In an increasingly interconnected world, mastery of English has established itself as an essential skill for thriving in a variety of fields. As a lingua franca in business, science, technology, and education, English facilitates communication between people from different countries and cultures. Earning an English certification not only validates an individual’s language skills, but also opens up a range of opportunities globally.
According to data from the National Planning Department (DNP), It is estimated that around 1,200,000 people in Colombia speak English as a second language, a figure that represents a relatively low percentage of the country’s total population.which has more than 50 million inhabitants. However, this number has been increasing thanks to factors such as globalization, the growing importance of English in the labor market and greater access to education in English.
“Having a high level of English has become a fundamental skill for personal development and career advancement, and certifying it becomes a key tool for standing out in a competitive market,” says Martín Caicedo, manager of evaluation and certification at Oxford University Press for Central and South America.
Mastering English and having an official certification brings multiple benefits both on a personal and professional level. Oxford University Press gives some reasons that highlight the importance of certifying English:
- Better job opportunities: Many companies in Colombia are looking for English-speaking employees to communicate with international clients and business partners. An English certification can open doors to jobs in multinational companies and in sectors such as tourism, technology, and international trade.
- Greater competitiveness: Having an English certification makes an employee more competitive in the job market. Employers often prefer candidates who demonstrate additional language skills, which can set you apart from other applicants.
- Promotion opportunities: In many organizations, knowledge of English is a requirement for promotion to positions of greater responsibility. Having a certification can facilitate your promotion within the company.
- Access to education and training: Many educational institutions and advanced training programs in Colombia and abroad, such as the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, require a C level of English. A certification is the key to accessing scholarships and opportunities to study abroad.
- Higher salaries: According to studies consulted by Oxford, professionals who speak English tend to receive higher salaries than those who do not, due to the demand for this skill in the market.
- Expansion of professional networks: Speaking English allows you to interact with professionals from all over the world, which can be beneficial for networking, collaborating on international projects and sharing knowledge.
- Personal and professional development: Learning a new language and earning a certification can improve your confidence and communication skills, which is beneficial in both professional and personal settings.
- Adapting to a globalized market: In an increasingly globalized world, English is the lingua franca of business. Having an English certification allows you to be better prepared to interact in a globalized environment.
How to certify English?
Advanced English learners in Colombia can demonstrate their fluency at levels B2 to C1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) through the , developed by Oxford University Press (OUP) and certified by the University of Oxford.
This higher level exam is part of the exams already offered by OUP, which include the and the .
