Test preparation
Is there a book or website I can use to prepare for the ITACE for Lecturers?
There is no standard preparation package for the ITACE for Lecturers. However, a useful starting point may be the sample questions offered on the ITACE for Lecturers website. Although these are not intended as a representative practice test, they do offer some insight into how the test is designed and which question types to expect. This could help you determine which aspects you need to pay specific attention to. Additionally, it could be useful to have a look at our study tips. We also advise you to increase your exposure to English in the days before the test and to try to start thinking in the target language.
Is there a sample exam available?
On the website you will find examples of all the different question types.
Test questions
What components does the ITACE for Lecturers consist of?
The ITACE for Lecturers consists of a computer test, a writing test and an oral test. Detailed information about the components of the test can be found on the website.
How are the marks distributed across the test components?
The test components are weighted as follows:
| COMPONENT | MAX. SCORE |
| Computer test | 50 |
| Speaking | 50 |
| Writing | 25 |
How long does the test take?
The ITACE for Lecturers consists of three test components:
- The computer test takes a maximum of 1.5 hours.
- The writing test takes a maximum of 1 hour.
- The oral test takes 30 minutes: 15 minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes for the oral exam itself. Participants receive an individual time slot for the oral test
Are the questions the same at all test centres?
Yes, the ITACE for Lecturers is administered with the same sets of questions in all test centres.
Why is the oral test recorded?
The recording of the oral part is used to allow the exam to be assessed by different examiners.
Some recordings are also used for scientific research, for example in assessment criteria studies or to train the examiners. In that case, the recordings are always anonymised.
By registering for the ITACE for Lecturers you agree to a recording of your oral exam.
Who assesses my test?
The computer test is corrected automatically. The speaking exam and the writing task are assessed by a minimum of two qualified ITACE for Lecturers examiners.
The oral part is scored by different examiners. Do they all use the same criteria in the assessment?
Yes, the same assessment criteria are used at the various test centres where the ITACE for Lecturers is administered. The ITACE for Lecturers examiners have all received specific training.
What test principles is the ITACE for Lecturers based on?
More information can be found on this page: Testing principles
What is the total score I need to reach in order to obtain C1?
Your overall CEFR level is based on the sum of all of the test component subscores. This means you can compensate for lower scores in some components with higher ones in others. For example, you do not need C1 in all components to obtain an overall C1. In order to achieve C1 level, you must score at least 50% on each test component and obtain a total score of at least 60% (75/125).
Test result
How will I receive my ITACE for Lecturers certificate?
You will receive your certificate by email within two weeks after participation.
Is the ITACE for Lecturers certificate also valid outside Flanders?
Possibly. It is up to each higher education institution to determine which admission requirements they apply. Always inquire directly with the institution concerned about the requested certificates.
How long does an ITACE for Lecturers certificate remain valid?
An ITACE for Lecturers certificate has an issue date, not an expiration date. Institutions that accept an ITACE for Lecturers certificate, however, may set a certain period of validity. Please inquire about this at the institution you are applying to.
What does an ITACE for Lecturers certificate look like?
An ITACE for Lecturers C1 certificate is an A4-size document with the logos of the various test centres on it. In the middle of the page, behind the name of the participant, is a watermark containing the ITACE for Lecturers logo in combination with the logo of the university at which the test was taken. The certificate is signed by the director and/or the ITACE for Lecturers representative of the test centre.
Certificates from 2020 onwards contain a verification code.
When will I get the results?
The result of the ITACE for Lecturers will be communicated within two weeks after participation. If you score CEFR level C1 or higher, you will receive a certificate that states that you obtained CEFR level C1. If your score is lower than C1, you will receive a document stating your overall score and your score for each test component.
Can I review my test afterwards?
Only participants who failed to achieve C1 level can request a test viewing appointment through the language centre where the test was taken.
Can I receive feedback on my test (e.g. to improve my English)?
Only participants who failed to achieve C1 level can request a test viewing appointment through the language centre where the test was taken.
I did not pass. How can I prepare for a resit?
In order to give yourself sufficient time to practise, you are advised to wait at least 14 days between each attempt, with a maximum of four attempts in a 12-month period. Although there is no standard preparation package for the ITACE for Lecturers, a useful starting point may be the sample questions offered on the ITACE for Lecturers website. Additionally, it could be useful to have a look at our study tips.
Please note that participants who wish to retake the ITACE for Lecturers test to improve their score will have to retake all the test components on which they scored lower than C1+. This will allow them to compensate between the different components.
Do I have to take the whole test again if I didn’t obtain C1, or only the components I failed?
If you resit, you will need to retake all of the test components on which you scored C1 or lower. You do not need to retake any test components on which you scored C1+ or C2. This will allow you to compensate between the different components.
How many times can I take the ITACE for Lecturers?
Participants are allowed to take the test four times in a 12-month period. They are advised to wait at least 14 days between each attempt.
What is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and how is my proficiency level reflected within this framework?
More information can be found on this page: CEFR levels
Practical arrangements
How much does it cost to take the ITACE for Lecturers?
There are standard fees for the ITACE for Lecturers depending on your affiliation. Payment details for Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent or Leuven can be found on the respective registration pages.
Why is it more expensive to take an ITACE for Lecturers by appointment?
Because the same amount of staff is needed to administer the test to a limited number of candidates.
Can the ITACE for Lecturers also be taken abroad?
No, this is not possible. You can only take the ITACE for Lecturers at the test centres of the university language centres in Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Leuven.
Can accommodations be granted to participants with disabilities or functional limitations (dyslexia, visual impairment, etc)?
Yes, certain accommodations can be granted on request.
The application procedure is as follows: at registration, test participants with disabilities or functional limitations notify the test centre of their need for special arrangements by email. They also send an official certificate/attestation of their disability or impairment (in Dutch, French, English, German, or with a certified translation into one of these languages) to the test centre. The application must be made minimally 10 days before the test date to allow the test centre to provide the arrangements requested. Within a week following the receipt of the request, the test centre will reply with a proposal for test accommodations. If the participant accepts the arrangements proposed, the test will be conducted accordingly.
Certificates for participants with disabilities or functional limitations: those who take the complete exam will receive a standard certificate without mention of the accommodations. If parts of the test cannot be taken due to the participant’s disability or functional limitations, only the parts taken will be certified.
What happens to the personal data I enter (name, date of birth, native language, etc.)?
These data are used to process the results, to create the certificates, and to check how often someone has already taken a test. Certain data are also used for scientific research (e.g. on the profile of participants), though always anonymised. The data are securely stored in the test centres and treated with the necessary discretion.
The ITACE for Lecturers respects the applicable privacy legislation.
What do I need to bring on the day of the test?
Bring a photo ID (ID card, passport, student or personnel card) to identify yourself at the start of the test. Blank paper will be provided, but please bring a pen or pencil to take notes with.
Can the ITACE for Lecturers be taken on a PC with a QWERTY keyboard?
Computers in the test room are equipped with AZERTY keyboards, but QWERTY keyboards can be provided.
What is considered fraud?
More information can be found on this page: Fraud
Can I file a formal complaint?
If a test taker wishes to make a formal complaint about the test procedure, this must be submitted in writing to the test centre where the test was taken within one month after the test date. The complaint will be forwarded to the IUTC examination board, which consists of:
- The director of the test centre concerned;
- A director from another test centre within the consortium;
- A member of the test centre concerned who is not involved in developing or administering the test.
The IUTC examination board will determine any further steps to be taken. The test taker will be informed of the examination board’s decision within five working days.