ICFE Overview

Cambridge ICFE is a high-level language qualification for accountants and finance professionals.

ICFE is an examination set at levels B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) and assesses language skills in the context of finance and accounting. B2 is equivalent to the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), and C1 is equivalent to the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). Examinations at the C1 level may be used as proof of language necessary to work in an international context or to follow a course of study related to finance at university level.

The aims of ICFE

to assess candidates’ ability to operate in English in an international finance environment
to allow candidates to demonstrate to employers their ability to communicate in English with clients
to allow candidates to demonstrate to educational and training institutions their ability to follow a course of study in finance and accounting where significant portion of the instruction is in English
to have positive and beneficial impact on the content and delivery of English language training courses for finance and accounting professionals
to provide an examination to do this which is fair to all candidates and which is delivered to international standards
to allow test users to compare candidates’ results with other qualifications with are linked to the CEFR.