Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s online English proficiency test, Linguaskill, has been awarded the ALTE Q-mark, a recognised quality standard issued by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).
The accreditation follows a formal audit against ALTE’s quality management framework, which sets out 18 core requirements covering test design, administration, scoring, reporting and stakeholder communication. ALTE said Linguaskill met all core standards, confirming the exam’s reliability and validity across the full testing lifecycle.
Linguaskill is designed to assess English language ability for academic and professional contexts, and is used by education providers and employers for high-stakes purposes, including university admission, graduation requirements and recruitment decisions.
In awarding the Q-mark, ALTE highlighted the exam’s structured and professional approach to testing, its consistency of results and its emphasis on quality assurance. The audit also noted Linguaskill’s use of technology throughout development, delivery and assessment.
Vincent Folny, Chair of ALTE’s Standing Committee, said the accreditation reflected Cambridge’s compliance with the organisation’s quality standards.
“ALTE congratulates Cambridge University Press & Assessment on being awarded ALTE’s Q-mark for Linguaskill,” Folny said. “This recognition reflects Cambridge’s full commitment to, and complete compliance with, ALTE’s 18 quality standards, following a successful audit. The Q-mark provides assurance that the assessment meets high standards of quality in test design, administration, scoring and stakeholder communication, reinforcing trust in the test’s validity and reliability.”
Cambridge University Press & Assessment said the award provided independent confirmation of Linguaskill’s quality and suitability for formal decision-making contexts.
“Delivering high quality English tests and exams for learners is at the heart of everything we do at Cambridge,” said Francesca Woodward, Global Managing Director for English at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. “We’re delighted that Linguaskill has achieved this additional level of credibility. Achieving the ALTE Q-mark reflects the rigorous standards that underpin all of our tests.”
Woodward said thousands of students and organisations rely on Linguaskill each year, and the accreditation places the test’s reliability, quality and use of technology “firmly in the spotlight”.
Linguaskill provides candidates with a certificate that includes detailed reporting on each module taken, as well as an overall average score. The test aligns to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and incorporates built-in security features designed to support its use in regulated and high-stakes environments.
The Q-mark is awarded to specific exams rather than organisations as a whole and remains valid for five years, unless significant changes are made to the test’s underlying validity framework. Only exams offered by ALTE members or associate members are eligible to undergo the audit process.
Linguaskill joins other Cambridge assessments that have achieved the ALTE Q-mark. Cambridge English Qualifications were also re-accredited in 2024, maintaining their status under the same quality framework.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge and produces learning resources and assessments used globally. Its English language portfolio spans teaching materials, general and academic English tests, and professional certification.
