charges review for 12,000 or 5,000 right????

and another thing, they have a branch in Mindanao (where I am located) so i do not need to travel and spend more on airfare & such! YIPEEEEE!


My husband took the TOEIC exam by Hopkins International, it's listed on the accredited testing centres given by the UK embassy.
We paid 2000pesos for Listening & Reading, and 4200pesos for the Speaking & Writing.
If you have any questions, let me know! Ciao! :)

[prythee]

Seems stil a little confusing to exactly what is required and what level is needed. Anyway Since I opted to get wed in the phils after my lady was in the uk on a fiance visa we now have to apply for the settlement visa. For the study we opted for a company called "Protech" based in san fernando it cost nearly 6000 peso to register but you can go 6 days a week from 9 till 5 to study the IELTS. you can go as often as you like and the materials and tuition are very very good IMO. They arranged for the test to be taken on your chosen date, there are 2 a month, but the test is in Manila. The fee for the test was 8600, they do all the registration and provide the required forms etc. All the paperwork has the ukba stamp on it so It looks cosha. The thing I liked about protech was the flexibility and if the test is not passed first time there is no additional fee to continue the classes for as long as you want, I sat in on a few and was very impressed how the different skill level of the students was handled, often 1 to 1 tuition is given. I have no attachment or interest in Protech just an observation from a grateful asawa! Any 1 clear on what grade is required and what parts of the test need to be submitted? Thanks.