All Cork English Academy (CEA) students receive a school certificate upon completion of their English course.
However, if you are enrolling in the 8-month Stamp 2 related Work & Study Programme, you are also required to take an external English language exam as part of your immigration requirements in Ireland.
CEA offers two exam options: IELTS and TIE. Here’s how they compare to help you choose the one that’s right for your goals.
🎓 What is the IELTS Exam?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized and used to assess English language proficiency for study, work, and migration.
At CEA, students take the IELTS Academic Exam, which evaluates your readiness for higher education or academic training.
Key Features:
- 💼 Best suited for: Students preparing for University or professional environments
- 📘 Exam Structure: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- 🧑🏫 Speaking Test: One-to-one with a live examiner
- 🕒 Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- 📝 Writing Test: 1 hour, academic tasks like interpreting graphs or data
- 🎯 Results: Scored on a scale of 4.0 to 8.9 (no pass/fail)
- ⏳ Validity: 2 years
- 🎓 Course Structure (25 weeks total):
- 19 weeks General English
- 6 weeks IELTS preparation
Students must have at least A2 level at the beginning of their Work and Study course or B1+ level to enter the 6-week IELTS preparation course.
🗣️ What is the TIE Exam?
The Test of Interactive English (TIE) focuses on practical and communicative English skills, ideal for general learners from A1 to C2 levels.
Key Features:
- 🌍 Best suited for: Students looking to improve interactive and practical English for everyday life
- ✍️ Exam Structure: 1-hour written test + 30-minute oral test
- 🧑🤝🧑 Speaking Test: Includes project presentation, book/news story discussion, and interactive task with a partner
- 📖 Preparation Tasks:
- Complete a personal project
- Read a book in English
- Follow a news story (TV, radio, or newspaper)
- 📚 Course Structure: 25 weeks General English (no specific preparation course)
There is no grammar section in the TIE – the focus is entirely on communication and interaction, both spoken and written.
❗Important: Exam Choice Must Be Confirmed at Time of Booking
Before booking your Work & Study Programme, please decide whether you will take the TIE or IELTS exam.
According to Irish Immigration rules, no changes can be made to your exam choice after your course has started.
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | IELTS | TIE |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Academic/University | General English learners |
| Levels Accepted | B1+ (for IELTS prep) | A1 to C2 |
| Course Length | 25 weeks (19 General + 6 IELTS prep) | 25 weeks General English |
| Speaking Test | 1-to-1 with examiner | Paired task + presentation |
| Writing Task | Academic writing | One prepared + one spontaneous |
| Grammar Section | Yes | No |
| Certificate Validity | 2 years | Permanent certificate |
| Score | 4.0 to 8.9 scale | Pass/fail with CEFR level |
If you’re unsure which exam is best for you, contact our Student Services Team – we’ll be happy to advise you based on your level and future goals.