exam preparation Courses

Expert help to prepare for any English exam

test strategy

Learn what the test wants and practice with authentic materials, so you can do your best on test day.

writing practice

Take real past writing tests and receive clear, practical critics using test criteria - this is the expert help you need to pass.

SPeaking practice

Focused speaking exercises with useful tips to expand your speaking abilities and get the highest score.

Specialised Exam Trainer in Bern

Mary McKinley has been a teacher for more than 20 years, and has more than 10 years experience of training students for IELTS and the Cambridge exams. 

Each exam is different, and speaking good English isn’t enough to get you the score you need. You must also understand the exam format, what the test is asking you to do, what to avoid doing, and how to show the examiners your command of the language.  One-to-one lessons with Mary will give you the skills and tools you need to do your best on an exam. 

Get in touch
MARY MCKINLEY, the teacher and founder of West Coast English

WHICH EXAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

IELTS: the test for everyone

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English test for higher education and global migration. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications, and is trusted by more than 11,000 organisations, employers, and universities around the world. Doctors need a a good IELTS score to work abroad, and school teachers need it to teach English in Switzerland. This exam accurately tests the English level of test-takers of all abilities – you cannot fail this test, instead you get a score that shows your current level in each skill. This means that each organisation requires a certain score to meet their standards. I can help you reach the score you need.

Cambridge: A strong name

As with IELTS, Cambridge English certificates are recognised by employers, schools and universities around the world. There are separate exams for each language level, with the most prestigious being: First (FCE), Advanced (CAE), and Proficiency (CPE), as well as their business English exams, described below. With perhaps the best name recognition in Switzerland, employers know immediately what language level you have based on which certificate you have earned. 

NEWS: no more bec exams in switzerland as of june 2024

All BEC exams have been replaced by Cambridge English with the more modern and flexible Linguaskill Business exam. Of course, past BEC certificates are still useful for showing employers what a person’s level was at the time the job candidate took the exam, but from June 2024 the best choice for professionals is Linguaskill (see below).

Linguaskill: the new choice for business english

The new Linguaskill Business exam represents the future of Cambridge English certifications in Switzerland from 2024. It is a computer-based English examination conducted by Cambridge, offering a multi-level assessment. This means that test takers from CEFR levels B1 through to C2 can all take the same test to earn a certificate which will accurately reflect their level. Preparing for this exam means that you will naturally improve your English for international workplaces, and the addition of this certificate to your CV will make a strong impression on future employers.

Client review

I really enjoyed my lessons with Mary. Our lessons gave me the skills and confidence I needed to take the exam and do well! I knew I could rely on Mary, and I can happily recommend her to anyone who wants to improve their English or take an English exam.

Eva Witschi

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