What good are the Cambridge ESOL Examinations?

[Sls]

Hello, teachers!

As mentioned in my introduction, I'm preparing for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English. I wanted to ask an independent, yet reliable, source if the Cambridge certificates are recognised world-wide or just in Europe. Furthermore, do they suffice (as an evidence of English language skills) to get a job in the UK or elsewhere?
And last but not least, what are the advantages of having the Certificate of Proficiency (Level C2) instead of the Certificate of Advanced English (Level C1)?
Which would be considered better - to have passed the CPE examination with a C or to have passed the CAE examination with an A (as far as I know, it does matter what grade you get - it's not just failed/passed)?

I hope that my enquiries don't sound too mistrustful If you have more information of importance please share it.

Official site of the Cambridge ESOL Examinations
Thank you in advance for your time,
Stanislav

P.S. One of the main reasons for my curiosity is that there are sub-forums and vocabulary on this site for other examinations, but not for the ESOL ones.

[Torsten]

Hi Stanislav,

I think it's always a question of how you define "recognized" and what you really want to achieve. Let's say you want to get a job in the UK. At some point sooner to later you will have to speak to some of the decision makers in person. The vast majority of business executives don't know too much about ESL certificates because they take it for granted that a successful person is willing to improve their communication and language skills constantly.

So, holding a Cambridge English Certificate is a great advantage because it shows that you are able to set and achieve goals. The certificate itself is not the most important thing. Most employers simply want to know how you can contribute to their company's success. What do know about their industry, their customers, their competitors?

If look at the ESL certificate market, you will find that the TOEIC is by far the most widely used Business English test worldwide. There are a number of reasons for this and if I had the chance I would go for the TOEIC.

Let me know what you think,
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Sls]

Hello, Torsten,

I made the mistake of forgetting that it's the knowledge itself that matters and not the certification of that knowledge. It's good to know that employers also share this vision.

As far as the TOEIC is concerned - I'm not actually familiar with any of the ESL examinations because this is the first time I am going to take courses in English with the set goal of getting hold of a certificate. It's just that the Cambridge examinations are the most popular ones among the English learners here (ot at least in my school). Maybe in the future I could go for the TOEIC too if needed. One question though, what exactly is the difference between General English and Business English exams and certificates?

I am confused as to why it says (regarding the Cambridge ESOL):

[SkiIucK]

Sorry for astraying from the main point, but, (?) that is why Bulgaria is slacking in almost everything. All of the "brains" go to work/study abroad...

[Torsten]

[Sls]

Hi SkiIucK and Torsten, I hope you are having a lovely evening.